Like most people, I wasn't really sure what to expect when I walked into my summer internship in May. The internship was at my local paper, which I didn't read to begin with (but I wasn't going to tell them that). I thought about all the stereotypical intern things I might be doing, like getting coffees for everyone or answering phones all day, and really wasn't sure what I was walking into.
Just like I didn't know what to expect of my internship, the people at the newspaper didn't know what to expect of me. I could tell coming in that people were apprehensive, not knowing if I could write or take a picture or even answer a phone correctly. I started out doing small jobs, but within a week or two the editor gave me my first assignment: an elementary school golf tournament.
I took pictures, did interviews, and wrote a story for the event, all the while wondering if I was completely screwing things up or not. When I got back to the office though, everyone was surprised at how well I had done. Now, at the end of my internship experience, I have covered 33 events and been published 28 times, things that I never dreamed I'd be able to do at my first internship ever. Here are some things I've learned from my internship experience.
1. Yes, you will have to pick up coffee or lunch.
But, sometimes your boss will pay for you to get food too.
2. The intern stereotype can be hard to break.
When people first hear you're an intern, they'll automatically assume that you're going to screw everything up. However, after you do things right a few times in a row, people will realize that you're okay at what you do.
3. Mistakes happen.
You might mess up here and there, and that's okay. An internship is a learning experience, so mess up now so you don't when you have an actual job.
4. If you listen to directions, things are easy.
Honestly, all you have to do is do what you're told. The people you're working for are there to teach you, so make sure you pay attention.
5. People care about your success.
If you have a good internship, you'll form a solid relationship with the people you work with. These people will help you with whatever you need and honestly want to see you succeed.
6. Experience is invaluable.
Even though I wasn't paid for my internship, the experience and knowledge I gained was well worth the time I spent in the newsroom. I was able to do so many different things at my internship, and all of these things taught me skills that I wouldn't necessarily learn in a classroom.
7. You'll learn more about what you want to do.
While I might not work at a newspaper in my future career, working at one this summer helped me realize that I'm good at journalism. Print might not be what I'm passionate about, but I wouldn't have learned that unless I tried it.
All internships are not the same, but I can only hope that other students can land an internship as good as mine. I'm so thankful to have had this experience, and I've learned not just about journalism, but also about myself and what I like.
So, to Eileen, Chris, David, Clayton, Elizabeth, John, and everyone else at the Georgetown Times: thank you. You've made this experience one I'll never forget, and I'm so grateful for everything you've all taught me.
