The Great Debate: Which Internship To Take

Spring is progressing and internships are quickly approaching. The normal highly structured and well planned life that I like to lead now has elements of uncertainty. I find myself in a confused position regarding the decision of which internship position I should accept. I applied to two very different companies: a public relations firm and a recording studio that specializes in jingle writing. (Do not judge me, it sounds like a fun, creative, brain-exercising summer experience.) I am finding the decision difficult for a few reasons: 1) Should I try something new that isn't necessarily related to my intended major? 2) Should I work under a pr professional or as my own boss? 3) Should I accept a summer of low-level pr tasks for a well-respected firm or work diligently (and stressfully) to create high-level projects?

This predicament is one of the reasons why I created InternshipRatings.com. While it is important to consider the skills I will learn and the tasks I will perform, the company environment and staff play a large part in the success of an internship experience. If the companies I am interested in were posted on the website, it would make my decision much easier! Unfortunately, I do not know anyone who has interned at these companies and therefore must try to make the most informed decision I can on my own.

As I sit here weighing my options, I will offer you some advice if you are in the same position. Ask for the company's internship program fact sheet/guide. This document should clearly define your summer duties and the company's expectations of you. The one I received even details how to answer the phone properly! As I have also mentioned before, the interview is also a great way to get to know more about your potential employer. Thoughtful questions can provide you with similar answers that a previous intern would give.

If you have taken this advice and feel confident about both internships, you should feel confident selecting either option. And when you are finished with your experience, don't forget to add it to InternshipRatings.com to make a fellow intern's next decision an easier one!

--Stephanie

Internship Ratings of the Week: Focus on Mullen

InternshipRatings.com offers potential interns unique inside-information that will allow him or her to make a better informed decision about applying to a specific company. The free expression section of the rating is equally as important as the questions because it allows users to get a more detailed idea about the company. It is a way to learn about specific departments, horror/funny stories, specific responsibilities and other aspects of the experience. Each week, we will highlight a critique that offers meaningful insight (good and bad) about the intern world at Company X.

This week, I will feature a post about Mullen, a communications agency (specializing in Advertising, Public Relations and Marketing) renowned for its business approach termed collective entrepreneurialism. It has grown to become the 22nd largest communications firm in the United States. It is based in Wenham, Mass., a suburb of Boston. Mullen has a well established internship program that has already received more than 200 applicants for Summer 2008. 

The anonymous brand planning intern who worked at Mullen last Summer had the opportunity network, gain an understanding of the Advertising industry and meet other college students. Networking with company employees and co-interns is important for future endeavors, such as applying for jobs. The fact that Mullen encourages employees and interns to interact is a fabulous quality of its summer program. This person enjoyed weekly catered brown bag lunches (my mouth is starting to water) for her department. In addition to this, there were other events like ice cream/pizza parties and intern kickball. Events like this demonstrate a few great qualities about the company and its summer program: 1) It is invested in its employees and openly appreciates them 2) It establishes camaraderie among interns and employees 3) It wants to cultivate an internship program that differentiates itself from other similar communications firms by giving interns perks 4) Activities such as these allow Mullen to gain a greater sense of a person outside of the regular bustling office scene...think of an interactive interview process. 

Another positive aspect of Mullen's program is its focus on teamwork. At the end of the eight-week experience, interns are separated into teams and must create a new business pitch for a client. The presentations are judged by principal members of the company--in this case it was the CEO, COO and New Business Director. This opportunity enables interns to combine all of the skills they have learned throughout the experience and gain feedback from accomplished professionals. This project seems invaluable because of the skills you can perfect (ie public speaking, strategic planning and teamwork). It is more useful for a future career than any mock proposal I have had to turn in at school. I also agree with the post in that "the fact that such high profile people invested time in the internship program speaks to the culture at Mullen." 

If you are interested in reading the rest of the rating, please click on this link.

--Stephanie

Watch Your Mouth!

A recent article published by Careerbuilder.com suggests that the appropriateness of comments in the workplace to coworkers and bosses can damage your relationships and even your career. Although you may think that a pejorative remark rolled off the sleeve of your supervisor, it could be a comment that he or she decides to associate with you from them on.

Interns, especially, should be cognizant of their behavior in the workplace. Whether or not they are given the same respect as employees, they should demonstrate responsibility, trustworthiness and an interest in the experience. Internships are equated with an interactive interview process that could lead to a position in the company. One poorly thought out remark could ruin their credibility. So interns, for the sake of your reputations and future careers, watch your mouths!

Here are some phrases that you should AVOID saying in the workplace:

"I heard ____ say this in the break room."

It is inappropriate to create inner office gossip, especially since you do not know if it's true. As an intern, you should not meddle in the affairs of other employees, as it could result in the end of your internship. The best thing you can do is walk away from the situation.

"I partied so hard last night."

While you might think of your supervisor as more of a friend, it is inappropriate to discuss your partying habits with him or her. Even though your boss might have share your habits, this topic is simply inappropriate for the office. Trust me, you do not want to become associated with sex, drugs or rock and roll.

"Get your own coffee."

Internships are stereotypically associated with grunt work, like shlepping your boss a cup of coffee. If menial tasks were not in the job description you signed up for, do not freak out. Instead of scolding someone who is your superior, politely grant his or her request. If your boss continues to ask you for coffee, ask if you can talk privately at a convenient time. During this conversation, politely state that you are ready to take on larger responsibilites!

For more examples, please click here to see the original article!

--Stephanie

Internship Resolutions for the New Year

As 2008 rapidly approaches, I reflect on the year that is almost over. 2007 was a busy year full of academic and work accomplishments, traveling, and adventures with close friends. I can excitedly say that I achieved all that I had hoped to. Creating a list of resolutions helped me attain all of the goals that I set for myself annually. Here are some internship related goals I set for myself that made me become a successful intern.

Here's to a happy, prosperous, internship filled new year!

Here is a list of resolutions for 2008:

• Thank bosses, mentors, teachers or individuals who positively influenced you in the workplace or who helped you find an internship
• Contact your fellow interns, mentors and bosses to say "Happy New Year" and update them on your whereabouts
• Update your resume (add new internships, personal interests, tailor the colors and font to match that of the employer you are sending it to)
• Modify your cover letter (mention new accomplishments, make it coincide with the industry and employer you are sending it to)
• Gather writing examples, recommendation letters, and examples of other accomplishments to send/bring to a potential employer
• Search for your next internship (check the web, talk to former employers, friends and professors, visit your school's career center)
• Practice  interviewing with a friend, professor or career counselor
• Read one blog that corresponds with your personal interests and another that is related to your industry
• Do something nice for someone everyday!

Reliving My Hockey Internship

Last night was by far the best night of my winter vacation! I relived my favorite internship from a few years ago--not in the sense that I dreamt about it. I actually had a chance to be an intern again! Two summers ago I had the privilege of working for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the marketing and public relations departments. I have not mentioned it before, but hockey is my passion. Working for a professional team was a dream come true: work was more like play. My days were filled with projects like compiling the statistics section of the media guide and playing cubicle floor hockey. Since my internship, I have made it a point to keep in touch with two of the advisors for whom I worked. When I am home from college, I visit and help out with public relations tasks on game days.

I was reminded of the importance of networking in the press box last night. By building and maintaining relationships with my advisors, They have offered me an open invitation to work for the team when I am home. Additionally, I have been able to meet other contacts. For example, my advisor introduced me to the director of broadcasting for the team. Although he and I are interested in different industries, this individual is connected to local and national media contacts who are in my field. By conversing with him and establishing myself as a public relations professional-in-training, I linked myself to his broader group of contacts. It is so important to establish positive relationships because the business world is small. It may be hard to fathom, but contacts (especially those who you never thought would come in handy) can help you get another internship or job based on their circle of friends and experience. Maintaining your relationships is a small, easy task that you can do to help yourself succeed in the business world.

This time of year is perfect for reconnecting with an old boss. Send him or her a short e-mail with holiday wishes and current information about school, internships and achievements. It would be nice to ask him or her about the company too. It is better to create lasting relationships that will lead to future internship and business opportunities than to limit yourself. Renowned American comedian and actor Milton Berle said it best, "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."

--Stephanie

Life is too short to put up with a bad internship

In celebration of my new found freedom at the end of a stressful semester, I decided to do a little shopping. While I walked through the mall, I came across the store Barney's. As I approached the entrance, the first thing that popped into my mind was my summer internship.

Like I have said before, last summer I interned with an upscale designer in Manhattan. I was hired as a public relations intern. I was under the impression that I would help the designer with press kits and other related tasks, but did I do any PR? I wish the answer were yes! Unfortunately, I spent most of my days packing up inventory for Barney's and other upscale stores. Every day I came home frustrated. Packing inventory was definitely not in job description that I signed up for. I accept that grunt work is usually an inevitable part of an internship; however, this was much worse than doing menial tasks. Internships are for learning, not doing someone else’s entire job. The designer should have hired a person to fill the shipping position or clarified my duties during the interview.

Looking back, I wish I had listened to the people around me. My friends and family told me to quit and find a fair internship where I would be able to learn about my field of interest, but I didn't listen. I felt uncomfortable with my boss and didn't have the courage to say anything. Let me tell you, regret sucks!

My advice is to speak up if you are an intern who is doing tasks that are not part of the job description you agreed to. Talk to your immediate advisor or someone else who you feel comfortable approaching about your duties. Take initiative and suggest some projects or tasks you would like to do. Anticipate the company’s needs. The purpose of interning is to watch and learn. If you are neither doing anything meaningful nor learning, there is no reason to put up with your unfair internship. Take pride in your work, realize you strengths, and stand up for yourself!

--Lauren

Business Week 50 Best Internships

Business Week recently published a list of the top 50 companies to intern at. The main criteria: offering jobs at the end of the summer. Internships are now more meaningful than space fillers for your resume. They are becoming a summer long interview process that could possibly lead to your first job. This means that the pressure is on! Since the line between internships and jobs are blurring, remember to act like a professional (ie steer clear of sex jokes, personal phone calls, texting, online shopping and addictive online games). Although internships tend to be less strict than jobs, do not abuse your freedom. Make sure you give off a good impression, meaning that you enjoy working for the company and that you want to be there. Remember that the goal of an internship is experience and networking opportunities. Even if you cannot picture yourself working at the company in the future, a stellar recommendation from them will help you land a job somewhere else.

This article reminds me of my past internship because I was offered a job at the end of the summer. The president pulled me aside to tell me that my enthusiasm, anticipation of their needs and grammatical precision were what they looked for in employees. Oddly enough, the president was convinced that I would give up finishing my college degree for a public relations position. Although I did not accept the job, I was proud that my hard work was noticeable. 

Good actions don't go unnoticed. Keep up the hard work because it will pay off!

--Stephanie