A Guide to Owning your Internship
The Internship. It’s the answer to the age old struggle of getting experience without having experience. Internships are an amazing opportunity to gain knowledge, skills, and experiences to enhance your understanding of an organization or industry. What’s more, you have access to experienced mentors who provide valuable feedback and guide you on your way to success. At Arcane, your internship is what you make it. So, how do you make it great?
1. Dive in Headfirst
As an intern, you’re going to get thrown into the mix of things – it’s up to you whether you sink or swim. It’s okay to not know exactly how to do things, that’s what you’re here to learn! Don’t be afraid to ask the important questions or dive into a project headfirst. Your mentors and supervisors are there to help support your growth, but you need to be willing to put in the work. There’s no better way to learn than by giving it your all and seeing what sticks. Use all the amazing feedback you receive to help foster your growth and adjust your course as needed.
“An internship is truly what you make of it,” states Dan Towers, Director of Digital Marketing. “At a place like Arcane which can be fast-paced and dynamic, it’s best to jump in and give it your all. Ask questions, be proactive and ask for the things you want out of the internship.”
With so much talent, experience, and wisdom surrounding you, make sure you’re taking advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Never be afraid to say yes to a project that intimidates you. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid to really sink your teeth into the buzz of agency life.
2. Try a Bit of Everything
The beauty of an internship at Arcane is that you get to take advantage of a multitude of experts across a variety of different fields. Whether your interests lie in content, strategy, analytics, or all of the above, you can be sure there’s someone with years of experience under their belt who can lend you advice, training or even just answers to your questions. Your internship is an amazing way to explore what makes your heart sing, so don’t leave any stone unturned.
Explore which meetings or projects strike your fancy and make you excited to learn more. Even if you don’t think you’ll like a specific area of focus, give it a try and see what you make of it! You may be surprised by what you end up being drawn to. Plus, no matter which area you focus on, you’ll get the chance to learn and grow from a team who’s dedicated to letting you flourish.
“Interning at an agency is a great way to get a taste for different types of roles that might suit your skill set and career aspirations best,” says Social Media Manager, Jo Suntres. “Being open to working with all teams can help you learn new things, foster new relationships, and also help you figure out what you don’t like which is also important.” “There’s always so much going on at an advertising agency – best to jump right in and get as much experience as you can!”
Do everything you can to get a chance to work on projects that get you excited to come into work everyday. Don’t be afraid to sneak a peek at your colleagues’ calendars and see if anything they’re doing interests you. Odds are you’ll be able to observe or even participate! Remember, if you don’t ask the answer is always no.
3. Get Involved
Forget the coffee runs, you aren’t “just an intern” at Arcane – you’re a valuable part of the team. Treat your time and your role as such. Engage in standups, meetings, and presentations when you can. Bring your big ideas or unique suggestions to the table.
“When I was an intern, I put a lot of effort into putting myself out there. Now, as a manager, I encourage my interns to do the same,” says Char Emeljanow, Copywriter. “As cliche as it sounds, the experience is all about what you make it… so, put your pride aside and ask for what you want!”
The more you get involved with the culture and flow of the office, the more you’ll enjoy the work you do. So, don’t be afraid to reach out, dive deep, and own your role as an intern on the team.
4. Savour the Moment
At the end of the day, it’s the unfortunate reality that all good things must come to an end. An internship is no different. But, that’s all the more reason to savour the time you do have!
Enjoy all the amazing opportunities, experiences, and people that you get the chance to work with on a daily basis. Know that even though your internship may end, the learning and knowledge that you gain will live on (cue sentimental music). A weekly journal or spreadsheet of all the projects you get to explore is a great way to make sure you remember your time as intern, as well as all the great skills you’ve cultivated. Hold onto the lessons you’ve learned and take them with you as you move forward in your career.
Intern Has an “i” for a Reason
No matter where you intern, it’s up to you to make sure the experience is everything you dreamed it would be. Push the envelope, get out of your comfort zone, and learn from the mistakes you’ll inevitably make along the way (I promise that’s my last cliche).
There’s no such thing as a perfect internship. But, one that lets you discover your skills, passions, and what your future may hold gets you pretty close. Remember: it doesn’t last forever, so give it your all and make it your own.