Every summer, HAI Group welcomes a new group of interns who bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. The HAI Group Summer Internship Program is designed to provide undergraduate students with hands-on experience, professional development opportunities, and exposure to the housing and insurance industries.
This year’s interns made a real impact across multiple departments, taking on projects that built their skills, expanded their networks, and contributed to our mission. They also worked together on group initiatives, such as the annual intern fundraiser and professional development workshops, which gave them opportunities to collaborate, grow as a team, and support the communities we serve.
We asked our interns to share their experiences on camera. Their reflections highlight the skills they built, the friendships they made, and the impact they had this summer.
Puhl prepared journal entries, intercompany transfers, and reconciliations for accounts receivable, created internal statements, processed lockbox receipts, completed nonprofit reconciliations, and recorded and researched reinsurance recoverable receipts.
“What surprised me most about working at HAI Group was the strong investment in the professional development of interns. This made it feel like the company wants me to succeed in the future and not just gain experience over the summer.”
Meyer updated and facilitated intern professional development workshops, sourced and recruited for open positions, and even filled the Business Support Associate position—managing the hiring process from phone screens to interview coordination.
“One thing that I will take with me is how to be an effective HR professional, ranging from effectively staffing and recruiting to employee performance and more. This position allowed me to have so much exposure to the different areas of human resources.”
Girgasky cross-referenced the department’s account management system with the companywide database to ensure accuracy, prepared statements of values, compared quotes, and wrote renewal quote emails.
“My favorite part of my internship was being able to shape so many amazing relationships with people within and even outside my field. I was able to meet with almost all the executive team members and get advice and input on my career path and future endeavors.”
Zhao used Power BI and ArcGIS to map out premiums and policies by state, creating underwriting regions. He analyzed new business and PAHRC data to identify target states and counties, worked with SQL in SSMS to generate data queries, and used Excel and Python to support departmental projects.
“What surprised me most about working at HAI Group was the culture. I had read about the emphasis on culture during my interview and on the website, but after joining, I found that it went far beyond my expectations. From the food to the celebrations to the people, the culture is truly outstanding. Everyone enjoys working here, and it is clear that the company genuinely cares about its employees.”
DeForest supported the Internal Audit team by testing vendor payments, employee reimbursements, and director fee disbursements. She also reviewed OneShield premium reporting, assisted with user role security testing, and helped prepare materials for the Audit Committee meeting.
“My favorite part of my internship has been shaping so many amazing relationships with people within and outside my field. I met with almost all the executive team members and received advice and input on my career path and future endeavors.”
Yalda completed a territory realignment analysis and analyzed five years of new business data to identify growth target states and counties. She evaluated underwriting patterns, assessed how policies were distributed across regions, and provided recommendations to help the team focus on areas with the most potential impact.
“What surprised me the most about working at HAI Group was how involved, friendly, and supportive everyone here is. Colleagues and managers genuinely want what’s best for you and your career and are always willing to help. The level of support I have received here is unlike any other, and I look forward to keeping these connections as I move forward in my professional career.”
Cibula pulled and edited video transcripts and closed captions, then redesigned the LIHTC course workbook to make it more engaging. She pitched a new course catalog layout, creating and presenting a prototype to the team. In addition, she edited course descriptions, worked in the Online Training recording studio, and conducted data evaluations.
“My favorite part about my internship experience has been creating connections with people around the office. I built strong relationships with all of my fellow interns and have created friendships with them that will continue even after the internship is over. I also have had countless opportunities to build relationships not only with the people in my department but across the organization. I’ve been given so much good advice that I can apply to my future career, and I know these new mentorships will follow me well beyond this internship.”
Alongside these department-specific projects, the interns also collaborated on the annual intern fundraiser, an initiative that raises money for HAI Group's Community and Resident Services Committee. These funds support meaningful community programs, such as providing backpacks with supplies for foster children, hosting food drives, and funding other projects that give back to our community. Throughout the summer, they also participated in professional development workshops on topics such as resume and cover letter writing, interview tips, and presentation skills, equipping them with tools to succeed beyond the internship.
Together, our interns leave not only with stronger skills, professional confidence, and lasting connections, but also with the knowledge that their contributions have made a meaningful impact on HAI Group.
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HAI Group® is a marketing name used to refer to insurers, a producer, and related service providers affiliated through a common mission, management, and governance. Property-casualty insurance and related services are written or provided by Housing Authority Property Insurance, A Mutual Company; Housing Enterprise Insurance Company, Inc.; Housing Specialty Insurance Company, Inc.; Housing Investment Group, Inc.; and Housing Insurance Services (DBA Housing Insurance Agency Services in NY and MI).