The Intern: A Reflection on Age, Experience, and Learning
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of watching the 2015 movie “The Intern” starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway. Directed by Nancy Meyers, the film follows Ben Whittaker, a 72-year-old widower who decides that retirement isn’t for him and takes on an internship at a successful online fashion startup. This unconventional move leads to unexpected friendships, personal growth, and valuable insights.
At the core of the film is the real-life trend of older workers staying in the workforce longer. According to Pew Research, the number of American workers aged 65 and older has doubled in the past 35 years. This shift challenges traditional notions of retirement and highlights the value and contribution of older employees in today’s workforce.
Ben’s journey as an intern is both heartwarming and inspiring. Despite his age, he quickly adapts to the fast-paced world of technology and becomes a mentor to his younger colleagues, including the ambitious and driven Jules Ostin. Their mentor-mentee relationship is a key highlight of the film, showcasing the power of mutual learning and reverse mentoring.
As I watched the film, I couldn’t help but reflect on the importance of continuous learning and multi-generational collaboration in the workplace. Ben’s transformation from a confused intern to a trusted advisor serves as a reminder that valuable insights can come from anyone, regardless of age or position in an organization.
The film’s depiction of Jules and Ben’s relationship is a light-hearted yet impactful example of the benefits of embracing diversity and experience in the workplace. It challenges stereotypes and underscores the importance of curiosity and lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
As we navigate a shifting demographic landscape in the workforce, it is essential for learning leaders to foster environments that encourage continuous learning and mutual respect across generations. The film serves as a reminder of the valuable contributions that older workers can make to organizational success and productivity.
While watching “The Intern,” I couldn’t help but imagine a chief learning officer character guiding the company’s learning and development efforts. It’s a thought-provoking idea that reinforces the message of the film and the importance of investing in learning and development at all levels of an organization.
In conclusion, “The Intern” serves as a poignant reminder of the power of age, experience, and learning in the workplace. It challenges conventional wisdom and celebrates the value of embracing diversity and collaboration across generations. If you have any recommendations for films with a similar theme, I would love to hear them!
