Interns in Action: Real Work, Big Impact at UKG

UKG’s Intern Academy is a dynamic, paid global program that opens doors to both technical and business career paths. It challenges interns to tackle exciting, real-world problems, expand their networks, and contribute meaningful work from day one.

Each day brings something new — from coding solutions to collaborating across teams — no two experiences are alike. In this blog, Aiji, Crayton, and Kate share how their time at UKG is shaping their growth, sparking new passions, and opening their eyes to future possibilities. 

Meet Aiji, Crayton, and Kate

Meet Aiji

Hi! I’m Aiji, and I’m a TechStar intern on the Emerging Tech team at UKG. I develop and enhance features, improve efficiency, and write tests to support customers. 

I am a rising junior studying Computer Science and Data Science at the University of California, Berkeley. I am an entrepreneur at heart and have been building my ed-tech startup, Youws, since high school.

Meet Crayton

I joined the Intern Academy at UKG because I resonate with their purpose and I wanted to gain more real-world tech experience. 

Hey there! I’m part of the Go-to-Market Intern Academy, working in SMB Sales for the Southeast division. During my internship, I have joined client meetings, office visits, and product demos, gaining firsthand experience in sales.

I study at Oklahoma State University, where I am part of the Center for Sales and Service Excellence. That’s where I have grown my love for sales and sharpened my skills in customer relationships, negotiation, and strategy.

Outside the classroom, I am a student-athlete on the track team and a Combat Engineer in the U.S. Army.

Meet Kate

Hello! I’m Kate, a recruitment marketing and branding intern working with the Talent Acquisition team. I help attract new talent by highlight UKG’s engaging workplace culture through global marketing and social media content.

I am a senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, studying Advertising and Business. In my free time, I enjoy discovering new coffee shops, running local trails, and getting lost in a good book.

What is your favorite thing about interning at UKG?

Aiji

My favorite part is the people. Interns are treated as equals to senior developers, which has allowed me to contribute confidently and grow professionally. 

Our team runs story kickoffs to provide context before development begins, and I am always impressed by how consistently employees show up — even when the story does not directly involve them. 

I know my team cares about me, and it has helped me feel connected and valued. I also have another intern on my team, and it has been great bouncing ideas off one another and taking our breaks together. 

Crayton

My favorite part is the unwavering support from leadership. Everyone I have reached out to has been exceptionally willing and kind, offering guidance with a generosity that has made my journey here both enlightening and enjoyable.

Kate

My favorite part is the genuine warmth and kindness extended to every new joiner. This welcoming spirit is not just a first-day gesture; it is a continuous commitment to inclusion. UKG makes you feel like you truly belong, creating an environment that leaves a lasting impression. This sense of belonging and appreciation makes going to work an exciting and fulfilling experience.

What surprised you during your first weeks at UKG?

Aiji

From day one, I’ve been called a “Developer,” not an “Intern.” Instead of an intern project, I’m assigned tasks that developers typically work on. This structure allows interns to explore the company’s codebase and make a real impact on the product — and the customers.

I feel like an integral part of the team, and actively contribute to our bi-weekly sprints. Being included in the team’s sprint planning also grants me the freedom to pick which stories I am interested in. 

Crayton

During my first week at UKG, I was surprised by the incredible opportunity my manager provided. He entrusted me with the responsibility to hit the ground running by visiting local businesses in person and making professional drops on his behalf.

Kate

I was amazed by the level of trust UKG places in its interns. I’ve worked on projects that have a real impact, allowing me to see the tangible results of my efforts. The inclusive environment makes me feel like a valued team member, and my contributions are consistently celebrated and uplifted. This experience has not only boosted my confidence but also reinforced my passion for the work we do.

How has your work setting enhanced your internship experience?

Aiji

I have lived in the Bay Area my whole life, so relocating to Florida with UKG’s help has been an incredible experience. Exploring the city with my two roommates, who are also TechStar interns, feels like work and a vacation all in one!

At the Weston office, I love playing pool and going to the gym, and the events they host for employees. I’ve also helped organize social activities for interns to increase engagement and interaction.

Whether in-person or remote for the day, my team is responsive and supportive. 

Crayton

I have been fortunate to enjoy a hybrid setup during this internship, which offers the best of both worlds. This arrangement allows me the luxury of engaging in face-to-face interactions while also participating in remote work that fuels our in-person events. 

Kate

Working remotely has been such an insightful experience. Initially, I was concerned about my performance, as I naturally gravitate towards in-person interactions. However, this experience has allowed me to forge deeper connections, as virtual engagement requires more intentional effort. Additionally, the remote setting has provided me with the focus needed to dive deeply into my projects, enabling me to produce high-quality work.

What advice would you share with future interns and managers?

Aiji

Take initiative, internalize everything, network, and enjoy.

I have made the most of my internship because I am always doing something new. When I finish a ticket, I find a new one. Writing unit tests is one of my weaknesses, which has made me focus on writing more. Taking initiative not only makes you stand out to your team and manager, but it also helps you learn and make an impact.

I found it helpful to keep a weekly report of what I did, why I did it, and how I did it; it’s a good way to reflect on the lessons I’ve learned and the impact I’ve made.

Lastly, take the time to get to know other interns and team members. These are people you can stay connected with throughout your career and beyond.

Crayton

Stay connected with your manager, seeking opportunities to gain experience and grow through constructive feedback. Whenever possible, opt for in-person experiences to maximize your engagement. Forge connections with fellow interns and managers in your desired field to expand your network. Most importantly, take the initiative in shaping your internship experience to align with your goals and aspirations.

Kate

As an intern, approaching your role with curiosity can transform your experience. Dive into each task with a desire to learn and understand, and do not shy away from asking questions. This mindset will not only help you grasp the nuances of your work but also open doors to new areas of interest. By seeking feedback and exploring beyond your immediate responsibilities, you will gain a deeper understanding of the industry and develop skills that will serve you well in your future career.

For managers, encouraging proactivity in your interns can lead to a more dynamic and productive internship experience. Motivate them to take initiative by identifying areas where they can contribute beyond their assigned tasks. Support their efforts to propose innovative ideas and volunteer for additional projects.

  Explore careers at UKG.