Everyone has probably heard the phrase 'Oh, I'm just the intern' although being the intern seems like a boring position it's a great base for students to build a career, create a brand for themselves, and open up a huge door of opportunities. And with summer right around the corner, its a prime time to land that internship and kickstart your career. Last week on April 15th I received an award for Outstanding Intern of the Year at Grand Valley State University after working a year for the school newspaper, The Lanthorn. After completing this internship I realized the importance of gaining experience prior to applying for a job and how networking is extremely essential.
Starting out the internship, I was placed with Jeff Sorensen, the Promotions Manager at the Lanthorn. Jeff took me under his wing and showed me the ropes within the newspaper. I hadn't done much research on how newspaper managing and promotions worked but within a week or so Jeff didn't need to remind me to complete daily tasks or jobs anymore, I seemed to fit in with the crew quite nicely.
After a semester of working side by side with Jeff, the Promotions Team grew and was revamped to create more positions in order to delegate tasks more efficiently, this is when I was promoted to Social Media Manager. Through this position I managed all social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, Vine, and the new Pinterest account). One of the projects I launched this last semester was 'Theme of the Week'. Each week on Monday a new theme is promoted through social media outlets and students at Grand Valley can share photos using #Lanthorn. The Lanthorn will repost images throughout the week and choose a weekly winner who will win a prize. The Lanthorn received great submissions and engagement throughout the year, I was thrilled to see an idea become a success. Below are a few samples of various themes I have done throughout the year and submissions received from students and faculty.
Starting out the internship, I was placed with Jeff Sorensen, the Promotions Manager at the Lanthorn. Jeff took me under his wing and showed me the ropes within the newspaper. I hadn't done much research on how newspaper managing and promotions worked but within a week or so Jeff didn't need to remind me to complete daily tasks or jobs anymore, I seemed to fit in with the crew quite nicely.
After a semester of working side by side with Jeff, the Promotions Team grew and was revamped to create more positions in order to delegate tasks more efficiently, this is when I was promoted to Social Media Manager. Through this position I managed all social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, Vine, and the new Pinterest account). One of the projects I launched this last semester was 'Theme of the Week'. Each week on Monday a new theme is promoted through social media outlets and students at Grand Valley can share photos using #Lanthorn. The Lanthorn will repost images throughout the week and choose a weekly winner who will win a prize. The Lanthorn received great submissions and engagement throughout the year, I was thrilled to see an idea become a success. Below are a few samples of various themes I have done throughout the year and submissions received from students and faculty.
Through the entire internship experience I have gained knowledge within the newspaper and advertising world, networked with a variety of businesses and on-campus organizations, and got to work with some talented students at Grand Valley. I wanted to give special thank you to my boss Angela Carollo. She is one of the most dedicated, supportive, and go-getter type of boss I had the opportunity to work with. From my very first interview with Angela I knew she was going to someone I could learn from and a good guidance to follow in the advertising and promotion industry. She's smart, savvy and oh so cool girl. Thanks for all you have done and I hope to continue our friendship as you continue to CMU.
So what did I learn? Here are a few tips to think about as you are applying for that internship this summer.
1. Do Research: Before heading into that interview do you research on the company and/or organization. Understand how they operate, who there publics are, and what you can do for them. Once in the interview you'll feel more prepared to answers questions geared towards how their business is ran. It'll put you one step ahead of the company training and give you insight on how you can become a great asset to the team.
2. Be Yourself: Trying to fill the shoes of someone else is tiring, plus everyone else is taken. But most importantly stay true to yourself. If a company's morals and values aren't something you believe than that probably isn't the best fit for you. Keep looking and find a business where you feel like you belong there the second you step through the door.
3. Be Innovative: Being the intern you are giving various tasks to complete on a daily basis, mix it up a bit! At the next meeting surprise your team with a new idea. Bringing new concepts to the business will increase your value and creditability as a higher level than just an intern.
4. Set Goals: After your first week at your new internship, write down a set of goals and objectives you want to achieve after completion of the internship. These will become a set of guidelines and motives to push you to work hard everyday. Since most internships aren't paid, one must understand the balance of experience out weighing money.
5. Be Flexible: Interns are typically thrown into new situations that you might not always feel comfortable in because of your lack of knowledge - don't freak. The purpose of an internship is to learn, if we knew everything than we wouldn't be going to school or participating in internships. Take these moments of fear of lack of knowledge and grow from it, you'll be surprised at how much you actually know and how quickly you learn.
6. Work Hard: This one goes without saying but especially with internships stay focused and stay motivated to give it your all everyday. Since they aren't paid, the money motive isn't there so it's important to come with an open mind ready to work everyday and trust me that handwork will pay off in the end!
7. Network: Talk with co-workers and reach out to other businesses at meeting and conferences. By extending your interest to others they will remember your face and name which could be a good connection for further employment. You never know who you are talking too so make sure to choose your words wisely.
8. Have Fun: Even among all the handwork and deadlines, don't forget to smile. It can be stressful in a new situation with the pressure of learning all new techniques but stay positive and make the most of every opportunity handed to you.
My experience at the Grand Valley Lanthorn is one I will never forget. I am thankful to have been given this opportunity to work with the Promotions Team to reach a common goal at Grand Valley. Through my time at the Lanthorn, I have watched social media statistics rise and a two-way communication relationship begin to form with students and the media. I am proud to say I helped contribute to this relationship and hope to watch it grow as years continue. I'll miss my Lanthorn crew but don't you worry I'll be making weekly visits to the office and always remembered as #TheIntern
So what did I learn? Here are a few tips to think about as you are applying for that internship this summer.
1. Do Research: Before heading into that interview do you research on the company and/or organization. Understand how they operate, who there publics are, and what you can do for them. Once in the interview you'll feel more prepared to answers questions geared towards how their business is ran. It'll put you one step ahead of the company training and give you insight on how you can become a great asset to the team.
2. Be Yourself: Trying to fill the shoes of someone else is tiring, plus everyone else is taken. But most importantly stay true to yourself. If a company's morals and values aren't something you believe than that probably isn't the best fit for you. Keep looking and find a business where you feel like you belong there the second you step through the door.
3. Be Innovative: Being the intern you are giving various tasks to complete on a daily basis, mix it up a bit! At the next meeting surprise your team with a new idea. Bringing new concepts to the business will increase your value and creditability as a higher level than just an intern.
4. Set Goals: After your first week at your new internship, write down a set of goals and objectives you want to achieve after completion of the internship. These will become a set of guidelines and motives to push you to work hard everyday. Since most internships aren't paid, one must understand the balance of experience out weighing money.
5. Be Flexible: Interns are typically thrown into new situations that you might not always feel comfortable in because of your lack of knowledge - don't freak. The purpose of an internship is to learn, if we knew everything than we wouldn't be going to school or participating in internships. Take these moments of fear of lack of knowledge and grow from it, you'll be surprised at how much you actually know and how quickly you learn.
6. Work Hard: This one goes without saying but especially with internships stay focused and stay motivated to give it your all everyday. Since they aren't paid, the money motive isn't there so it's important to come with an open mind ready to work everyday and trust me that handwork will pay off in the end!
7. Network: Talk with co-workers and reach out to other businesses at meeting and conferences. By extending your interest to others they will remember your face and name which could be a good connection for further employment. You never know who you are talking too so make sure to choose your words wisely.
8. Have Fun: Even among all the handwork and deadlines, don't forget to smile. It can be stressful in a new situation with the pressure of learning all new techniques but stay positive and make the most of every opportunity handed to you.
My experience at the Grand Valley Lanthorn is one I will never forget. I am thankful to have been given this opportunity to work with the Promotions Team to reach a common goal at Grand Valley. Through my time at the Lanthorn, I have watched social media statistics rise and a two-way communication relationship begin to form with students and the media. I am proud to say I helped contribute to this relationship and hope to watch it grow as years continue. I'll miss my Lanthorn crew but don't you worry I'll be making weekly visits to the office and always remembered as #TheIntern