Last fall I was just an eager college student. Nervous for what my senior year had in store but excited to be exposed to new opportunities and learning experiences. After having Lisa as a professor, I knew interning at Brock would be a crazy and hugely beneficial ride. Needless to say, this internship took me so much further than I even thought possible both personally and professionally.
Yes, I learned everything and anything about the PR world, from attention to detail to writing press releases, contacting the media, collecting analytics, increasing online visibility—you name it, we did it! Working directly with the account executives in a small firm allowed me to ask specific questions and gave me the chance to see how one’s work constantly needs to be altered based on the various clients’ wants/needs, which is also why it’s essential to do your research. Through this internship, I was given all the resources I need to perform my first job out of college confidently, while easing me into adulthood and teaching me about myself.
You’re stronger than you think
Each day in the office I was faced with a new challenge. Whether it be a testimonial I struggled with or spilling coffee on my jacket before meeting with a client, I was forced to figure out an alternative and solve the problem. One of the hardest parts of transitioning from college to the real world is that you no longer have someone holding your hand. You must be able to think critically for yourself so you are able to keep moving forward. You’re going to make mistakes, some worse than others—just own up to them and do your best get back on track.
Who said no new friends?
You’re not alone just because you no longer have the security of a college campus or your parents’ house. There are always people rooting for you. Forming new relationships and creating bonds in the professional world is key in my eyes. Sometimes what takes you furthest in life isn’t your skill set but how you view the world and whether you are able to appreciate people for who they are. We are all on this crazy ride together and everyone needs support. Taking the time to get to know your colleagues and clients will allow you to understand them and to gain a whole new level of respect. Your work will emulate this, and understanding what clients want will start to come more easily.
Rethink responsibility
My exposure to events, meetings, professionals and clients changed my whole perspective on responsibility. I have always tried to be as responsible as possible but only because I knew that was the right thing to do. I never really thought about what that word actually meant until this internship. Responsibility is knowing that you’re fortunate enough to have to make the decision of going into work that morning or staying at the office late to finish up work. Deciding whether or not to attend the event even though it’s on a Sunday. Responsibility is doing something because you can. So many young adults would kill to have to make those decisions but will never have the opportunity. I feel responsible when I embrace those moments and go to the event or stay late for the person who can’t but wishes they could.
YOU will get YOUR job
One of the most important lessons I will walk away from this internship with is to stop trying to be something you’re not. I was always one to compare myself to others in almost every category. It never did me any good so I wondered why I couldn’t shake this habit. While at Brock I was able to see the different interactions among people in the business. Certain people respond better to others, and having different personalities in the office is one of the reasons why Brock Communications is successful. Real connection comes when you stop hiding your true self and you realize some people are a lot more like you than you thought. If you know yourself and are willing to embrace it you can do anything. YOU will build relationships with the people you want in your life, YOU will be get hired at the place you want to work and YOU will find happiness.
The women at Brock Communications are remarkable, strong-willed and genuine. I couldn’t have asked for better mentors. This internship came at a turning point in my life and nothing could have prepared me better than this team. I am sad to leave but also ready and excited to use everything I’ve learned and be able to do it with confidence for the first time in my life. Thank you so much, Lisa, Paige, Shea, Carolina and Sarah.