I wonder how many people reading this blog are like me, scared of growing up. Maybe it’s because I’ve heard too many stories about the harsh realities of the world, so I’ve always resisted the idea of growing up. I’ve been stuck in this “school” ivory tower for 20 years, coasting through with average grades while stressing about the future. People as ordinary as me can’t possibly survive in society, right? Do you ever have these anxious thoughts too? If you don’t, then bye-bye, and I am sure you will have a wonderful internship and a happy life! But if you’re like me, I hope the following words can comfort you and ease your anxiety about your upcoming internship.
What I Want to Tell You
1. Try Everything Because What You Study Might Not Relate to Your Future Job
Not sure if you’re like me, stuck already on the first step of choosing a job. My advice is: apply to everything! Don’t worry about the company’s size or whether it aligns with your future career plans. Don’t feel bad if your internship doesn’t match your dream job because you never know what kind of work you’ll end up doing. One surprising thing I learned during this internship is that many of my coworkers’ current roles have nothing to do with their majors! There are people who studied architecture now working in HR, and broadcasting majors now in marketing. Anything can happen in the future! So, with the opportunities you have now, try everything!
2. It’s Okay to Be Ordinary, You Don’t Have to Shine Bright
Honestly, I didn’t achieve anything significant during my internship. I interned at an energy company in corporate communication, mostly doing support tasks like organizing meeting notes, relaying messages, translating, and writing briefs. I wasn’t in charge of any major projects. Most of the time, I felt like a mascot, the youngest team member bringing some joy with my innocence and naivety. While I didn’t feel like I contributed much, everyone seemed to like me.
Sometimes, it’s okay to be ordinary. This is the best time to let go of pride and learn humbly. Whenever you face something, you can confidently say, “I don’t know how to do this, can you teach me?” Be like a sponge, absorbing knowledge around you. Stars don’t shine on their own; they’re illuminated by others! Be confident; you’ve already been chosen!
3. You’ll Grow Up, But a Part of You Will Always Be a Kid
This is something my mentor told me when I was leaving. As a Gen Z only child, this internship was my first formal encounter with Gen Y seniors. These “adults” are just like me—they cry when work gets tough, freak out when problems arise, get curious about office gossip, and constantly plan their next job. Life keeps changing. Yet, they are independent, with their own cars, homes, or families. They can take on responsibilities and help their parents with worries. Seeing them makes me realize that growing up isn’t so scary. You’ll face challenges and worries, but part of you can always stay a kid.