I just finished my first internship at Starseed PR last Wednesday, which was bitter sweet. On the one hand I was getting sick of gift wrapping and doing menial jobs, but on the other hand it was a really cool, inspiring place to be and I really liked the people.
Unfortunately I don't think I got to prove myself to them, whether they didn't need my skill set or I just didn't get an opportunity to. Either way, at the end of it I didn't get offered a job, but I got a lovely farewell gift and I'll hopefully be getting a good reference from them. Although I didn't learn a great deal while I was there, I don't consider it time wasted, but an opportunity that I was lucky to have had.
I read an article in CLEO a while ago about an intern they had who quit after a day because she basically thought she was above all the work they had her doing. They pointed out that they aren't looking to see how good you are at getting coffees and filing, they want to see your attitude, qualities and whether you're the right person for them. I had to agree with this and while I was at Starseed I kept this in mind the whole time.
My advice to anyone who is going to do an internship is to just enjoy it and try to make the best impression you can. An intern is not there to replace a full time worker so you will be doing stuff that they don't have time to do, but don't think you're being hard done by because its an opportunity. They won't be saying "oh she was so good at organising couriers", they'll be remembering that you were always willing to do what was asked, or that you were conscientious and had a good attitude. Well, I'm hoping I achieved something along those lines, we'll see when I get back my reference!
I have a paid internship lined up for next year at New Zealand Fashion Week head office which I'm super excited about! I volunteered there heaps before, during and after Fashion Week this year so I got to know the team in charge. Recently when I was there I asked one of the staff if I could work for them next year and she spoke to the founder and they've offered me a paid internship. I definitely believe If you don't ask you don't get. I had nothing to lose because I was only a volunteer there so I just went for it and it paid off :)
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| I got to attend this cool event, Instasummer, for Number One Shoes while I interning at Starseed PR |
Unfortunately I don't think I got to prove myself to them, whether they didn't need my skill set or I just didn't get an opportunity to. Either way, at the end of it I didn't get offered a job, but I got a lovely farewell gift and I'll hopefully be getting a good reference from them. Although I didn't learn a great deal while I was there, I don't consider it time wasted, but an opportunity that I was lucky to have had.
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| From my previous post, I got an awesome farewell gift from them! |
I read an article in CLEO a while ago about an intern they had who quit after a day because she basically thought she was above all the work they had her doing. They pointed out that they aren't looking to see how good you are at getting coffees and filing, they want to see your attitude, qualities and whether you're the right person for them. I had to agree with this and while I was at Starseed I kept this in mind the whole time.
My advice to anyone who is going to do an internship is to just enjoy it and try to make the best impression you can. An intern is not there to replace a full time worker so you will be doing stuff that they don't have time to do, but don't think you're being hard done by because its an opportunity. They won't be saying "oh she was so good at organising couriers", they'll be remembering that you were always willing to do what was asked, or that you were conscientious and had a good attitude. Well, I'm hoping I achieved something along those lines, we'll see when I get back my reference!
I have a paid internship lined up for next year at New Zealand Fashion Week head office which I'm super excited about! I volunteered there heaps before, during and after Fashion Week this year so I got to know the team in charge. Recently when I was there I asked one of the staff if I could work for them next year and she spoke to the founder and they've offered me a paid internship. I definitely believe If you don't ask you don't get. I had nothing to lose because I was only a volunteer there so I just went for it and it paid off :)
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