One summer, two internships.
I wouldn't lie. None of them were what I'd call my "dream" jobs.
Before OJT (on-the-job training) season kicked in, I pictured myself working at a well-known magazine company, like what I've always wanted. I imagined helping the editorial staff, attending events, and even getting scolded for stupid mistakes - I had all of those in my head.
Only, those were not what I got, but I'm still thankful, because I can now say that for once in my life, I got to work at an online magazine company and a tabloid.
A few months back, I was already panicking, because I knew I was really running late. Most of my classmates were already working at media companies - really good and famous media companies. Time was ticking, and I thought I wouldn't be able to finish a 200-hour internship within the summer break, but with some twists and turns here and there, I somehow managed, and now, here I am all done and writing this post.
If you've been following this blog, you probably know by now that I had my internship at Juice.ph and Manila Bulletin's English-language tabloid Tempo. To sum up my internship experiences, I'd like to share some lessons I learned that proved to be more than just clichés to a journ intern like me:
-Being an intern is no easy walk in the park. Your job sure is more chill than the workload of a regular employee's, but still, there's a part of you that wants to make a good impression to your boss and co-workers, so you put your best foot forward every single time.
-Be polite. You're working at a place where everyone is pretty much older than you, so it's just right to give due respect to your seniors. If you disagree with someone else's opinion, be honest, but say it in a courteous way.
-Delivering beyond expectations important, but remember that not everything turns out well, so you just have to learn from your mistakes, and try your best not to commit them again.
-Don't be afraid to ask questions! It's part of the whole learning process. If the instructions given to you were not clear, ask. But don't bug your boss.
-Go the extra mile! If you think you'll be able to take better photos at a certain spot, go to THAT certain spot if it's safe and possible, and snap away. If you think getting interviews will support your article better, approach the organisers of the event or the personality himself and ask your interview questions. But, be sure to ask intelligent questions - you know what I mean.
-CONNECTIONS are very important. Undergoing an internship is the best time to build your network and get in touch (again) with the people you encountered before, especially if you need some info from them. You might think this is a bad advice that would make you look "user-friendly", but trust me, once you become an intern, you'll find yourself maximizing all your resources to deliver well. I even have classmates sending group messages asking if we know someone who uses nose clippers or if we know an expert dietitian.
-Be aware of every single detail - from the photo resolution requirements, to your company's style book. Take note of every single one of them
-Every second counts. If you can do it now, then don't delay. Chances are, you'll get more and more assignments, so don't let your work pile over your head.
-A great break is not always about having a great lunch. It's also about having a good laugh with new and old friends.
-Nothing's more fulfiling than seeing your work published, knowing that people all over the country will probably read, or, at least, come across what you've written.
-Don't be stupid. Seriously, just don't.
-And, of course, have fun!
*Illustration: "Internship" by JustBeckett on Etsy
♥Andz
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