Insurance agent Angel Henderson at State Farm in Houston is reconceptualizing what internships can achieve. She provides young professionals with valuable, real world opportunities that go far beyond traditional experiences. In this hands-on, immersive program, interns step into roles where they lead projects, solve challenges and make a lasting impact on the company’s operations and overall success.

“I love giving young people the opportunity to know what it's like to work in an office,” Henderson said. “It’s way more than just sending ID cards and selling insurance. It’s educating customers and people on insurance and financial planning.”



To recruit top-tier talent, Henderson regularly connects with universities, particularly through career fairs at the University of Houston Downtown’s Marilyn Davies College of Business. Here, she selects promising candidates who are eager to learn and grow.

From the start, interns engage in meaningful tasks that prepare them for the realities of running a business, building not just resumes, but also skills that set them apart in competitive career fields.

A program highlight is the chance for interns to present a complete business proposal. They identify growth opportunities, build a strategy, calculate costs and predict outcomes. Through this, they learn what it takes to execute plans effectively and adapt where needed. If their plan is selected, they get the chance to help implement their ideas.

“Five or six years ago, an intern presented a proposal that we're still doing today,” Henderson said. “But even if we don’t select their proposals, it’s a success because they get to see what it looks like in a real business atmosphere.”



After completing the program, many interns stay connected with the agency. Through social media updates and occasional visits, they are able to watch how their contributions continue to shape the company’s operations.

“A lot of times, the interns reach out to say what they’re up to. I would say 75% of the time, they stay in contact with us,” Henderson said.

This sense of connection keeps the relationship alive and reinforces the program’s impact on both the interns and the agency.

Henderson’s goals for the program extend far beyond its current success. She envisions creating a fast track path for interns who are highly interested in becoming insurance agents. This future initiative would offer a structured plan to help young professionals transition into business leadership within 24 to 36 months of graduation.

“Most college graduates don't think they can be business owners in 24 months. They absolutely can,” Henderson said.

With guidance on funding, operations and management, the program would equip participants to step confidently into leadership roles.



For the interns, the program is transformative. It’s an opportunity to make meaningful contributions, explore their potential and walk away with achievements that set them apart. For the agency, it’s a chance to stay innovative, bringing in fresh perspectives and ideas that strengthen the business.

“I don't have all the great ideas,” Henderson said. “That's why I love having young people share their thoughts with me.”

Through this program, Henderson is proving that when young talent is given the tools, mentorship and trust to succeed, they can drive meaningful change—both for themselves and the businesses they impact.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.