Leigh Ann (Intern, 2024)

Hi there! Leigh Ann here

I'm glad you stumbled upon my blog, so let me take you through the past six months of my internship journey—an experience that has truly been a whirlwind of growth, learning, and connection.

It feels like just yesterday that I walked into TSS for the first time in July.

Now it’s January, and I’m still in awe of how quickly time has flown.

Starting Out

To give you a bit of background, I took on this internship as part of my school’s work attachment program. I remember being both nervous and excited about it. Like many, I had heard the phrase “internships prepare you for the real working world” countless times, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. While this wasn’t my first internship, it was my first as a retail and marketing intern. The unfamiliarity of it all made me anxious, but I soon found my worries melting away thanks to the warm and inclusive environment here.

The People

As an introvert, initiating conversations has always been a challenge for me. But at TSS, the team’s friendliness broke the ice right away. They always greeted me first, creating a welcoming atmosphere that made it easier for me to open up to and interact with. Looking back, I felt so grateful to have met such a wonderful group of people. The community at TSS embraces diversity without judgment and consistently supports one another.

With the team at Swensen's during our Xmas dinner

Can you spot me?

A Dynamic Working Experience

One of the unique aspects of TSS is its hybrid café and retail environment. On any given day, I could be assisting with café operations one moment and packing online orders the next. No two days were ever the same!

This dynamic setup kept me engaged and on my toes. It also provided me with a mix of hands-on learning and creative challenges, which helped me grow in ways I didn’t imagine.

With the cafe team for a Christmas pop-up at DUO Galleria

Interning at TSS also gave me insight into the realities of working in a social enterprise. Sudden changes and unexpected challenges were common, but they taught me the importance of adaptability and problem-solving. What I appreciated most was that I was never left to face these challenges alone. The team’s support showed me the true beauty of working in a social enterprise—where collaboration and purpose go hand in hand.

If I were to share a piece of advice: Come in with an open mind.

Along the way, you’ll pick up valuable soft and hard skills, and grow in ways you never expected.