Good morning Boston! Yes, it is currently 6am. My extreme build up of excitement for my first day of my summer internship did not allow me to get too much sleep. This summer I have the absolute privilege to intern at one of the top advertising agencies in the world, Mullen. As I get ready for my first day I want to take a brief moment and point out a few goals I have set out for myself as this will probably be my most important internship I have ever done and I need to make it count. Not only am I working for a company I might want to pursue a career with after college, but I hope that this will be my last internship therefore requiring me to absorb everything I can from the experience.
During the next few weeks I plan to share some of my experiences and update my progress on achieving my goals with a full evaluation at the end of the 10-week program.
Here are my Top 5 Summer Internship Goals:
1) Demonstrate my desire to learn
As I am someone who has had many internships and other related experiences I want to go back to basics. In some way I would like to “erase” my previous experiences to give me the ability to learn. This includes asking at least 3 questions every day to remind myself this is not only an opportunity to learn about how to do my job best but also to learn about others I’m working with.
2) Be friendly, outgoing and polite
Sometimes those that work around you but not with you may not take that extra step to introduce themselves or make the initiative to even get to know you. I can’t tell you how many people I saw last summer at the agency I worked for that just looked at me but never spoke a word to me. This summer I’m going to do my best to introduce myself to everyone I see. Being friendly, outgoing and polite can open doors to new connections and lead to more opportunities. Plus you can make friends that way!
3) Speak up when I have ideas or concerns
Keeping thoughts and concerns to yourself can be more harmful to you and those around you. It is best for me to share my ideas for it will demonstrate that I’m confident and actually have thoughts. There is no reason I should just sit there and wait to asked. Take initiative and show that you’re knowledgeable about advertising, the industry, the client, etc. If I don’t voice concerns I could end up doing something wrong or cause more problems. Don’t be ashamed to admit you don’t know, or you’ve made a mistake.
4) Take every opportunity that is given to me and seek out others when available
There will be times when people may ask me to do more projects or even grab a drink. Jump on these opportunities. Also when you hear of opportunities that interest you don’t be afraid to take them. As long as they don’t affect the work I’m already responsible for then go for it.
5) Say “Thank you”
Always remember to be grateful for this incredible opportunity. In an email they humbly remind incoming interns that they beat out over 1,200 applicants for a position. Um like WOW! So remember to say “thank you”. Say it those around you go an extra mile or even just every now and then to show your appreciation.
So those are my goals. Wish me luck as I head to work!
Marissa Osowsky 