Hola mis amigos, once again it's time for that weekly intern update. I think today I would like to talk about inter-office-personal-relations (I just made that up). I was sitting at my desk last week, minding my own business, when Dusty walks in (I don't get to see Dusty very often because he is a very busy man...usually I deal on a day-to-day basis with Matt). Dusty asks me if I knew of this kid who is looking for an internship, what I thought about it, etc. - I found this to be quite interesting as a whole. I gave a good recommendation for my classmate and possible future coworker, and went on. It wasn't until Dusty had left that I thought about how odd all of this could seem - he was looking for my opinion on whether or not he should give someone else an internship. Because, yes it would affect me, as this person would (I assume) get half of the work that I have been doing..which in truth hasn't been all that much at all..It was just quite strange to be placed in that kind of situation, where it really seemed like my own opinion really did matter and had weight in the overall decision of whether this kid was going to be hired or not, even though I have only been interning here a few weeks, and will be gone in about as many. I realize it wasn't that big of a deal and Dusty is really a good guy and wanting my opinion on the subject, but I realize that in some work situations this scenario would never take place. I guess it kind of goes to that reading...but I've never really felt subordinate here. This may have to do with the fact that I am not expecting to feel any certain way and if I am - my expectations are low so that I will be pleasantly surprised. However, since I have been here I have been treated with nothing but respect and my own personal space in which to do my job in a timely fashion. This may have to do with the fact that I proved to those I am working for that I can and will get things done as quickly as possible, but the Business Incubator is generally laid back as it is anyway.
Overall, the people here are wonderful for making me feel so at home and not like an intern who will be gone soon. I cannot say much for the workload, as I have said before (and no, Scott...I don't think there should EVER be more than one intern here at a time...ever...), but thus far I have had a completely positive experience with the Business Incubator and look forward to the work they will pass along my way in the coming weeks.
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You're right, I think, to suggest that there's probably only enough work there for one intern, and you certainly should feel free to say as much to Dusty; I myself with do that in my future communication with him, as well.
ReplyDeleteAnd you're right, too, I think, to suggest how interesting it was for you to get asked about the WVUBI's potentially hiring another intern, particularly at that stage of the process; what's more likely to happen in a workplace environment would be for you to get to spend time with a prospective hire during that person's "on campus" interview; that would happen much later in the interviewing/hiring process. Of course, the hiring process is not as intensive or extensive in the PWE internship program, and it sounds as if you've handled this situation well.
I enjoyed reading about your experiences at the Business Incubator. It would be a stressful situation to be placed in, when asked for your recommendation of a fellow classmate. It sounded like you handled the situation very well, though.
ReplyDeleteI wondered about how big (or small) the workload was going to be as well when I started my internship. It seems now that the workload will be just right, however.
It's nice not to really feel subordinate, isn't it? But it's still important to remember the pecking order. In my internship, I am treated as, basically, a freelancer in my copyediting and proofreading, doing the work on my own, though at a relatively good pace. FIT has been good enough to teach me more about the whole professional writing and printing process, so at those times I'm treated more as that subordinate. The relationship is cordial and relaxed even at those times, though. I credit the people at FIT for establishing this environment, but I think another intern could take advantage of it. But I can't be sure of that so it is important to remember that I am working for them and any slack I am given must be conspicuously appreciated.
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