April Webinar Recap

Managing an Internship with Ryan King

In April, BYU Connect caught up with Ryan King, Chief Financial Officer of Thread Wallets, for a summer preparation conversation about internships. With seven years of experience helping grow a fast-moving consumer brand, King shared actionable insights on how to stand out, learn effectively, and build meaningful professional relationships during your internship experience.

1) Making a Strong First Impression

To make a lasting impression in your first week, King advised interns to hit the ground running. It’s easy to sit back and try to take everything in quietly, but that won’t help you get the most out of your experience. You need to speak up, ask questions, and show that you’re engaged from day one. Don’t let fear or intimidation stop you—confidence and curiosity are key. The first impression you make on teammates and managers should be both genuine and approachable. As King put it, showing your personality and being someone people want to work with can set the tone for a great internship.

2) Maximizing Learning and Productivity

One of the most important steps toward growth, King explained, is learning what’s expected of you early on. That starts by asking the right questions and clarifying your responsibilities. A clear understanding not only boosts your productivity but also gives you insight into how your supervisors think and lead. The quicker you adapt to their leadership styles, the more effectively you can contribute. This foundation allows you to focus on learning, improving, and ultimately becoming a valuable part of the team.

3) Building Relationships and Networking

Internships are a prime opportunity to build meaningful relationships, both in and out of the office. King emphasized that being authentic in your interactions helps others see your natural strengths and work ethic, which can open the door to new opportunities. He also encouraged interns to carry those relationships beyond the workplace when appropriate—connecting outside of work can enhance both enjoyment and networking potential. Finally, his advice included a few practical dos and don’ts: be proactive in your role, stay curious, and remain open to feedback. These traits can help turn a good internship into a great one.