Question 1

Can I qualify for an internship or co-op at my university?

Accepted Answer

Although YEAA is not directly affiliated with any university or college, many students across the country have earned up to six academic credits for completing the internship. We recommend reaching out to your academic advisor or department to confirm whether the internship meets your school’s requirements for credit.

Question 2

What are the time commitments?

Accepted Answer

The Branch Manager position is a full-time role during the summer. Starting in March, it requires a commitment of 10 to 15 hours per week or more for pre-season activities, including training, marketing, sales, and recruitment. These activities can be scheduled on weekends or after class, so the program does not interfere with school commitments. During the summer, successful managers typically dedicate around 40 hours per week to the role.

Question 3

What can I do after I become a branch manager?

Accepted Answer

Branch Managers have gone on to succeed in a wide range of careers. Many pursue paths in engineering, finance, banking, sales, and business, while others have launched startups or entered fields like graphic design and medicine. The skills developed through running a business, such as leadership, problem solving, and communication, are valuable in any industry.

Question 4

Is this a paid internship?

Accepted Answer

We pay you minimum wage for every hour you work, but past that, your pay is based on the profit of your business. Last summer, our average student earned $18,000.

Question 5

How will I succeed if I have never painted before?

Accepted Answer

We picked the painting and window washing industry because they are skills that are easy to learn. Homeowners intuitively understand the idea of a student painting and window washing business, and they always love helping students. Neither are a difficult skill to learn; leadership, management, marketing, and sales are much more difficult.

Question 6

Why painting?

Accepted Answer

We operate in a summer-only industry because that’s when students are available to work. Each year, we help launch hundreds of businesses across the country, so keeping startup costs low is essential. Exterior painting is a service with strong demand, and it’s a skill that can be learned quickly.

Question 7

What kind of previous experience do I need?

Accepted Answer

No prior industry experience or management background is required. Our incoming interns just need to be hardworking, committed to putting in the time needed for success, and open to learning.

Question 8

Is this a reputable company upon graduation?

Accepted Answer

This internship gives you more responsibility and accountability than most others. While we may not be a brand name you hear in commercials, our students consistently stand out in full-time interviews when asked about the biggest challenges they have overcome, the most responsibility they have handled, and their leadership experience. We often receive calls from employers asking if we have more students available. The experience gained through this internship sets our students apart and prepares them for success in any career path.

Question 9

Does this program only apply to business majors?

Accepted Answer

Although roughly half of our interns are business majors, the others come from many different fields, including but not limited to engineering, education, psychology, arts, and sciences. We firmly believe that learning the art of leadership and management is valuable in nearly any industry, which is why we accept candidates based on their qualifications rather than their majors.

Question 10

Where do our alumni work now?

Accepted Answer

Our alumni work at a wide range of companies and organizations across various industries, including State Farm, JC3 Inc., Lenovo, HDR Engineering, American Transport Group LLC, Maxim Healthcare, Superior Industrial Cleaning, General Electric, Groupon, Chase Bank, Real Living Realty Services, Integrated Data Storage, PNC Bank’s Private Client Group, First Investor, Quicken Loans, Red Robin Company, Twin Cities Siding Professionals, Arch Grants, Next Generation Lending, Union Advisors, Target, Delia Real Estate Group, and the Yankees. Many alumni also pursue careers as real estate brokers, sales and efficiency managers, and in other leadership roles.

Frequently asked questions