We've all seen "The Devil Wears Prada" or watched "Horrible Bosses," resting in the comfort of knowing that these fictional accounts are just that, fictional! But what if I told you that working your way up to the top can be just that (if not more) trying? - Especially for interns. From completing work with their boss's name on it for credit, to picking up their supervisor's kids from soccer practice, interns are putting in hard hours everywhere.
Unless you work for your parents, or you have quite the inheritance, chances are you will start off as an intern. Interning is probably one of the most valuable, unpaid (or for some paid) experiences one can expose themselves to. But the question is, how far are you willing to go? I've surveyed a few people who I'd like to call the "hustlers" - people who have served as "interns" or "clerks" and are now benefitting from the momentum they started years ago. For those interning or seeking internships take heed:
Name: Carmen Jones "CJ"
Current Location: Atlanta, GA
Hometown: Prince George, VA
Title(s): PR Practitioner/Writer
Contact Info.: carmen.jones52@yahoo.com
Personal Website: karmatheteacher.wordpress.com
Name: (Humble Worker - information available upon request) "HW"
Current Location: Washington, DC
Hometown: Midlothian, VA
Title(s): Fundraising Associate
Why did you pick your field of work?
HW: As a Government and Public Service major in undergrad, I wanted to choose a field of work that allowed me to wake up each morning excited and passionate about my work.
CJ: I wanted a career that I would love. I wanted to do something I was absolutely good at, something I would have fun doing, and not hate going to in the morning. Nobody wants to get up and dread going to work.
Carmen Jones pictured interviewing comedian Kevin Hart during the "Think Like A Man Too" film premiere
What was one of the worst internship experiences you ever had? How did you overcome/learn from it?
RF: I once interned for someone who had a completely different style of work ethic and communication. There were many times where we both became frustrated and sometimes we would argue. However, this was a great experience because I learned a lot about what it takes to succeed in environments where supervisors have different styles of communication. Also, it helped me understand my limits and what I need to do when faced with conflicts in the workplace.
HW: One of my worst intern experiences came when I chose to express my excitement for my current internship on Twitter and other Social media outlets. I tweeted that I was excited to be meeting with Representative (_______) for lunch, at "this time," and I tagged the location. I was soon after prompted by their office to delete that post and never post anything of that kind again. Not quite the internship experience that I was looking to have. I learned from this that there is a separation between work and play. I was so focused on telling people what I was about to do that I did not embrace how blessed I was to be able to get such tutelage from such a distinguished figure. When you are interning, focus on the task at hand, and embrace the moment. Learn to Unplug!
"HW" pictured in front the U.S. Capitol Building.
Are unpaid internships even worth the time?
CJ: Of course! Internships are very necessary - ESPECIALLY in undergrad. You don't want to be a graduate having to intern, if you can avoid it. Most PR/Marketing firms won't even take you if you haven't had an internship. You NEED that experience.
CD: Answer these three questions: 1) What are your needs? 2) What are the company's needs? 3) Will there a mutual benefit from an unpaid internship? If both yours and the company's needs can be fulfilled, then go for it. In public service, a lot of the groundwork comes from the bottom up - the workers. Volunteers and interns are necessary for growth. Upon preparing for my interview I made it a point to ask specific questions directed toward potential advancement. With positive feedback, I chose to alter my schedule outside my internship in order to maintain my personal financial obligations.
***Contact information for the "hustlers" are available upon request. Please visit the "contact" section of the site for more information.
Name: Ryan Francis "RF"
Current Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Title: Third Year Law Student/Entrepreneur
Name: Carmen Daniel "CD"
Current Location: Atlanta, GA
Hometown: Hampton, VA
Title: Worksite Wellness Specialist, GA Dept. of Public Health
Contact Info: cnddaniel@gmail.com
How did you get your past/current internship(s)?
RF: Networking. Many of my internship opportunities have come from relationships that I built throughout my academic and professional career. I would like to emphasize the importance of building relationships instead of begging for a job. When you build a relationship, you are giving your time, energy, and sometimes resources to get to know someone or help someone out, without expecting anything in return. This can sometimes be very frustrating, but I promise you it will pay off in the long run.
Ryan Francis pictured with legal colleagues at Justice Wilhemina Wright's investiture.
CD: In search for employment I happened to run across internship applications through a local university's website. Although this was not my primary goal or focus, I knew that, if provided the opportunity, I would be able to gain invaluable experience that not only would help me grow personally and professionally but would be viewed favorable in my future job searches. A nontraditional applicant, i was not currently in school, I presented myself in a way that was eager for the experience, innovative in my ideas, and knowledgeable enough about the specifications of the program to be seen as an asset. And as cliche as it may sound - it was only uphill from here.
Carmen Daniel pictured participating in the Georgia Department of Health's Wellness Event with her fellow interns & supervisor (center - white blouse)