YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE
Earlier this spring, I showed up for my interview at Mintz & Hoke fifteen minutes early, in my suit, with a notepad and some ideas scrawled across its blank lines. I maintained eye contact, focused on giving firm handshakes and asking pointed questions. Upon returning home, I wrote a hand-written thank you note and mailed it. Despite my trepidation, I was excited about the opportunity of an internship. I must have gotten something right, because a few days later I was asked to join the Mintz & Hoke team as a Social Media Intern. Now that I'd landed an internship, I still did not know what to expect. Although totally unfamiliar with the professional world, I was confident that I would come out of this summer with something of value. The question was - what?
Nearing the end of my internship experience, I can confidently say that I surpassed any expectation about what I would get out of the summer internship. First, I am so grateful that I was given specific tasks that enabled me to measure tangible outcomes for the company. In addition to the positive feedback I received from friends, family, and other Mintz & Hoke employees, I can proudly point to how many Mintz & Hoke Twitter followers I gained, how many people "Like" Mintz & Hoke, and how many readers were driven to the B2 Blog. Being able to see my impact was a realization of accomplishments and impact on the business which drove me to try every day to widen my horizons - reaching higher than my grasp.
When I was asked to write a blog entry for B2 - the agency's blog, I was both excited and nervous. I love to write and always have, so naturally I jumped at the chance to author my own entry. However, I had never written a blog before and didn't really know where to start - or where to finish. I constructed my first entry tentatively, but got more confident as I wrote it and re-wrote it. Blog writing content and style became another valuable take-away from my internship experience. Not only did I learn that blogging is essential to get ideas out in the professional world, but I also learned how to get those ideas out effectively and persuasively.
Beyond the tasks that were initially outlined for me, I had the privilege of working on a few projects across various agency segments. These tasks really tapped into my love for all things creative. I sat in on meetings and watched the inner-workings of the agency unfold between the creative and account service practices, seeing the interaction close-up. I worked closely with web designers and programmers to learn about posting material on the website and on blogs. Through these meetings, I was able to meet employees from all different departments and backgrounds. Thus, I really gained a well-rounded view of all possible jobs within an agency and how they are related. I got a feel for where I might fit in two years upon my graduation.
Before my experience at Mintz & Hoke, I had never held a full-time job. It is completely different than working part time! Although I have only been here two-plus months, it was long enough to get acquainted with the 9-5 grind. I've learned how to manage my time at the office, and how to conduct myself in a professional setting - two skills that will be invaluable in a future career. Everyone that I met and worked with has contributed to my learning, and for that I am exceedingly thankful. From my experience here, I have gained an important mentor in Bill. He has been a role model of professionalism and leadership, and has given me the opportunities to take away an immense amount of diverse and meaningful knowledge. He has truly encouraged me to reach higher and become better.
I will take my experiences and memories from Mintz & Hoke back to the University of Michigan and put them to use. The internship far exceeded my initial expectations. I learned more than I ever thought I would. I'm far better off for the time I spent at Mintz & Hoke. Everyone should absolutely pursue an internship by participating or offering one. It is so worth it!
Keywords: Internships; Summer Internships; Value of Internships; Mentoring; Value of Giving Back; Putting Your All Into Something; Internship Outcomes
Jamie - it is obvious you gained a lot of knowledge and insight this summer during your internship. You are already a step ahead of others in your field who choose not to take part in an internship. As always I wish you nothing but the best. Good luck back in school. Mrs. Lungarini
Internships benefit both parties because we learn from each other. It is wonderful that you have had such a fulfilling experience!
Experiencing life is the best teacher and you experienced professional life among the best! Biil and Mintz & Hoke stand for excellence and the highest standards of quality. You cannot hide in the shadows nor live in mediocrity at Mintz & Hoke. You especially cannot do that under the mentorship of Bill Field.The fact is you came to learn and came to grow and you did that in one of the finest communication firms in the U.S.Congrats on an enlightening experience and the courage to challenge yourself to do it!
I am pleased for you Jamie. Look fwd to seeing you sometime down the road. xo C
I can remember my first internsip and was greatful to have some real-world experience on my resume when I hit the pavement after college. It gave me an understanding of professionalism that was expected of me in my first job and every job, meeting, or business relationship after that. Ofcourse we learn more as we go, but what a wonderful world we are exposed to as an intern! Even just the fly on the wall experience makes the 9 to 5 grind worth it all. And you were lucky to get that plus some creative projects. The creative environment has it's own unique thing... Combining left brain and right. Match made in heaven if you ask me.
School will be too easy for you now... Heh heh
Congratulations on a job well done, Jamie!
By really diving into this internship and absorbing all you possibly could you have gained invaluable insights into the professional arena and now undoubtedly will have a new perspective as you return to your studies. I also trust you have given those you have had the privilege of working with "hope" in terms of the quality of young professionals 'in the pipeline'..Bravo.
How to get a job without experience, and how to get experience without a job. Big condos to you both, Jamie and Minz and Hoke. You both take the risk, and you both won. For me personally, I didn’t even know what blog was for starters. And don’t read all that much. My work schedule doesn’t always allow for that. 9-5? Wait, there is 7- 7+ sometimes. Your stories made me take the time, to make time, and read your stuff. And I really enjoyed it. Thank you both for that. (I even posted a comment, and continue to all over the internet, a big step for me.)
One of the best customer service people I ever worked with at the company I work for was an intern. He has worked with us now for 8 years. After this individual finished school, our company hired him pronto. This always is not the case, but it sure opens the door wide… I agree this semester will seem breezy now… Talk/Type to you soon___________________________rw
No surprise here. Looks like a great experience was had by all. Be well and do well.
Great job Jamie! Good for you for taking the initiative to do this in the first place. It sure sounds like it was well worth it for both you and Mintz and Hoke. At first I didn't even know how to blog - there's probably many in my generation in the same boat...I agree with Dr. Kummer - you are an inspiration to our generation but also to your own, and show that hard work always pays off. As we say in the information technology world - 'GIGO' or garbage in, garbage out...You truly showed with this experience that you always "get what you give". I am sure you will continue to enlighten and inspire those around you wherever you go.
Well said. I have often stated that it is an obligation of people at the top to "send the elevator back down." I am glad I did with you. Lives should be judged on the impact that you make on others. You had a profound impact with us. M & H is in a better place because of your efforts. You are destined to do great things in business. I look forward to seeing it happen along the way. Enjoy the journey and enjoy every step. Dare to be great in all you do. There is no question that you give a lot, but you'll get equally as much. The greatest repayment for your internship will be for you to do it when you are in the position to make internships happen.
I read both blogs and while reading both I shook my head in amazement. I am truly impressed and I can't believe how smart, motivated, driven, and talented you are at such a young age. This has been true of every single thing I have seen you undertake in your life. Everything you attempt you do it exceedingly well and with the best attitude imagineable. I know they are, but your family should be proud of you (and themselves for having raised such a special young woman). I am already shaking my head and saying..."I knew her when....".
I didn't comment on the first blog simply because I had no time, but I manage an IT staff and I have adults that work for me that can't identify or create a simple sentence. It is frustrating for me as a manager and it's embarrassing to me that these people represent my group. The only good (she says with sarcasm) side of this is the problem seems to be so widespread and common that people don't even recognize bad writing, spelling, or grammar when they see it.
I had an intern work for me this summer. He was fantastic in every way (though I am positive he couldn't have been a better intern than you). I sincerely hope he left here feeling half as good about his internship as it sounds like you did about yours. Very good, Jamie. I'm genuinely impressed. Good luck this year at school.