Every summer, Samsung Electronics America welcomes a diverse group of college and university students from across the U.S. to participate in a 10-week internship program. This dynamic program is designed to prepare young talent for successful careers, offering them invaluable exposure to top leaders within our organization and the opportunity to be immersed in life at Samsung.

Earlier this month, interns in New Jersey, Texas, California and Washington D.C. rallied for our annual Intern Day of Service. This event, akin to our employee-driven Samsung Gives Day of Service, underscores Samsung’s dedication to fostering community engagement through projects that positively impact people and the planet.

To further demonstrate how sustainability, co-prosperity and innovation are all intertwined, our interns were given the summer-long task of finding new ways to further our environmental impact. Working together in groups, they created recommendations that build on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Samsung’s vision for a more sustainable future.

Here’s what our interns had to say about their Day of Service activities and how these experiences impacted their summer capstone projects:

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Henrietta Asamoah, Strategy, Brand Design and Integrated Marketing Intern and rising senior at Massachusetts Institute of Technology joined her intern cohort at Bonton Farms in South Dallas, TX to support urban farming that offers health, wellness and housing resources to local communities.

Lynn Wei, Home Appliance Product Management Intern and rising senior at Rutgers University, teamed with other NJ and NYC-based interns to volunteer at City Green in Clifton, NJ, where they assisted with farming, weeding and gardening.

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How did participating in Samsung’s Intern Day of Service impact your perspective on community involvement and your sustainability capstone project?

Henrietta: Participating in Samsung’s Intern Day of Service underscored the importance of direct engagement and hands-on contribution to local communities. Witnessing the immediate impact of our efforts on Bonton Farms reinforced the idea that even small actions can lead to substantial benefits for the community. This experience has also enriched my sustainability capstone project by providing real-world insights into sustainable agricultural practices and the importance of community-led initiatives in promoting environmental stewardship.

Lynn: Learning about City Green’s initiatives broadened my perspective on how much of an impact community involvement can have. City Green not only takes care of the environment, but it also offers a variety programs for community members, from learning gardens to educational programs to sharing their harvests with others. This realization showed me how much a sustainability idea can impact others, which I plan to take into consideration for my team’s sustainability capstone project idea. I’ve always loved community involvement, and after experiencing it firsthand with my fellow interns, it solidified my understanding that something as simple as planting a sunflower seed can make a positive impact.

What was the most rewarding part of working with the nonprofit organization you were assigned to?

Henrietta: The most rewarding part of working with Bonton Farms was witnessing the breadth of natural products cultivated and the vibrant businesses that have emerged from this community initiative. The farm’s commitment to sustainable agriculture is evident in every aspect of their operations, from composting to water conservation practices. It was inspiring to see how Bonton Farms is transforming lives and the local community through sustainable practices and economic opportunities.

Lynn: It was so rewarding to see the before and after of the garden we worked on at City Green. After clearing weeds, prepping with compost, and planting hibiscus and sunflowers, it was great to see how our efforts transformed an old garden into one that is new and ready to grow new flora. I hope to visit the garden again and see the flowers we planted bloom in the upcoming months.

How do you think the skills and experiences gained during this community service activity will influence your future career and personal growth?

Henrietta: Working collaboratively with diverse teams in an unfamiliar environment enhanced my problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to different conditions. This experience has also deepened my commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, motivating me to integrate these principles into my professional endeavors. Personally, it has inspired me to seek out and engage in community service opportunities, understanding that contributing to the well-being of others is both rewarding and essential for holistic growth.

Lynn: It can sometimes be difficult for me to open up to others, but working together with the other interns strengthened both my teamwork skills and friendships. It lightens my heart, thinking about how my peers who work alongside me at the office have become indelible friends in such a short timeframe.

The confidence gained from knowing that I can make an impact doesn’t only apply to the garden, but also to my goals in my life and career. I think this experience was a great reminder that no matter where my career takes me, giving back to the community and environment can always be a value of mine.

Interested in becoming a future Samsung intern? To apply for a summer internship, visit our Careers page and select “Intern” under the Job Type filter to view open positions. Please note that to qualify, you must be currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program. Internships are available across various teams, including Marketing, Strategy, Product Management, Software Development, Networks, Engineering, and Corporate Functions. Opportunities are posted from September to January, so we encourage you to apply early!