By Sarah Spanjar, SHRM-CP, AEM Human Resources Manager --
At AEM, we believe in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth. Our internship program is designed to offer hands-on experience and a pathway to full-time employment. Over the past three years, we have worked equip our interns with the tools they need to succeed in the professional world, while also creating a strong pipeline of talent to fill full-time roles at AEM and fostering a widespread and positive brand perception.
Here, we highlight some of our former interns who have successfully transitioned to full-time roles and are making significant contributions to our teams:
Meet the Stars
Chris Hauser joined AEM as a Business Intern in the Membership & Exhibitor Success Team in 2023. In 2024, he transitioned to a full-time role as Accounting Coordinator, bringing strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Maxxwell Lebiecki started as a Marketing and Attendee Acquisition Intern in 2013. His dedication and customer-focused approach led to his full-time hire in 2014 as an Account Success Advisor.
Evan Junio began as a Business Intern in 2024, showcasing a passion for teamwork and growth. As our most recent success story, in 2025 he joined AEM full time as Customer Success Assistant.
Danny Gavin interned in Communications in 2020. After gaining industry experience elsewhere after college, they returned to AEM in 2021 as Communications Coordinator.
Sara Stromski joined AEM as a Sales Intern in 2015. Her strong relationship-building skills led to a full-time role in 2017. Sara now serves as AEM’s Director of Membership & Customer Success.
Ariana Christianson started as a Marketing Intern in 2023. Her commitment to service and customer relations earned her a full-time position that same year as Customer Success Coordinator.
Alyssa Pfarr joined AEM in 2024 as a Project Support Intern in for the Ag and Construction Equipment Sectors. In 2025, she became Technical Coordinator in the Safety & Product Leadership department, recognized for her project management and cross-functional collaboration.
Why AEM?
Our former interns said that they chose to stay with AEM for several reasons:
1. Supportive Culture and People-First Values
“AEM's culture is inviting and respectful of people as humans and really values everyone's unique background and views.”
—Chris Hauser
“The people at AEM are the main reason I stayed with the company after my internship. I have never experienced such a supportive and welcoming environment anywhere else.”
—Ariana Christianson
“I stayed with AEM because I loved working with the people – both internally and externally, including our customers.”
—Sara Stromski
Former interns consistently cited AEM’s inclusive and respectful culture as a major reason for accepting full-time roles.
2. Professional Growth and Skill Development
“Thanks to various workshops and real-world exposure, I was able to learn a wide range of skills, from professional development to personal values.”
—Ariana Christianson
“I utilized the training we received in our intern workshops, part of AEM’s revitalized intern program, which were crucial in getting my current role.”
—Chris Hauser
“AEM’s intern program allowed me to apply what I learned in school to the real-world while continuing my education.”
—Sara Stromski
AEM’s structured training and development programs empower interns to grow professionally and prepare for long-term careers.
3. Clarity and Confidence in Career Direction
“This internship helped me gain clarity into the type of work I wanted to do.”
—Chris Hauser
“Working at AEM gave me not only the confidence and reassurance that I knew exactly what I was doing... it stabilized my core beliefs in that I wanted to be a part of a team that encouraged growth from within.”
—Evan Junio
“The internship program with AEM was a pivotal moment in my career that helped to clarify my direction.”
—Alyssa Pfarr
Internships at AEM help participants discover their strengths and align their career paths with their values.
4. Real-World Experience and Industry Exposure
“My internship with AEM gave me the opportunity to actively participate in industry events, collaborate with industry experts... and contribute to meaningful projects.”
—Alyssa Pfarr
“It offered me direct experience in Trade Shows and a foot in the door at AEM.”
—Maxwell Lebiecki
“My internship taught me how to act in a professional setting.”
—Sara Stromski
Interns are not only trained but also trusted with responsibilities that often lead to full-time offers.
5. Pathways to Employment and Career Advancement
“Being a part of the Membership & Exhibitor Success Team gave me an opportunity to showcase the work I was willing to put into any job I was offered, and that led to me being offered a full-time role.”
—Evan Junio
“The opportunities for full-time positions after the internship are really great.”
—Chris Hauser
“I was able to make lasting connections through my internship, enabling me to eventually come back to AEM in my current role.”
—Danny Gavin
Interns are not only trained but also trusted with responsibilities that often lead to full-time offers—even years later.
Build Your Own Success Story
At AEM, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-structured internship program can cultivate future talent and strengthen your workforce. For our members looking to replicate this success, the key lies in creating an environment where interns are not only trained but truly supported. Offer real-world experience, provide mentorship, and invest in professional development. When interns feel valued, gain clarity in their career direction, and see a clear path to growth, they’re more likely to stay and thrive.
By fostering a culture of inclusion, feedback, and opportunity, you can turn today’s interns into tomorrow’s full-time contributors – just like we have. Let AEM’s model inspire your own internship success story.
