Like in the 1980's (the go-go and Wall Street era), summer jobs are all about purpose and future goals again. Interns are no longer happy with minimum wage jobs supervising campers, folding shirts at The Gap, scooping ice cream, or washing cars. This next generation is all about building careers and having "meaningful summer experiences."
This summer, I welcomed a college grad, a high school grad, and a college junior into my company. They are all eager to learn, to contribute, and to get smarter. But in many ways they are brighter than I was at those ages. They have grown up with the Internet. They are fearless, inquisitive, socially-conscious and know no boundaries. But, like the children of the 1970's, they believe, at times, that they can teach "the authorities" new things, break the rules, and create a better future.
Alas, I have become "the man." I impose rules, put together responsibility charts, and start way too many sentences with, "When I was your age..." Yeah, it makes me feel way old. But it's also incredibly energizing and mind-expanding. I'll be sad when the summer ends (and not just because I will miss my excuse to eat ice cream!)
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