Sparkling Water Anyone? (Intern Edition)

A flight attendant asked recently if anyone wanted sparkling water. It got me thinking, just what exactly is sparkling water. I mean, water is water, isn’t it? What else could it be? Then it got me thinking about interns. I mean, an intern is an intern, aren’t they? What differences could there be, really?

It’s Just Water

Sparkling water keeps its natural minerals and is naturally carbonated. Often confused with seltzer water, the difference is that even though both are carbonated, seltzer starts with plain water. Meanwhile still water has its minerals but isn’t carbonated. Purified water is ground water or tap water that has been filtered to remove impurities such as algae, metals, and chemicals. Boil purified water and then condense the steam generated back into a liquid and you end up with distilled water – water that is typically free of sodium and sulfur. Keep in mind that water won’t be as pure as ultra-purified water, which has nearly no impurities. You see the differences?

Globally speaking, we have Icelandic Glacial Water, Poland Spring Water, Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water, Fiji Water, and my dad’s favorite, Niagara Water, to name a few. They all sound good, but their potential of hydrogen (pH to you and me) is probably 7. Alkaline water or alkaline and electrolyte water with a high pH – meaning there are lots of Hydroxide ions (OH-) – is good for drinking because they pick up the free radicals in your system as they go through you. That's radical, isn't it?

They’re Just Interns

You might have thought water was straightforward. Evidently it is not. Similarly with interns, there are lots of variations. Where are they in college? What’s their major? Are they technophiles? Do they have a clear vision for their future? What are they interested in learning? How motivated are they to give it their all while interning with you? What specific goals do they have? What is their view of themselves?

Discovery is one of the principles of an exceptional internship, as outlined in the new book Intern Management. It is best to spend time this summer discovering who that intern working with you is. There is much more going on there – just like with a glass of water – than meets the eye. Suspend judgment as much as you can and really get to know them as human beings. You will be surprised and delighted, as I have been countless times at this point.

Let’s Sparkle

Whether you are an artesian water lover or a boxed water fan, whether ionized alkaline water does it for you or water with gas meets your cravings, and whether it is natural spring water or Brita filtered water that you prefer, remember you had to discover what worked for you. Infuse that refreshing kind of discovery and newness to your intern relationship this summer. Let them sparkle better than Kirkland Signature, better than Aquafina, better than Dasani, and even better than Perrier Water!

Worried you might get a lemon this summer? No problem. Turn that lemon into lemon water. Take flight this summer by attending to the sparkle of any intern in your midst. Sparkling intern anyone?

Here's to you and your awesome future.

Until then, keep your feet on the board and keep riding your wave!

Robert J. Khoury

CEO Agile Rainmakers