

Innovation
Building Dell Technologies’ First Ever Global Internship Experience
-
- First-ever global internship unifies experience across regions.
- Interns do meaningful work — not just observe.
- 60-day core ensures consistency, with local flexibility.
- Strong emphasis on mentorship, networking and growth.
- Soft skills + leadership access accelerate development.
- Built to turn internships into long-term careers.
At Dell Technologies, interns aren’t a temporary workforce — they’re the future of our company. That belief shaped the creation of Dell’s first-ever Global Intern Experience, a unified program designed to deliver meaningful work, intentional development and a connected community for interns around the world. While the program is global by design, it’s also deeply human, shaped by leaders who believe in early-career talent and interns who go on to build lasting careers at Dell.
We sat down with the leaders behind the program to understand what it takes to build a global experience, how interns shape Dell’s culture and why this program is just the beginning.
A global vision for early‑career talent
Andrea Hawkes, Global Intern Experience Lead
At the heart of the Global Intern Experience is a clear belief: early‑career talent represents Dell’s future.
Interns aren’t simply here to observe; interns are innovators, collaborators and future leaders. That belief guided every decision in building the program, from structured learning to meaningful, valued work and intentional networking opportunities.
The experience is designed to ensure every intern, regardless of location, has access to high‑quality development resources that build both technical and professional skills. Curated networking opportunities connect interns with peers, leaders and subject‑matter experts across the organization, helping them build community and envision long‑term career paths at Dell.
“Intentional investment in early‑career talent strengthens Dell’s long‑term innovation and workforce readiness.”

One program, many regions
Creating a unified global internship wasn’t without its challenges. Internship lengths vary widely across countries — from as short as 60 days to as long as two years — making a one‑size‑fits‑all approach unrealistic.
To address this, the team built a core 60‑day global experience that serves as a universal foundation for every intern worldwide. This ensures consistent onboarding, aligned communication and shared opportunities to connect across teams and regions.
From there, flexibility is built in. Interns whose programs extend beyond 60 days can access expanded learning and development experiences, allowing regions to tailor the program to local realities while maintaining global cohesion.
Why Dell is a great place to start your career
Dell’s culture is often summed up in two words: ‘the people.’
From collaboration and teamwork to genuine mentorship, interns quickly experience a workplace where their contributions matter. Leaders and team members alike are open, accessible and eager to connect — creating an environment where learning and networking happen naturally.
Dell’s Global Intern Experience
That belief is deeply personal to Andrea.
Andrea’s own early‑career experience, entering a large corporation as a recent graduate, shaped her understanding of how overwhelming that transition can feel. Without a clear roadmap, many early professionals are left to navigate corporate life on their own.
The Global Intern Experience was designed to change that.
Through a structured learning journey, essential courses and consistent touchpoints, interns receive a welcoming introduction to corporate life — one that makes the unknown feel manageable and sets them up for confidence, skill growth and long‑term success.
“In many ways, I built the experience I wish I’d had — one that makes the deep end feel a little less deep.”
The experiences that matter
Lisa Hofmann, Intern Program Manager for the Americas
Two elements consistently stand out for interns across regions:
Executive Leader Series
Senior leaders meet directly with interns to share personal career lessons, leadership insights and perspectives on Dell’s future. With open Q&A sessions, interns gain rare access to leaders — walking away inspired, motivated and more connected to the company’s mission.

Curated soft skills development
Interns have access to standalone soft‑skills learning, from business communication and time management to motivating others and navigating imposter thoughts. Benchmarking assessments in areas like problem solving and feedback help interns identify strengths and areas for growth they’ll carry throughout their careers.
Together, these elements help interns feel supported, invested in and connected long after the internship ends.
Starting strong: Day one expectations
On day one, interns are encouraged to be curious, open and ready to connect.
Interns are asked to:
-
- Meet their manager, team and fellow interns.
- Ask questions and explore how Dell works.
- Leverage the many tools, resources and people available to support their growth.
The goal is simple: help interns feel welcomed, confident and excited from the very start.
