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My internship with Ceisler Media & Issue Advocacy in Summer 2024 was not my first internship or job experience, but it was a first for other reasons. It was my first time working in an agency, my first time pitching (and landing placements!), and more.
The switch from in-house, small nonprofit communications to agency work involving multiple clients was daunting, but I adjusted quickly and learned many lessons on how to approach a new job experience.
Here are the three things I learned during my summer with Ceisler Media:
Make an effort to get to know your office and the people in it
A classic piece of advice that everyone gives before an internship is to network constantly. Framing it this way makes it seem ultra-professional, but at the end of the day, making a point not only to get to know — but to connect with — people in the office is extremely important.
Some of my favorite interactions with coworkers were quick conversations during our lunch break or the walk to the elevator. Getting to know them outside of a work setting and having these lighthearted conversations took the pressure off, and we formed a genuine connection.
In a similar aspect, knowing your office will lessen the day-to-day anxieties. Simply knowing where to go when someone needs a folder, making sure you are connected to the printer, and other daily tasks will make the day go by a lot smoother.
Ask questions and do not be afraid to ask for feedback
When I first started my internship, I didn’t want to ask too many questions because I didn’t want to appear unprepared or underqualified. At the end of the day, it is 10 times better to ask for clarification.
The longer you take debating how to do something, the longer you make your coworker, and the client, wait. Ask questions — your colleagues are there to help you!
Similarly, when you finish a task, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. A quick follow-up asking if they need anything else and if what you handed in met expectations goes a long way. Taking this initiative shows a commitment to your work and that you are willing to grow even after the work is done.
Communicate, communicate, communicate
Make sure the people you work directly with are on the same page as you. If you liked an assignment, let people know! Two of my favorite tasks, attending a webinar for Public Health Management Corporation and pitching news outlets for Gift of Life, came from communicating what I wanted to learn through the internship.
Keeping your manager up to date on the tasks you are working on can also help ensure the work does not get too overwhelming. On the flip side, they can help to keep you busy when the summer slump is starting to hit.
Starting a new position can come with a lot of questions and nerves, but these three lessons will go a long way in any new experience. Thank you to everyone at Ceisler for making this an extremely valuable experience!
