Editor’s note: The deadline for applications to Crossroads’ fall internship program has been extended to Sunday, Aug. 26. Click here for more information.
In the ridiculously hot summer days of 2012, three interns embarked on a journey at Crossroads: Carly out of Kansas State University, Laura out of the University of Missouri and myself, Madeleine, from Truman State University.
Asked about our experiences at Crossroads, the following are our unfiltered responses:
What’s your experience been like this summer?
Carly: The people are friendly, helpful and everyone wants you to succeed and really values your input. You’re treated like an actual employee; no one looks down at you. It’s a great hands-on learning experience.
Laura: The amount of time you dedicate to brainstorming is really cool. We are tasked with a problem that is up to us and ten other people sitting in a room to solve. Ultimately, there will be some limitations but in the moment you are free to sit and think of solutions to a problem and, in some form, it’ll turn out in an actual campaign.
Madeleine: My experience has definitely been positive. I’ve never felt dumb and no one has looked down on me as a lowly intern. I’m here to learn and contribute, just like everyone else!
How would you sum up the internship in a few words?
Carly: Impressionable, definitely helpful.
Laura: There’s so much momentum. It propels you like a jumping block.
Madeleine: Inspiring.
What have you learned?
Carly: How to work with others more effectively. The more heads in a room, the better. I’ve also learned how every client is so different. You have to personalize for each company.
Laura: Presentation and perspective are very important. Learning how to step out of your own shoes. Trying on a different pair will make an idea stronger and help you see the best way to implement your thoughts.
Madeleine: Small details may seem small, but they are really what makes a project complete.
What have you learned about yourself?
Carly: I know a lot more than I think I know. Being here definitely boosted my self-confidence. I learned that I’m a little more reserved in a corporate environment than at school.
Laura: I learned how to work in a professional environment, how to wear multiple hats throughout the day while still being genuine and sincere.
Madeleine: I learned I love to brainstorm and think of crazy new ideas.
What is something you’ll take away from this experience?
Carly: Time management. Google calendar helps.
Laura: I know all the Blue Bunny flavors!
Madeleine: How to multi-task and not let yourself get overwhelmed.
Favorite part of your internship at Crossroads?
Carly: Getting to see how an agency actually works. You have no idea until you’re here.
Laura: The summer internship project, working with other interns but doing real work with an actual client.
Madeleine: Actually being involved in every process even when it wasn’t my client. And feeling like the work I produce is valuable and seen by clients.
Least favorite part of the mentorship?
Carly: Starting late, I felt a little left out. But now I feel completely caught up.
Laura: It was a little discouraging to make calls to people who weren’t as receptive as I hoped but it definitely made you appreciate the ones who were.
Madeleine: My least favorite part was working with Excel but I must say I’m much more confident now with spreadsheets than I was before.
Best perk at Crossroads?
Carly: Real life experience where you’re allowed to be in charge of a project. No shredding paper, you’re doing real work. I feel like I have a leg up on all the coffee-fetching interns out there.
Laura: Having the small agency feel with limited hierarchy, everyone matters. It’s great interacting with different people with different levels of experience.
Madeleine: I’ve loved meeting and working with such dynamic and inspirational people.
Favorite project?
Madeleine: I loved organizing blogger outreach projects, writing blog posts and brainstorming possible events.
Carly: I like researching. It’s been cool to learn about different social media platforms for clients.
Laura: I liked pitching cause campaigns and their tactics. I also enjoyed planning sample events.
How has this internship helped you decide your next steps?
Carly: I’m not sure just yet. The confidence I’ve found here has inspired me to maybe look in to event planning a little more and explore what other options I have.
Laura: This experience has made me realize public relations has so many dimensions and there are many different aspects I’d like to explore. It’s all new, a rapidly-changing industry.
Madeleine: It’s helped me determine the type of agency I would be most comfortable in. I always feel at home at Crossroads. I like the small agency feel.
