Supporting the Next Generation of FGLI Leaders
The CareerSpring FORWARD Program is a short-term experiential internship opportunity for first-generation and/or low-income (FGLI) students.
Bridging the gap from learning in the academic world to preparing for work in an internship can be challenging, especially for FGLI students. This early career identification program helps participants discover their strengths, interests, explore potential career options that align with their goals, and inspire confidence in their abilities as they prepare for internships and full-time employment.
This unique program allows companies to partner with us and our network to engage with the next generation of talent earlier in their college and career journey. Your company can be a part of the solution by hosting a cohort of interns. This three-week program’s framework will be developed in partnership with CareerSpring, and will be easy to execute, scalable, replicable, and an overall valuable experience for all involved.
CareerSpring FORWARD creates a new pathway for undergraduate students to build career ready skills and prepare for the workforce.
The Experience
CareerSpring FORWARD welcomes a cohort of interns in the summer before their sophomore or junior year of college to participate in a three-week paid internship. They will receive an introduction to the industry, shadowing opportunities, work on an industry-focused project, attend presentations and training by industry experts, and complete a capstone presentation at the end of the program.
For FGLI students interested in the CareerSpring FORWARD Program, please log in to your CareerSpring account to explore this internship opportunity and more. If you are not yet registered as an Advisee, please request to join here.
CareerSpring FORWARD’s Impact
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100%
of Employer Partners that hosted FORWARD Interns in 2024 would recommend the Program to other companies.
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98%
of FORWARD Interns agree that they now feel more confident applying for future internships after completing this program.
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85%
of FORWARD Interns agreed that this was overall an “outstanding” internship experience.
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95%
of FORWARD Interns agreed that they felt they acquired relevant industry skills through this program.
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Top Three Value-Adds for Employer Partners:
- Early talent exposure to their company or industry.
- Contributed to their company’s diversity and inclusivity initiatives.
- Offered a new opportunity for employee engagement.
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“I was really impressed with both the calibre of talent that they provided us with and their communication building up to the FORWARD program...Programs like this are so important in making careers in this space accessible to the majority. We had three students from the finance program, all of whom would be an asset to any firm looking to invest in junior talent. It was great to see them exploring areas of the business that they wouldn’t otherwise have considered or even heard of during their time with us. I would highly recommend the FORWARD program to any reputable firm looking to add value to their Early Careers offering.”
Sophie Jenner, DWS
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“It was an incredible experience for all involved from meeting the interns virtually to get to know them before their internships started to watching them present to board level executives on what they had learned about being part of the Hays family. Providing real-world experiences for young adults, especially in technology recruitment sector and within our work at Hays, is so important in today’s world for young professionals. The interns were given full access to work in our delivery centers, working alongside our recruiters and given a comprehensive understanding of the workforce. They were up for the challenge and wanted to learn as much as possible.”
David Blow, HAYS
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“Our company is deeply committed to supporting young professionals, and this internship program was a testament to that commitment. The interns were not only given the opportunity to work on key initiatives but also received mentorship and guidance from our experienced staff. This hands-on approach allowed them to gain real-world insights and develop skills that will be crucial in their future careers. The success of the program was evident, as we decided to extend one of the internships through the rest of the summer. This extension allowed the intern to continue contributing to our key projects, further demonstrating the value and impact of the FORWARD program.”
Tara Palmerton, Surgical Notes
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“Our partnership with Career Spring on the early internship FORWARD program was a success. We were able to identify and recruit a talented pool of college students who brought fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to our team. The program provided invaluable hands-on experience for these students, while also contributing to our organization's goals. Several of our Central Management Office departments benefited from the capstone presentation and were able to adapt and improve our strategy for engaging Gen Z talent. This collaborative effort has solidified our commitment to investing in the next generation of talent.”
Misti Whitley, Uplift Education
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“We were thrilled to be a part of such a fantastic program, providing internships to a bright group of students. They brought a fresh perspective, strong work ethic, and a genuine curiosity for learning. Engaging with early talent through programs like FORWARD is an investment in the future of our organization and industry.”
Steven Shill, BDO
Our 2025 CareerSpring FORWARD Partners
Thank you to our Employer Partners that hosted FORWARD Interns:
Barton Malow
BDO
Capstreet Group
DRW Holdings
DWS
EDF Trading
Hays
Jesse Collins Entertainment
Mercuria
Musket Corporation
OIC (Orion Infrastructure Capital)
Payroc
TELEO Capital
TPH&Co., the Energy Business of Perella Weinberg Partners
Trintech
William Blair
Thank you to our Non-Profit Partners that hosted FORWARD Interns:
College Aim
Dollars for Scholars
EMERGE
Fulfillment Fund
Grace Institute
Hadley School for the Blind
Houston Ballet
Mercy Home for Boys & Girls
Metropolitan Golf Association
NextGen Talent
Uplift
USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative
WABE
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago