1st Day School Supplies

Management Training Intern

May - August 2024 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

This summer I had the incredible opportunity to intern as a Management Trainee at 1st Day School Supplies. Throughout my time here, I experienced numerous personal and professional growth that has shaped my character and developed me for future careers. Throughout my internship, I learned valuable lessons about leadership, communication, and mental toughness. I discovered that true hard work looks like pushing yourself to be the best every single day. I learned to have a positive attitude no matter the difficulty of the task, to be a team player, and to never be complacent. At 1st Day School Supplies, we work so hard today that we are invited back tomorrow. I had the privilege of working with an outstanding group of people that brought their own unique perspectives and experiences. Together we pushed one another to be the best. I’m grateful to have worked alongside such talented and hardworking individuals. Finally, I want to extend my sincerest thanks to Mike Meadows, his family, and all of the staff at 1st Day School Supplies. Your dedication, commitment, and generosity made this summer unforgettable, and I appreciate all that you do!

What I wish was different

Advice

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Management Training Internship

May - August 2024 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

Interning with 1st Day was such an incredible experience! First, the culture that they have established there is something that you will not find elsewhere! Everyone at 1st Day truly cares about you and helps teach you skills that you will use in your future careers! As a summer associate, I learned valuable skills, which include problem-solving, effectively communicating with my peers, communicating with upper-level management, as well as working with my peers to achieve our goal of being the Best In The World! Most importantly, I learned the value of hard work, and having a strong work ethic, which is something that every employer wants in an employee and translates to any job! In addition, you will be given the opportunity to communicate with the CEO every day, which is truly remarkable! Every day, Mr Meadows sends out texts to all the associates AND will text you back, which is something that you will not find in other internships! Next, one of the coolest parts of the 1st Day Internship program is that there are weekly guest speakers, from C-Suite Level executives to top doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders in their specific fields, who will speak to all the interns about their experiences and give advice on how to become successful in your desired field! Lastly, there are catered lunches every Friday, and all-you-can-eat snacks, drinks, a slush machine, an ice cream machine, and even a ping-pong table!

What I wish was different

Advice

One piece of advice I would share about this experience would be to try and make the most out of this incredible opportunity. Whether it's networking with other associates, guest speakers, or full-time front office staff, try and make the most of every resource that is available to you.

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Management Training Intern

May - August 2024 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

I am beyond excited to announce that during the summer I successfully completed my Management Training Program internship with 1st Day School Supplies! I entered into this position with 3 goals: improve my problem-solving skills, grow as a leader, and to harden my perseverance so that NO obstacle could prevent me from achieving my dreams. During the course of my internship, I had the opportunity to explore a variety of roles. My responsibilities ranged from packaging every type of school supply to providing quality assurance for the first part of the production process. I also had the special opportunity to collaborate with two small teams of associates to activate an additional production line and to handle the company's bookbag sales operation. Throughout all of these experiences, I was expected to quickly become proficient at my new responsibilities. There were no dedicated trainings; I had to rapidly learn the process by doing, and I had to constantly ensure accuracy. Every item handled was destined for the customer. Problem-solving and working to ensure effective communication was a daily endeavor. Every experience I encountered in the day-to-day operations helped me achieve the first two goals I set. In order to achieve my third goal, I made a series of promises. First, I made a promise to myself when I began the interview process for this position that I would give this position everything I had, and in exchange, would get everything this position had for me. More importantly, I made a promise to Mr. Meadows that "I wouldn't let him down." No matter what he threw at me, I would do whatever it took to meet and exceed his expectations. Needless to say, some curveballs were thrown throughout the course of the summer, but I am proud to say that they were turned into homeruns. I am walking away from this internship with everything that I could have ever wanted, and then some. I want to give a special thank you to Mike Meadows and Connie Meadows for the opportunity and their collective faith in my potential, Michael Meadows for his excellent leadership and challenging opportunities, all of the veteran associates for their mentorship, and my fellow associates for constantly challenging myself to continue to grow.

What I wish was different

Absolutely nothing!

Advice

Be prepared to work and be prepared to be a better person because of it!

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Line Lead

May 2023 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

This summer internship will provide you with a multitude of skills and networking opportunities. The first skills that come to mind are communication, time-management, and comradery. These skills apply to any position you may find yourself in on the line and further in your professional career. Not to mention, the amazing treatment that the Meadows family and rest of the staff give you make you feel genuinely cared for and respected. Additionally, you will find yourself truly buying into the system at 1st Day. It's an environment that so unique and one that you won't want to leave. This is the perfect internship for students early on in their careers looking for internship experience and good compensation.

What I wish was different

My only regret was that I wish that I had found out about this opportunity earlier on in my career.

Advice

This summer internship is completely what you make of it. What you put into this internship, how hard you work, and how much you care is what you will get out of it. A common staying at First Day School Supplies is, "Work so hard today that you get invited back tomorrow", which is 100% true.

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Summer Intern

May - August 2022 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

Very good atmosphere and all around attitude. Owners are great and always love to hear feed back. They provide lunches for all employees at least once a week, have different guest speakers come in throughout the summer to talk, and really do seem to care about each and every employee. It is also great to be able to work as a team and be surrounded by your peers every day.

What I wish was different

Advice

When you come into this job be prepared to work a lot and give it everything you have. You're employers expect you to work very hard and they will also work hard for you and give you a lot back in return.

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Rotational Summer Intern

May - August 2022 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

I enjoyed working alongside like-minded people. The work environment was very friendly and welcoming. All office staff all the way up to the CEO were very involved in processes in the warehouse which was a big difference compared to other jobs. There were daily and full term goals set which kept me motivated and wanting to come back every day to fulfil them. Hard work did not go unnoticed.

What I wish was different

Initial issues at the beginning of the Summer were fixed by end, so nothing anymore.

Advice

Be prepared to hustle and keep up with those around you, the effort you put in is recognized.

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Line Lead

May - August 2022 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

The management at 1st Day School Supplies is incredible. Summer associates have many opportunities for growth throughout the summer. They have the chance to give morning break-ins to the rest of the team and meet with the CEO on a regular basis. This job helped me grow in grit and in my work ethic.

What I wish was different

Advice

Come in with an open mind and ready to work hard. Associates at 1st Day School Supplies get more done before 9 AM than most people do all day.

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Summer Associate

May 2021 - August 2022 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

This was my first full time job and I started right after I graduated high school. I was very nervous at first but I grew a lot that very first summer. This job put me out of my comfort zone and challenged me to grow my work ethic beyond what I ever thought imaginable. Having this job as my first full time job taught me many lessons that I think will give me a leg up as I move on in my career.

What I wish was different

Advice

My advice would be to challenge yourself to grow and be better, because you will be surprised how much change you notice in yourself at the end of the summer.

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Summer Intern

May - August 2021 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

The company culture is very special and unique. It is a family owned business that preaches hard work and creativity. Always asked and encouraged to figure out how business processes can be improved. There is a great sense of camaraderie within the company and great friendships are formed. Fun events are held throughout the summer with catered lunches on Friday's. Lastly, you get to see how a business is ran from the ground up and get to form relationships with the people running the business at the top.

What I wish was different

Advice

Form relationships with as many people as possible as the workplace is filled with bright young talent.

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Summer Associate

May 2021 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

I really liked meeting new people and getting a chance to work with all of them. I enjoyed getting to have guest speakers come in every Friday to talk to us about their work experience and giving us tips that we can take with us throughout our lives. The management in the company is also very caring and will do anything and more for their workers. You feel a sense of family when you work at 1st Day School Supplies. Getting the opportunity to work here allows you to create life long friends, close relationships with the owners of the company, and build yourself in the work world.

What I wish was different

Advice

The best advice I can give is to not be afraid to make connections with people and ask questions if you are confused about something. Creating those connections early on allows for a great experience.

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summer associate

May - August 2022 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

Great company culture and fulfilling work. The CEO goes out of his way to make you feel like you're a member of his family. Plenty of opportunities to develop professionally through public speaking, provided lunches with the CEO, and day-to-day operations. Great first step to launching your career.

What I wish was different

I sometimes wish there had been different hours.

Advice

Look for opportunities to improve the company and management will listen. They are always open to hearing associates' ideas.

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Business Management Intern

May - August 2022 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

Completing my first college internship with 1st Day School Supplies was an extremely awarding experience. Through the work itself along with dozens of fun opportunities outside of daily tasks, I found myself growing in a variety of ways every day. Collaborating with students to efficiently meet our end goal allowed me to improve my communication skills while forming professional relationships and leading within my assigned role. I gained hands-on experience in the production aspect of the company that most interns do not receive. The way I performed every day would impact not only 1st Day School Supplies but the students who were receiving the kits. I had an obligation to these students to put my best foot forward so they could begin creating their legacy.

What I wish was different

Advice

One piece of advice that I would offer about this experience would be to buy into the culture. What you put into this experience is what you will get out. Embrace the company's goals, values, and attitudes. Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and push yourself to exceed expectations.

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Summer Associate

June 2021 - August 2022 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

When you work at 1st Day you're not just gaining experience, but you're also gaining a family. Over the course of my two summers as an associate, I was pushed to develop a strong work ethic, effective communication skills, and servant leadership qualities that I have been able to take with me far beyond my time in the warehouse. In addition to growing professional skills, I also have been able to make some of my best friends in this role and they are what makes you want to come to work every day. Everyone that you are surrounded by truly wants to see you grow and succeed. I strongly believe that if you are looking for a position that is much more than just a summer job you consider 1st Day School Supplies. You will gain a network of support for the rest of your career.

What I wish was different

Advice

This is a company that establishes pretty early on that this job is bigger than yourself and that we can only accomplish our goals not as individuals but as a team. With that being said, always put yourself in the best position to help others whether that be staying a little later to help make sure the warehouse is clean and ready for the next day or helping another line that is still working.

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Summer Intern

May - August 2022 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

Working at 1st Day School Supplies was unlike any other job experience that I've had. I enjoyed the collaborative aspect of working with so many like-minded people. The CEO takes a profound interest in all of his employees in a way that I have never seen with any other company. The connections that will be made at 1st Day are exceptional. Being a summer intern at 1st Day made me a better person.

What I wish was different

The work schedule can be a challenge for someone who is has not worked a full-time schedule before. However, I feel fortunate to have experienced what working full-time is like while still in college.

Advice

Be ready to be pushed. The work can be difficult but is extremely rewarding after buying in to the culture at 1st Day.

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Supply Chain Intern

May - August 2022 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

I worked at 1st Day School Supplies over the past summer and learned a great deal of information to apply to the real world. The managers and the CEO are supportive and conscientious of our workload. It's not your typical company, but one that cares for each individual employee and growing their strengths while working on their weaknesses. The higher ups at this company want you to succeed and to continue succeeding all throughout your life.

What I wish was different

Advice

The one piece of advice that I have in mind for this company is, expect to step out of your comfort zone, expect to grow and expect to be pushed to the best version of yourself.

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Summer Associate

May 2019 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

I have worked at 1st Day School Supplies for four years now; I started off working on a production line, then started quality checking supply kits, and spent last summer managing half of the production lines in our warehouse. My experiences at 1st Day have been so important to my growth as a professional and as a teacher. Over the past three years, I have learned (and grown!) so much. Working at 1st Day will teach you how to work hard, how to work with a team, and, if you let it, how to be a leader – all of which are qualities of a great teacher. And if you work hard for them, they’ll do the same for you – something I have gotten to experience first-hand. A job at 1st Day is a great way to spend your summers and will, without a doubt, make you stand out when applying for any job.

What I wish was different

Advice

Give it your all every day and don't be afraid to suggest a new idea or find a way to get involved in the process!

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Summer Associate

June 2021 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

1st Day has given me lifelong friends that I couldn't have imagined meeting anywhere else. This internship gave me the opportunity to meet several professional and well-known individuals that I would not have met at any other internship. It also has given me the opportunity to network with others. Everyone at 1st Day is extremely professional while also making you feel like you are all a family.

What I wish was different

Advice

Take advantage of every resource there! Everyone at 1st Day wants to see you succeed and they are willing to do anything for you as long as you put in the work and get the job done!

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Summer Associate

May 2021 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

1st Day provides an environment that allows you to meet and network with other achieving individuals which is a great resource. You also have direct contact with the CEO and it is an environment you feel your voice is heard and you are able to make an impact/change. It is also a positive and fun working environment.

What I wish was different

The early start time is not my favorite aspect, but is very manageable especially as the summer goes on.

Advice

Take advantage of all the resources provided to you at this opportunity as you may not find them at other internships and jobs.

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Summer Intern

June - August 2022 • Hinckley, OH

What I liked

I got to meet lots of successful individuals including other interns, 1st Day employee's, and the professionals who came into talk to us. Every Friday we got to hear from a guest speaker, some examples include a manager from NASA, a lawyer, and a ex pro football player now real estate agent. We also got to sit in on and participate in several meetings.

What I wish was different

Maybe more chances to help out on projects. I think it is pretty clear what you are getting into in the Handshake post.

Advice

This is warehouse work but you can make very good connections and learn alot from this internship. My best advice for this internship would be to ask questions and make those connections! Everyone from other interns to Mr. Meadows is willing to share advice and knowledge with you. It is a chance to

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