We have all experienced our fair share of summer jobs.
Whether they lasted the length of your summer break, or even beyond. We have all had to start somewhere in order to move forward.
When I mean to move forward, I mean to the adult world of a true 7 to 5 p.m. job -- for most college students otherwise known as an internship.
This summer I have been the communication intern for a well-known company that is headquartered smack dab in the heart of downtown Des Moines, Iowa.
On my first day I was incredibly intimidated. This company is so respected and has such a strong reputation for itself -- I felt a lot of pressure to succeed and fit the mold right away.
Fast forward to today, I'm already a month into my internship and I laugh that I was so nervous and so intimidated on that first day because I have found my groove here AND I was hired for a reason -- they believed my skills, my work ethic, and my experience would be a perfect fit for the position amongst the others that applied and interviewed.
Let that sink in.
If you ever feel intimidated, nervous, or hesitant on your first day of work -- remember that YOU were chosen specifically because of your talents, skills, and because you were the perfect fit.
To be honest with you, I don't want this internship to come to an end. So much so, that I don't even want to go back and finish my last year of college.
I have made so many great relationships with the other interns that are working at the same company as I am. I have met so many new people just by working as the communications intern -- you are constantly connected with what is going on within the company, what's going on outside of the company, and who is doing what.
I have made incredible relationships with the other 30 members of my team and I can't wait to continue building those.
This job is unlike any of those other summer jobs that you just can't wait to pack up and go home.
I actually want to come in early every day and stay as late as I can.
I love the tasks and projects I am assigned to each and every day or week. I am truly passionate about what I am working on.
I love the fact that everyone is so open to giving feedback and not just being quick to say, "Good job," because that is the worst phrase you could ever say in the English language -- thank you for that tip, Professor Siebert.
My mentor, leader, and other team members have promoted positivity, happiness and encouragement. They constantly boast about what I accomplish and they continuously give me positive responses on my work -- with feedback, which is something I absolutely LOVE.
I do have to brag in some sense, because at my internship, I know I am valued. I know I matter and that I am actually treated as any other full-time employee is treated even though my title is an "Intern."
I have my own desk that is exactly like everyone else's in the office. I have a laptop that I can take to meetings, or just take when I want to get away from my desk to get the creative juices flowing to tackle an article, feature story, or project.
Not to mention (or brag for that matter) but I was nominated by some of my team for an award as a most outstanding student in public relations for my local PRSA chapter.
It's brought me to so many opportunities that I didn't know I would experience.
My confidence has skyrocketed this summer because I am surrounded by individuals who care about me, who want me to succeed, and believe in my talents and see that I am capable of doing so many things.
If you are looking for an internship in whatever you may be studying in college, I recommend you consider the following:
1. Start as early as you can.
The earlier you can get a jump on securing a summer internship -- the better. Having the option of experiencing something so early will help you go through the trial and error process. See what you like and what you dislike. Maybe you find out that you need to change your major OR you might like agencies over corporate settings, or you might even want to be your own boss!
2. Love the people you work with.
Not even joking. This applies to any job you have in your life -- if you don't like who you are working with, you will be miserable every day.
Having people you genuinely love seeing and talking to on a daily basis is key. Sure, you are going to have a few people here and there that you don't necessarily like or click with, but still, be kind. Having a good majority of your co-workers that you truly love being around is all that matters.
After all, you spend more of your time at work than at home.
3. Do your research.
Don't just jump into a job because it's going to pay the bills, or it's going to benefit you with something to throw on your resume.
NO.
Research, research, research! Know how previous employees have rated the company, how they treat employees, work life balance, anything you can find! I recommend using LinkedIn or Glassdoor for reviews!
4. Location!
Believe me -- location is a huge factor. Working in downtown Des Moines has been awesome. For example, some of the other interns and I have roamed around the Arts Festival or through the streets of DSM during our lunch break! Working in a great area is awesome -- especially for happy hours after work!
Most importantly from this, I hope you know that nothing is ever handed to you and it never will be and if it is, please reveal your secrets.
Always make sure that when you are starting out as a young professional, that you work your butt off and don't stop until you get where you want to be or go where you want to go.
Be the first one to arrive and the last to leave.
Work hard at everything you are assigned. Ask questions. Befriend people. Smile and have fun -- you are given an awesome opportunity that a majority of college students would love to have.
