INROADS Internship Program
About INROADS
INROADS is a non-profit organization that trains and develops talented young people of color for professional careers in business and industry. In 1987 Pitney Bowes formed a partnership with the INROADS organization to assist in meeting our talent and diversity objectives. Since that time Pitney Bowes has been offering high potential minority talent challenging intern assignments in a variety of Business Unit and Corporate departments. The PB / INROADS relationship is truly a partnership. We are jointly involved in each stage of the hiring and development process: candidate screening & selection, intern training & development and performance management & coaching.
Selection Criteria
In response to our hiring requirements, INROADS screens and selects a slate of high potential talent for Pitney Bowes to interview at the annual INROADS Corporate Interview Day (CID). At the CID Pitney Bowes Human Resource professionals interview and select candidates with demonstrated academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Determining Assignments
After offers have been accepted, the Pitney Bowes Program Office works with various hiring departments to structure an assignment plan for each intern.
- Assignments are determined based on each individual's educational background and career goals, as well as the business needs of Pitney Bowes.
- Interns are matched with Pitney Bowes managers that demonstrate a strong mentoring track record and a need for entry-level personnel.
- Each intern is placed in a challenging work assignment with a manager that is committed to his or her career development.
Development & Training at Pitney Bowes
Welcome & Orientation Event:
In addition to the "on the job training" received by each intern, Pitney Bowes also provides a variety of developmental opportunities:
Welcome & Orientation Event:
A thorough new intern orientation is conducted on the first day of work. Interns learn about the Pitney Bowes organization, history, mission, policies & procedures, products & services, customers, culture, values & diversity
Workshops/Tours:
- Presentation Skills
- Business & Dining Etiquette
- Pitney Bowes Code of Conduct - Our Ethics
- Advanced Concepts & Technology Tour
INROADS Alumni Mentorship:
Executive Networking:
The Pitney Bowes Program Office helps interns network with valuable contacts within the company. As questions about academic choices and career options come up, interns can connect with Pitney Bowes employees for advice on career choices and opportunities within the company.
Performance Appraisals:
Performance and development discussions provide interns with a formal review of their work performance, academic progress and career goals. These discussions take place at the mid-point and at the end of the summer assignment. Discussion participants include:
- Intern
- Intern's manager and/or supervisor
- HR manager
- Pitney Bowes Program Office
- INROADS staff
End of Summer Presentations:
At each end-of-summer meeting, the interns prepare a presentation summarizing their internship experience. The Program Office works individually with each intern to review and refine his or her final presentation. The presentation audience varies, depending on the experience of the intern. For example, freshmen present to a smaller audience, while the graduating seniors present to an audience of 30+ individuals in an auditorium format.
Social Events:
Each summer interns meet as a group socially to encourage dialogue, foster a team spirit and learn from each other.
