This summer I was blessed to have not one but TWO internships in Los Angeles, CA; one was a public relations internship in Santa Monica, CA and the other was an event planning internship in Pasadena, CA. Being a Miami girl, born-and-raised, the only time I had been to California was to San Francisco for a public relations club trip. My parents thought I was a little nuts when I told them during my Freshman orientation that I wanted to intern in Los Angeles before I graduated and thankfully the last summer before I graduate college that opportunity was made possible.
1. I got to experience new cultures
Living in Los Angeles for Summer 2016 exposed me to cultures I had not been so familiar with such as the Asian and Mexican cultures. When you are in Los Angeles it’s hard not to pass a Mexican place or an Asian restaurant every few miles. Especially with popular areas, such as, Koreatown, Chinatown, and Olvera Street.
2. I went to a city where I didn’t know a single soul
It’s okay to not know anyone when you are in a new city because it feels great starting fresh and being able to start a new #squad
3. I learned how the West Coast does business
California is very different from Florida and I’m not just talking about the weather. The three-hour difference from the East Coast causes Californians to sometimes work faster and harder due to getting things posted for the whole country to be viewed at a reasonable time.
4. I made long lasting relationships
Relationships aren’t all about boyfriends and girlfriends. It’s also about friendships and professional contacts that can impact your life for the better whether it’s becoming your new best friend or hiring you for your first big girl job. Always stay in touch with this people because they may help you out in the long run and who doesn’t love having new friends/contacts?
5. I finally got to sing Katy Perry’s “California Girls” and have it mean something
California isn’t always about “Daisy Dukes and Bikinis on Top” but it was great to live in a city so different from Miami. I was able to conquer many hikes, eat at the countless vegan restaurants, view the sun setting behind mountains on the beach, and explore the entertainment industry scene, amongst other things.
6. It made me grow immensely as a person
I feel that through college I have definitely evolved from lost freshman to independent woman but this summer made me realize that I truly can do anything that I set my mind to. From learning how to navigate Los Angeles’ Metro system, to being stuck in rush hour traffic, and going from zero friends to a handful of friends that I know will be in my life for as long as possible (It’s true; quality over quantity) I realized that I truly can conquer the world. I can’t wait to see what the post-grad world holds for me!
If you’re worried about interning in a new place where you don’t know anyone; STOP worrying and DO IT! Because it will be one of the best experiences and you will come back a changed individual.
