When we come across an organization we admire, we often wonder what it took to get there.
Behind every success is a story that often begins with uncertainty, struggles, and a spark of determination. For David Lloyd, co-founder of The Intern Group, it started with a leap of faith and a lot of persistence. What seemed like a series of setbacks at first turned into the foundation of a global organization that’s now changing lives through international internships.
Founding Story: A Leap of Faith That Changed Everything
In 2007, David Lloyd took a leap of faith that many would consider risky. He moved to Buenos Aires with no job, no network, and no clear path forward. Like many ambitious students today, he was determined to gain international experience, but the journey was not easy.
For months, David sent out cold emails to companies, hoping for a response. The silence was deafening. But he did not give up. Finally, his persistence paid off, and he secured a marketing internship.
That opportunity did not just open doors to a career in finance with Bank of America Merrill Lynch in London. It also led him to Argentina, where he married his partner and built a new life abroad.
But David’s experience also exposed a significant gap: there were few resources to help students break into the global job market. He realized that international internships were crucial for growth, but the system was fragmented, and students lacked the support to succeed.
This challenge became the inspiration behind The Intern Group in 2011.
The Impact: Connecting Students to Global Careers
The Intern Group was founded with one mission: to make international internships accessible and structured. Today, the organization helps students secure internships in top cities like London, New York, Madrid, Tokyo, and emerging markets such as Colombia and Thailand.
What sets The Intern Group apart is its comprehensive support:
- Internships in leading global cities
- Housing and career coaching
- Orientation and a built-in community
- 24/7 support to ensure student success
With over 15,000 alumni from 150+ countries and 3,000+ host companies, David’s mission has reached students worldwide.
The true value? It’s not just work experience. It’s the confidence, cross-cultural fluency, and resilience students gain, qualities that help them excel in a competitive global workforce.
A Mission That Continues to Drive Forward
David’s mission is as strong as ever. He believes that an international internship is not just a luxury; it is a critical step for young professionals in today’s interconnected world.
The goal is clear: to make global internships a standard, accessible part of higher education. With The Intern Group, David is providing students with the opportunities he wished he had when he started his journey.
Share Your Story with GoAbroad
The Founder Feature offers a unique chance to highlight your journey and mission to a dedicated audience of global education and travel professionals. Share your story with those who are deeply invested in shaping the future of international experiences, fostering trust and connection within the community, and inspiring others to follow in your footsteps.
👉 Submit your founding story here