Before this summer started, all I really knew about marketing was that my dad majored in it. I also knew the basics, like how marketers are supposed to promote their business. But that's about it.

When school ended, I needed a job. I asked my dad if his company had any positions available because I didn't want to work at the local McDonalds all summer (although their $12/hour was tempting for a while there). Sure enough, I got an interview—thanks dad.

I talked on the phone with the Marketing and PR Director and she decided that my zero experience made me qualified enough. After all, she'd never had an intern and I'd never been an intern so we were a perfect match! We decided that I'd start the next week.

My first day on the job I had no idea what I was doing. I'll admit, most of the day I stared at my computer screen. On day two I watched some videos to give me some idea as to what I would be doing this summer.

By day three I was Inbound Marketing Certified (whatever that means)! By know I could at least fake it until I made it.

My boss lives out in California, while I'm here in Colorado, so she came out to visit me for week two and help me get adjusted. By God, it was helpful.

She helped me understand what my roll was as her intern and what I could offer the company. We bonded over pho, sopapillas, and our space-caused anxiety, which made me feel more comfortable not only in the office setting, but also sharing my opinion.

I told her how I have graphic design, website making, and writing experience (wow, maybe I am set up to work in marketing). With this we planned out some jobs that would help me grow in these fields while also helping the company.

I gave some feedback on how we could improve our website. I'm happy to say that she loved my suggestions and I will see them live on the website soon!

We also thought that it would be cool if I started writing blogs for our company. We have professionally written blogs, but we wanted to add some humor, so we came up with the idea for me to write some BuzzFeed-esque listicles—complete with a multitude of GIFs.

I've only had this internship for three week and I've already learned a lot. I've learned all about search engine optimization (SEO), Inbound Marketing, blogging, telecommunications, fixed wireless vs fiber, and many other things.

I've also learned what it's like to work in an office and it's not all bad. My cubicle is cozy, my chair reclines. I've learned how much I hate conference calls—there just a ton of people talking over each other and asking "can you hear me?"

I've also learned that lunch is my least favorite meal of the day, especially if it's a packed lunch. Maybe it's having to think about and smell savory food at 7 am that repels me. Some days I consider starving.

I have learned that I like having my own professional email address. I feel so... so... adult. The best thing is that I get my own signature with the logo and everything. My name in bold and just under it "Marketing Associate." So professional.

YouTube

I also like writing the blogs. Part of it is because I get to watch funny GIFs all day. But, the other part is that my blogs are relatable and people think they are funny, which makes me feel like I've accomplished a goal.

The moral of this story is that you don't have to get a job or an internship in your field to gain experience. I'm going into my sophomore year of college with more professional work experience that many of my classmates. I've also grown my resume with new certifications and applications I can use.

So far, I haven't used my biology major at all. I haven't talked about genetics or evolution, or cellular respiration, or migration patterns. I have used, however, my problem solving skills and critical thinking—all attributes of a good scientist.

And no, I'm not working on anything science related, but I'm working on my other passions. I get work on my writing and graphic design skills—skills I don't use everyday as a biology major.

And I know that all the skills I've learned will be useful, even as a scientist. Knowing how to build a successful website and how to optimize its search results is especially useful in today's society. Additionally, knowing how to promote a product is useful to a biologist when I need to promote my research.

Do I see a future career in marketing? No, not really. Is this marketing internship useful? Absolutely. I'm really glad that I decided to take this job instead of working at Mickey D's.

If you get an opportunity to be an intern at a company that might not align with your interest, take it. No matter what field you are in, experience is experience. You'll become more well-rounded because of it.