There’s Beauty In The Journey
Hi there, my name is Taylor Smith, and I am a senior studying advertising with a concentration in brand strategy and research. I am in my first semester of my senior year, and this semester, I went into my internship feeling like a pro. Going into my fourth internship within my college career, I thought that I had it all figured out. I said to myself “I’ve done social media management before. How will this be any different?” Oh boy, was I mistaken. I had never worked within an organization this intricate before. I used to be the only intern managing one social media platform or project. As social media coordinator for Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts (CLA), I had to be on top of multiple platforms and projects, which I wasn’t prepared for.
The objective of my projects was to promote the events within the college. To understand the extent of this task, CLA has events every day within the core months of the semester. The biggest project was promoting Hispanic Heritage Month, which consisted of 25 events. During Hispanic Heritage Month, I felt the most lost because it was overwhelming to keep up with those 25 events plus the numerous other events within the college.
I questioned my place within the office, and I felt uncertain within my role. I didn’t feel like I was supporting my team, especially my boss, Rosemary. This made me feel frustrated, but I am a problem solver. I began to think of other skills that I possess, and I decided to use those. A second tier project was to create video content for YouTube and TikTok. I have experience being a content creator, so I used those skills to spark a rebirth.
First, I researched TikTok accounts to determine content pillars for CLA’s account. Upon discussion with Rosemary, we decided on a framework for the content. This fueled the video content journey I embarked on. I was able to create work that satisfied me and Rosemary. I was proud of my work again, and I didn’t feel lost within the office anymore.
Now, I understand this flexibility isn’t present within every role, but I am grateful for Rosemary. She has been teaching me and giving me space to learn, which I feel is important within an internship. In previous internships, I have not had this level of guidance to grow professionally. In addition, I have received feedback that helps me understand my strengths and weaknesses. I recall a conversation I had with Rosemary, when she told me that it’s okay to learn new skills because it will make you better overall. I feel this experience is making me more well-rounded, and I am learning myself more.
In conclusion, there is beauty in the journey. Discovery can have its ups and downs, but the important thing is to not give up. I could have become totally complacent and accepted defeat; instead I decided to pivot. I must say I am so happy I did because I am enjoying my role again, and I feel excited about the work I am producing. My advice is to stay curious and receptive to criticism because you might learn a life changing lesson.
Hello Taylor! I think it’s cool that you interned at the College of Liberal Arts. Rosemary seems like a great mentor to you, and I’m glad you learned a lot from her! I saw the flyer on social media about Hispanic Heritage Month at the College of Liberal Arts was promoting, and to know that it was you behind the scene makes it even more awesome.
I always had the idea that I would be okay with any role I get. Like you said, it is important to see that there is always room to grow and learn. I like the vulnerability you had with this post and sharing how unprepared you felt, but how much you learned from your experience. I have always wondered how much we will be pushing ourselves in the next few years with internships, jobs, etc. With this you showed how much, again, there is out there that we don’t know yet, which is both scary and exciting!
Hi Taylor!
Glad to hear that everything got rolling for you. I was the same way when I started mine. I had a hard time figuring out a lot of things I thought I knew. I think that’s a great indication that you are learning and growing from your internship, it also makes the work more rewarding.
Hi Taylor!
I felt the same way entering my current internship and had a similar realization. I loved that you used your own resources in combination with support from Rosemary to reassure yourself in your abilities. I’m glad I had this experience too because it will be helpful while navigating our future careers. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Taylor!
It was a pleasure to read your blog, I really enjoyed it. I can very much understand you having insurmountable challenges at work and then doubting yourself. But I think you did a very good job of using your past experience to solve problems to get growth. Internship is indeed and torturous trip but overcoming this difficulty can see a better view. I think you’re doing amazing work, keep up the good work!