Reading Time: 3 minutesI’ve been at Angry Ventures since July. And I’ve done a lot.
Some might say I lost a summer on my 20’s. Some might say I’m silly for still being here while studying for tons of exams, and having other responsibilities too. Well, either way, what did I say? I don’t give a damn! At first I wanted to have my first professional experience in my study field. So, I applied for an Internship (even if I never felt like an Intern, let’s call it that way!)
I had all a sort of preconceptions going into this experience. Preconceptions on the role of the Intern and even on all the things I would accept to do. Some held up, some fell flat.
So, a few months after, I am breaking some of these false perceptions and debunking some myths about every other Internship. Well, I guess you can call me a Mythbuster now.
– First, you will be fetching coffee and printing documents all day long. So exciting!
The truth is I’m the only one who drinks coffee here. And to be honest, we didn’t even own a printer until like one month ago. Now that we do, everyone can easily reach it. So, if you think that every Internship will be pretty much labor exploitation, think twice. You will really need to apply everything you know and don’t know. If you will soon be having your first professional experience, bear in mind that they want you because they believe you can add value to the company. (unfortunately, not everywhere, but get comfortable with this mindset!)
– Everyone above you is untouchable, so shhhh, do not disturb!
What I mean is, you don’t have to be afraid to speak up with anyone of your interest. Their eyes can’t kill you. Everyone will care if you are clear and confident. Worst case scenario, you will get a ‘no’, and so what? As my mom always say, ‘the no is guaranteed’. Anything beyond that is a success, so be bold!
– It will only add value on your CV and no more than that.
Please! Overcome the fact that any work experience will only look good on your profile and add nothing more to your life. Be willing to grow and learn, and you sure will.
– Your ideas and opinions are worth the same as… a fortune paper.
Well, fortune papers mean something around here. And so does my opinion. Say no. Give feedback. Provide the world new ideas and suggest new ways of doing things. As I said, you can learn a lot, but believe me when I say that everyone can learn from you.
– Good work only comes while sitting on a computer thinking for 8 hours straight.
Sitting for hours won’t do the work. Well, maybe it will. Just be open to the fact that good ideas may also show up randomly… as in the shower! Now you can even write them down while ON the shower, so there’s no excuse (not-even-kidding). If you are thrilled with a new project I bet you will step out of every shower with the head full of ideas and excited to write it down!
– You will learn everything in the first week – just put it on repeat.
Nice one! The first week seems like a roller coaster, and you will probably suffer from an information overload. Now try it for 2 out of every 3 work days! Chill, it obviously gets easier, but there’s always space for new learnings. And that’s the best about it!
Over the past months, I’ve confirmed that jumping into the sharks and try new challenges is extremely rewarding. I knew there was a reason I came here!
