This summer I interned with Charles Communications Associates, a marketing communications firm in San Francisco, specializing in communication for fine wine and food. The work and people there inspired me, challenged me, excited me and most importantly, helped me become a more concise and strategic communicator. I’ve grown so much in a mere three months, and I believe there is nothing which can capture my interning journey as elaborately as these quotes.
"Bond. James Bond.”
(Dr. No, 1962)
The big introduction. First impressions are really everything. I’m glad I wasn’t the person who wore jeans or a t-shirt (it’s time to invest in some slacks, y’all.) I do, however, remember wearing a long black skirt my first day seeing the boss and as well as her comment about how I was taller than she thought I would be. Surprise?
"Toto, I've got a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.”
(Wizard of Oz, 1939)
When that black and white, stereotypical idea of what an internship is and isn’t comes into full color detail it’s sort of scary. I didn’t know diddly-squat about wine, or even fine wine for that matter, when first coming in. I worked alongside two other interns who both have wine backgrounds, two past sommeliers and two other women who had experience in the food and wine industry. In turn I felt a bit intimidated, especially since wine alone already seems so complicated. It took some time adjusting and learning more about the industry as well as the other implicit quirks that came with the job. Nonetheless, I tried to follow the yellow brick road.
“Show me the money!”
(Jerry Maguire, 1996)
Like worm on hot pavement, you slowly see your wallet starve and shrivel up into nothingness. It’s easy to get discouraged when you’re essentially an unpaid employee and it was important to remind myself that the experience pays off in the future. Internships often aren't too remunerative, but the life experience is definitely worth it. I kept reminding myself: Resume, Resume, Resume.
“Carpe Diem, seize the day boys.”
(Dead Poets Society, 1989)
Seizing it, taking every opportunity I could, and attempting to make the best out of each one. Disclaimer: this also includes hearing the resounding temporary echo from the emptiness of my wallet. But it’s important to own it and remember that we’re not going to be interns forever.
“Just keep swimming”
(Finding Nemo, 2003)
If anything, I’ve learned that a great internship shouldn’t feel easy. When waters get rough or if I make a mistake, I just have to keep swimming towards success. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon, and we should all strive to have Dory’s “live in the moment” mentality. Otherwise we might fall into a dark abyss and get attacked by an Anglerfish (negativity and self-doubt can set in if you allow it.)
“Elementary, my dear Watson”
(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, 1929)
Finally, the routine sets in and I no longer felt like the new kid on the block. It now seems easier than when you started, and not nearly as overwhelming. The competency I felt stood unrivaled against every other sensation there, and I wished it would have set in sooner. Then, just as you’re settled, you realize there are only a few weeks left and quietly wonder if you were unknowingly teleported into the future.
“ET Go Home”
(ET the Extra Terrestrial, 1982)
This is the worst part and most bittersweet. My summer may have been fast paced and intense, but leaving was sad while I was still eager to return to my home away from home, New Orleans. My summer was well spent with CCA and their team. They were kind when I first came and patient while learning the ropes. I will look back on my memories there with a fond smile and forever be grateful for the opportunities and relationships I created with them. Maybe one day in the future I’ll see them again, but for now we toast goodbye.
**and cue my exit into the moon on a flying bike with an alien**
