Merchants’ Internship Program Recognized on WayUp’s Top 100 List

August 28, 2020

Merchants Bonding Company was recently selected for WayUp’s Top 100 Internship Program list for 2020. The WayUp Top 100 Internship Program list is determined by both public vote and industry expert evaluation of a company’s cultural engagement, diversity and inclusion, uniqueness, program structure and more.

“The internship program at Merchants is unique in that it’s really geared towards professional development,” says past Claims & Compliance Intern Delaney Beir. “They take an interest in where we are in school, what our goals are, what we’re looking to learn and I think that really sets this company apart.”

Merchants’ internship program exposes students to a variety of opportunities within their field of study, as well as the company’s commitment to its purpose, vision, mission and values, all while learning about the surety industry. Unlike many internship experiences, Merchants’ interns get the unique opportunity to contribute to important company projects that support key strategic initiatives. In addition, Merchants’ interns will network and make connections with senior leaders, including the executive team.

“Merchants’ internship program is unlike any other – interns are learning as soon as they start,” says Human Resource Associate Cole Horton. “By offering a collaborative culture, interactive learning sessions, connections with Merchants leadership and more, interns feel engaged throughout their entire time at Merchants.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Merchants pivoted to a virtual 2020 summer internship program. Four students participated in a condensed 5-week program that incorporated the same work experiences, programming and content that they would have received in the 10-week in-person program. “Merchants wanted to continue with our internship program this summer to provide opportunities for students despite the challenges of the pandemic,” says Vice President of Human Resources Stacey Cale. “Merchants is committed to growing talent for the future and our internship program is a valuable part of that.”

Merchants was noted by WayUp for its support of diversity and inclusion within its internship program. In 2019, three interns were awarded $5,000 scholarships from the Surety & Fidelity Association of America’s Scholarship Program for Underrepresented Students. And in 2020, Merchants extended an internship opportunity to an international student on a student visa.

WayUp is a job site service that connects college students and recent graduates with employers based on candidate experiences, interests and skills. To learn more about WayUp and to see a full list of award winners visit WayUp’s National Intern Day website.