What I’ve Learned About Working at Cox as a Gen Z Intern

As the newest generation entering the workforce, Gen Z is redefining what it means to find the right company. We’re not just after a paycheck or title — we seek meaningful work that aligns with our values and supports our well-being. According to Deloitte’s 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, 89% of Gen Zs say purpose is important to their job satisfaction, and more than half (54%) consider meaningful work a top priority when evaluating potential employers. 

I know this all too well: I’m part of this generation, and this perspective isn’t just research to me — it’s real life. As a rising senior in college, I’m looking for a company that aligns with my career goals and offers the chance to make a real-world impact.  

Still, I worry about feeling stuck after college. I want to find a place that will let me explore different roles and give me room to grow. Like many of my peers, I’m ambitious, but climbing a corporate ladder isn’t my ultimate goal. Instead, the career I envision prioritizes learning, work-life balance and investing into employees — values I’ve experienced firsthand as a summer intern at Cox. 

Here’s what I’ve learned about Cox as a company during my summer internship, and what I think makes this is a great company for many people in my generation. 

1. It’s a company that’s clearly investing in early talent. 

A recent Workplace Intelligence Survey sponsored by Hult International Business School found that while 98% of leaders say their organizations are struggling to find talent, 89% still avoid hiring recent graduates. Many say it’s because we lack real-world experience or don’t have the right skill sets, which leaves me and my peers scratching our heads. How can I gain experience if I never get a chance? How will I learn about real-world scenarios if I’m never given real opportunities?  

Or worse, what if I land what looks like a golden opportunity on paper, only to spend it on busywork? Too many interns know that sinking feeling: realizing you’re paper-shuffling your way through weeks that were supposed to build your skills, all while wondering how you’ll get enough experience to land a full-time job. 

I’m happy to say that my internship at Cox has been anything but that. In fact, I feel more prepared to tackle real challenges because I’ve been trusted with meaningful projects from day one. 

What Cox’s summer internship has to offer

Internships at Cox give you real-world experience and a genuine look at corporate life. You’re not kept at arms’ length: Interns are welcome at the same events, programs and spaces as full-time employees. I’ve never felt like “the intern.” From day one, my team included me in every lunch, meeting and project. At Cox, an internship isn’t just a line on your resume; it’s a real step forward in your career.    

Early career opportunities for recent grads 

But your journey here doesn’t have to end with an internship. For new and recent grads, LEAD is a rotational program that lets young professionals work in different industries within the Cox family of businesses, build valuable skills and find the best fit for them.  

 Anna Cate Puchalski joined the LEAD program in June 2024, a few months after she graduated from the University of Georgia. So far, she has completed a year-long rotation as a project manager at Cox Business, part of Cox Communications. 

 “As this is my first year out of college, I feel incredibly supported and poured into by both the LEADership team and my peers,” she said. “I love that LEAD gives me the opportunity to become a general athlete by developing me across different areas within the Cox family of businesses.” 

 One reason Anna Cate values the program is that it allows her to explore different paths while staying employed within the same company. For her second rotation, she’s working as an analyst for hospitality operations at Cox Enterprises. 

 “LEAD also appealed to me because, unlike similar programs, it doesn’t end after a year or two,” she said. “If you’re looking for a company where you can continue to grow and explore, Cox might be the place.” 

2. It’s a company that prioritizes community and sustainability. 

Most of Gen Z has grown up hearing about climate change, especially as its effects have become more visible in recent years. That awareness has made us more conscious of companies’ carbon footprints and inspired us to ask how we can make a real, positive impact on the world around us. 

One of the first things that really struck me about Cox was learning how deeply involved the company is in sustainability and conservation efforts. It’s clear that this isn’t just talk: Cox puts real action behind its commitment to protecting the planet. 

For example, Cox has been making meaningful progress through Cox Conserves, the company’s national sustainability program focused on energy and water conservation, waste diversion, recycling and community engagement.  

In 2024, Cox became the first US-based, enterprise-wide service company recognized by Zero Waste USA as a zero-waste business, achieving a verified 92% diversion rate through GreenCircle Certified. Cox also continually invests in cleantech businesses and technology. 

Aside from large-scale initiatives, the company also empowers employees to contribute through everyday actions like composting, recycling and volunteering in their communities. 

“Working on the corporate social responsibility (CSR) team has let me see how much of a priority sustainability and community engagement is to the company,” said CSR intern Olivia Terrell, who is studying environmental economics and management. “It has been great to connect with so many people who want to work to make the world a better place for future generations.” 

3. It’s a company that nurtures both personal and professional well-being. 

Each generation grows up with more access to health and wellness information than the last. That’s part of why I think Gen Z cares so deeply about well-being and takes a holistic approach to prioritizing both physical and mental wellness. No matter what area you want to focus on, Cox has the resources to support your wellness journey.

For example, these are just a few of the benefits you can access as a full-time employee: