This summer, we were privileged to be joined by three marketing and journalism majors about to start their senior years. In this post, the second in a series of three, Noemi Kerjean, a marketing major at Florida State University, adds to the insights of our first post in the series, by Henry Politz, a journalism major at the University of Missouri, and shares several tips on how other interns can succeed that she based on her summer spent here. If you or someone you know would be interested in an internship with us, we invite you to apply on our Work With Us page under Internship Opportunities.
By Noemi Kerjean
As I reflect on my time as an intern at Schifino Lee, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of being an intern with a purpose. In this blog post, I would like to share some valuable lessons I learned during my journey and provide tips for future interns to have purpose in their journeys as well.
Tips for How to Succeed as an Intern
Embrace the learning process: No, you’re not supposed to know everything, and that’s okay! It’s essential to remember that each assignment is an opportunity to learn something new. Take the time to absorb all the information you come across and don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek feedback. When doing an assignment for someone, always keep them in the loop on your project, so you can be as efficient as possible and not have to spend any extra time on a project as a result of a misunderstanding or oversight, or, even worse, have to do a project all over! (It can happen, trust me.)
Learn from your fellow interns: Interning is not just about individual growth; it’s also about collaboration and teamwork. As I embarked on my internship journey, I didn’t really know my fellow interns, Henry and Brianna. However, over time, we developed a close collaboration and formed a great team. We discovered the power of bouncing ideas off each other and learned how to work together efficiently. Based on this, I urge other interns to not hesitate to engage with other fellow interns, share experiences, and learn from one another. This includes not only expressing your thoughts and ideas but also actively listening to others.
Define your learning objectives: Before starting your internship, take some time to reflect on your goals and aspirations. What do you hope to achieve or learn during your time as an intern? Having clear objectives will provide a sense of direction and purpose. It could be mastering a specific skill (for me, it was PowerPoint presentations), gaining experience in a particular area of a profession, or expanding your industry knowledge.
Tips for How to Succeed as an Intern at Schifino Lee
Engage in spontaneous conversations: You’re in a room filled with some of the most talented and creative professionals you’ve had a chance to work with up to that point in your professional journey. Take advantage of it to learn about them, pick their brains and have fun!
Don’t worry about what to wear: This might sound like a silly tip, but if you’re like me, I would have loved to have known this beforehand. Business-casual works great! And on the topic of wardrobe, don’t forget to check out the shoes of Business Strategy Director Jeff Philbin every day. They’re always cool!
Being an intern with a purpose goes beyond completing tasks and projects. It’s about immersing yourself in the learning process, collaborating with your peers, and seizing every opportunity for growth. By embracing these principles, you can make the most of your internship and lay a foundation for the first chapter of your professional journey after college.
