How to Learn from the ‘Michael Jordan’ and ‘Simone Biles’ of Your Industry

CEO Brandon Busteed is clear about the challenges with internships today.  

“Internships vary dramatically.  

Some are brilliant, but many students spend their time on tasks that offer little educational or real skill-building value.”  

A good internship involves mentorship, real projects and meaningful feedback to help them develop industry-relevant skills. But those experiences are increasingly rare.  

Edconic goes beyond the traditional internship model. Our programs are designed to give students an immersive view of an industry, rather than focusing on a single department or role. 

“An intern might spend six weeks in one department.  

“Our students meet experts across all the major functions of an organization. They understand the ecosystem, not just one slice of it.” 

For example, a student in a Vogue program might learn from editors, creative strategists and brand leaders.  

The Man City Undergraduate Summer program explores performance analysis, journalism, business operations, coaching methodologies and fan engagement strategies. 

The range of topics helps young people make informed decisions about which roles excite them most and what they want to pursue.

One of Edconic’s greatest advantages is the calibre of the experts who teach and mentor in our programs. They are leaders, innovators and award winners at the top of their fields. 

“Students aren’t just learning from someone in the job. They’re learning from the Michael Jordan and Simone Biles of their roles.”  

This level of access is rare even in the best internships. 

Meaningful feedback is a valuable part of any early-career experience, but many interns receive minimal feedback and guidance because program leaders and mentors have competing priorities and limited time. 

Edconic builds feedback into the heart of its model. Students work on real-world projects and receive coaching and direction from industry professionals throughout the process. 

Brandon describes a personal example from a recent Vogue Winter Break program that his daughter attended.  

“My daughter’s group presented a business plan, and a panel of experts evaluated the ideas and gave detailed guidance. That’s the kind of experience that builds capability quickly.”  

This feedback loop mirrors the best aspects of professional environments and accelerates skill development. 

Edconic’s approach is that students learn best through direct experience. Hands-on exposure in the environments where real companies operate provides a broader, more authentic understanding of industries that even strong internships cannot always provide. 

“Almost everything we do is in-person and place based.  

“Students go inside newsrooms, stadiums, auction houses and studios, including spaces the public never gets to see.” 

Stepping onto the pitch at the Etihad Stadium or walking through the archives of the New York Times brings learning to life, providing students with tangible connections to the industry that is more engaging than classroom or Zoom sessions. 

Networking is also one of the most valuable components of any internship.  

Edconic programs create and nurture relationships between students, experts, global peers and mentors who continue to support them long after the program ends. 

“We’ve seen students reach out years later for advice, recommendations or job support.  

The industry experts who teach in our programs feel it’s part of their mission to pay forward the opportunities they’ve had.”  

These relationships often become crucial to a student’s early career journey. 

Experience alone matters, but so does recognition. When students can point to Manchester City, Vogue, The New York Times, or Mayo Clinic on their resumes, the brands immediately signal the quality of the experience they’ve had. 

“Our brand partners have global recognition, and that stays with students for years.” 

This staying power enhances college applications, job interviews and professional confidence.

Edconic’s model offers structure, breadth, access and inspiration at a scale that surpasses traditional internships. 

As early career opportunities become more competitive and less accessible, our work becomes more essential.  

For young people seeking clarity, confidence and real insight into the world of work, Edconic offers not just an alternative, but an extraordinarily unique opportunity to move forward with greater direction and purpose.