On Deck Today

• Captain’s Log: 🚢 My fav event so far!

• Upcoming Events: What we got cooking for you this Intern Ship summer!

• Opportunity Incoming: 👀Are you a recent first gen graduate or soon to be?

• Offline is the New Online: 🚀 The 2-Minute Power Move That Makes People Take You Seriously (Even If You're Chill & Quiet)

• Explore: 🌟Check out the FREE Intern Ship Summer Guide

• MentorMe: Internship rejections hurt. Do this next.

• Wellness Matters: 💮Creating a Soft Landing: Decompressing After a Hard Day at Work or School

• Something for Funsies: LinkedIn Is Just a Middle School Girl in Disguise

• Something for the Soul: 🎶Groovy Summer Chill House Mix - Uplifting DJ Set For Positive Energy & Relaxing Vibes

CAPTAIN’S LOG 🚢

Captain’s Log – Stardate 2025.05.20

Coordinates logged: Salesforce Tower | Elevation: Highest point in SF

This month’s journey took us somewhere extraordinary—22 stories above the clouds in the Ohana Room at Salesforce Tower, the tallest spot in all of San Francisco. The views alone were enough to take your breath away: panoramic windows encircling the entire city like a living postcard. But the real magic wasn’t just in the skyline.

We were warmly welcomed by Kristyne Cardenas-Sanchez, Salesforce Program Manager and the powerhouse who helped bring this event to life. She casually mentioned the CEO was filming upstairs and, for a moment, we thought the tour might be scrapped. Instead, she simply asked us to be mindful of the production crew as we toured—and just like that, we found ourselves witnessing Salesforce’s CEO in action, alongside their robot dog mascot, Astro. Surreal.

The day was intentionally intimate. For the first time, our tech pods (6–7 people each) worked exactly as we’d hoped they would: real conversations, real friendships, real energy. Pods were mingling with other pods. People were talking deeply, not just networking—and that’s exactly the kind of connection we dream of fostering.

Afterward, we sipped on yummy boba and listened in on a panel on work-life balance, where Salesforce employees spoke candidly about their journeys from intern to full-time, the challenges of burnout, and how they navigate the day-to-day of working in a high-performing environment. It was grounded, reflective, and full of insight.

This event felt special in every way—and not just to us. Some attendees even flew in just to be there. We were floored by that. It’s not something we expected, but it reminded us that these spaces we’re creating matter. That the value goes beyond a cool venue—it’s about the people, the stories, the spark that happens when bright minds gather.

🔮 On the Horizon...

We’ve got more Tech Treks in the works—each one different, some more intimate, and each uniquely powerful. We’re also cooking up:

• An invite-only Brightest Young Minds gathering

• A feel-good summer event for new grads

• Even more cozy, intentional community moments

If this is the journey so far… just wait ‘til you see where we dock next.

— Captain of the Intern Ship 🚢

ATTENTION: OPPORTUNITY INCOMING 📣

🎓Graduating soon and wondering what’s next?
Or maybe you’ve already graduated and feel like every job listing is gatekeeping with “3+ years of experience.”

Yeah. That loop is real:
“Need experience to get the job. Need the job to get experience.”

Well I’m here to help you beat the system because I’ve been in your shoes.

If you’re a first-gen or underemployed graduate—or about to walk the stage—here’s your early career cheat code:

🔥COOP’s early action deadline for their fall 2025 fellowship is officially a little over a week away!

This is a FREE 16-week program designed to help you break into data analytics, digital marketing, or financial services—with community, coaching, and career-ready skills.

💬 Why COOP might just be your best post-grad move:

✅ Hands-on training
→ 100 hours of tech skills (SQL, Excel, Google Ads, etc.)
→ 50 hours of communication + teamwork
→ 50 hours of job prep: interviews, LinkedIn, resume, cover letters, networking

✅ Career results
→ 7,100+ alumni since 2014
→ 75% fully employed within 12 months
→ Starting salaries: $54K–$70K
→ Companies include Google, TikTok, JPMorganChase, Microsoft, and more

✅ Built-in support
→ You’ll join a “crew” of peers + gain an alumni coach
→ Real friendships, real mentorship, and hiring connections that last

✅ Eligibility check
You’re likely a fit if:
✔️ First-gen college grad and/or low-income
✔️ Graduated (or graduating) between 8/14/2015 and 8/14/2025
✔️ Making under $50K or underemployed
✔️ 21+ and authorized to work in the U.S.

— Manny, Captain of the Intern Ship 🚢

UPCOMING EVENTS 📣

What We Got Cooking For You this Intern Ship Summer!

We don’t have just one event to announce this month… because we’re quietly building a whole summer lineup behind the scenes. Here’s your exclusive sneak peek at what’s coming over the horizon:

🥾 Trail Mix & Tech Chats
We’re planning a summer hike with good views and even better convos. Think less “corporate climb” and more “casual trail talk”—a chance to connect, decompress, and move offline for a bit.

💻 No Internship? No Problem.
We’re hosting a virtual gathering for students who didn’t land an internship this summer—but still want to grow, connect, and show up for themselves. Real talk. Real support.

🧭 Intern Ship Orientation (but make it fun)
Forget boring briefings and awkward icebreakers. We’re hosting a playful welcome-to-summer orientation for anyone kicking off their summer internship—and anyone looking to make the most of the season. Think: what events to hit, how to meet cool people, and how to make this summer one to remember. Mixer included. Boat shoes optional.

🎯 A Sci-Fi VC with a playful side? Known for backing future-shaping tech, this firm wants to do something less buttoned-up—think outdoor energy, something sporty, and a little unexpected.

🎨 Design Tech Summer Series
We’re planning a collection of beautifully curated gatherings:
— A flagship office tour at one of the most design-forward workspaces in the city (perfect for photos and mixing)
— A ping pong social takeover at a vibey downtown venue
— And possibly even… a stop in New York City 👀

🌅 Island Oasis for New Grads
We’re crafting a feel-good celebration for recent grads at a waterfront spot with some of the best views in San Francisco—laid back, joyful, and full of sunshine and connection.

We’ll be announcing details soon. Until then, just know: the ship is moving, and the journey is about to get even better.

OFFLINE IS THE NEW ONLINE 😎

🚀 The 2-Minute Power Move That Makes People Take You Seriously (Even If You're Chill & Quiet)

Ever feel like you're being overlooked just because you're not the loudest person in the room? Good news: You don't need to change your personality to command respect—you just need 2 minutes and a bit of body language magic.

This simple trick comes from a piece by Alessia Fransisca, inspired by the work of social psychologist Amy Cuddy (aka the queen of power poses).

🕺 What’s a Power Pose?

Think Wonder Woman stance. Think arms wide, chest open, shoulders back. It’s basically your body yelling, “I got this,” even if your voice is whispering, “Please don’t call on me.”

Just two minutes of holding a strong, open pose can:

• 🔼 Boost your testosterone (confidence hormone) by 20%

• 🔽 Lower your cortisol (stress hormone) by 25%

Your body starts to believe you’re confident… and so does everyone else.

🧘‍♀️ Your 3-Step “Stealth Confidence” Ritual

This is your pre-meeting, pre-presentation, pre-big-convo warmup. No one has to know.

1. Claim Your Space (45 seconds)
Stand tall. Feet hip-width. Hands on hips. Breathe in for 4 counts, out for 8. Pick a spot to focus on. You’re grounded, you’re calm, you’re powerful.

EXPLORE 🌟

Check out the Intern Ship Summer Guide🚢🚢

MENTORME 💎

Internship rejections hurt. Do this next.

Not everyone who worked hard this year landed a summer internship or new grad role—and it’s not because they didn’t deserve it. This post is for those who gave it their all and are still figuring out what’s next.

In a market that’s been tougher than ever, this message is part reminder, part roadmap:
🌊 A reminder that rejection doesn’t define you.
🧭 A roadmap for how to bounce back smarter, stronger, and more prepared for the next round.

If you or someone you know needed to hear this today, give it a read. Then forward it to someone else who might be quietly struggling too. You never know whose week it could turn around.

WELLNESS MATTERS 💮

Creating a Soft Landing: Decompressing After a Hard Day at Work or School

We don’t talk enough about the transition moments—the awkward, in-between space between a draining shift, back-to-back classes, or a long internship day… and the rest of your life.

You finish your last Zoom meeting or class, shut your laptop, and just sit there. Numb. Scrolling. Scattered. Maybe you dive straight into TikTok. Maybe you collapse into bed fully clothed. Maybe you head straight to dinner, feeling like a half-version of yourself.

This is where soft landings come in.

🌙 What Is a Soft Landing?

A soft landing is a gentle, intentional buffer between stress and rest. It's the practice of not rushing from task-mode to chill-mode without checking in with yourself first.

It’s not a reward for a productive day. It’s not a luxury.

It’s a basic human need—especially when your days are emotionally or mentally taxing.

🌀 Why Gen Z Needs This More Than Ever

Let’s be real. This generation is navigating:

• Economic instability

• A relentless content cycle

• Social comparison on steroids

• A sense that we always have to be “on”—at work, at school, on socials, even in friend groups.

This emotional load doesn’t go away when your shift ends. It rides home with you. So if you don’t actively land, you just carry it into your “free time.” Which doesn’t feel that free.

🧘‍♀️ Soft Landing Ideas That Actually Work

Here are realistic, low-effort ways to create a soft landing after a long day—even if you’re tired, broke, or overwhelmed.

1. Transition Rituals

• Light a candle and change into cozy clothes.

• Play one favorite song that signals: I’m home now.

• Sit down with a cup of tea or snack—but no phone for the first 5 minutes.

SOMETHING FOR FUNSIES💀

LinkedIn Is Just a Middle School Girl in Disguise

@patrickmazuca

Some things never change I guess #millennial #corporate #corporatehumor #corporatelife #jobhunt #jobsearch

SOMETHING FOR THE SOUL🎶

Groovy Summer Chill House Mix - Uplifting DJ Set For Positive Energy & Relaxing Vibes

.

HELP US IMPROVE INTERN SHIP
How Was Today’s Newsletter?