Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often face challenges such as resource constraints, intense workloads, and the need for constant innovation to stay competitive.
Twigs Naturals, led by Founder Nigel Jordan, stands out as an example of how startups can turn these challenges into opportunities for both personal and business growth. By embracing remote internships, Twigs Naturals has expanded its operational capabilities and nurtured a new generation of talent eager to make an impact in the industry.
Watch the Short Interview
Tell us about yourself and what Twigs Naturals does.
My name is Nigel Jordan, and I founded Twigs Naturals, the Caribbean's First International Award-winning Tea brand. Being from the Caribbean and a small island state, we face unique environmental challenges. Therefore, sustainability and giving back are core values at Twigs Naturals.
Why did you choose to host interns with Virtual Internships?
During the pandemic, I was determined to find a way forward. After exploring several options, I completed the evaluation and was invited to a meeting within days. From there, we progressed swiftly.
How did you approach the concept of remote internships and mentoring early career talent?
Having participated in an internal mentorship program in the corporate space, I was already familiar with the concept of working with interns. The combination of internship culture and virtual work was particularly advantageous.
Tell me more about the internship experience, particularly managing and assigning projects.
At the time, our focus was on developing processes. Interns gained hands-on experience in process engineering and helped streamline tasks like sorting receipts and data entry. Their contributions were so significant that one intern has since been hired full-time. Another notable project involved developing a corporate dashboard and formatting tools for our agricultural partners.
How did you find support from the Virtual Internships team regarding setup and throughout the internships?
The support from account managers was excellent. They consistently matched us with interns aligned with our needs and maintained communication throughout the internships. Understanding the interns' circumstances, such as being in school or residing abroad, was crucial for effective collaboration.
What kind of results have you seen from hosting interns, especially in terms of developing essential skills?
Soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork have significantly improved. Interns' willingness to learn and take initiative has been invaluable. Encouraging them to learn from mistakes and providing opportunities for growth has enhanced their professional development.
Would you like to share any message with other businesses about building a workforce ready for the future?
I believe in learning from mistakes and practical listening, traits that I value from my own internship experience. Embracing internships is about enhancing your business and contributing to corporate social responsibility (CSR). It's a win-win situation where helping others ultimately helps your business grow from good to great.
Would you recommend Virtual Internships to other founders like yourself?
Absolutely, and I already have. Embracing the philosophy and opportunities Virtual Internships offer can transform your business and contribute to developing the next generation of talent.
Driving Social Impact and Business Growth through Virtual Internships
The success story of Twigs Naturals highlights the impact that mentoring remote interns can have on growing businesses. By giving back to society through nurturing early career talent, SMEs can foster a culture of innovation and dedication that propels them from good to great.
Virtual Internships enables startups like Twigs Naturals to host interns who contribute meaningfully to the team while also receiving valuable guidance and mentorship. This approach not only enhances the company's capabilities but also instills a sense of purpose and responsibility. By investing in the next generation of talent, businesses can cultivate a diverse and dynamic work environment that drives long-term success.
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