A Day in the Life
I like arriving early, approximately at 8:30. In this way, I can choose my seat, grab my morning coffee and just mentally prepare for the day. There is something in the peacefulness of an empty office that just makes me feel great and motivated. After grabbing my first coffee of the day in the cafeteria, I often start with checking emails and updating the Communications content calendar, setting the tone for the day ahead. Then, we tend to have team meetings to go through all their projects and tasks for the day and week. After that, I work on these until the late morning, when I usually grab a coffee and a fruit in the outside room with the other interns. This is followed by lunch, which we all grab at the cafeteria, usually from 1pm until 2pm. In the afternoon, I usually tend to enter the sound proof booths to be able to concentrate better and finish my tasks for the day. Around 3pm, I usually go for a second coffee with my colleagues and grab something sweet. At 4:45-5 I start packing my things and leave everything ready for the next day. On friday’s the office organizes drinks in the room outside the office, which are fun and a great way of interacting with colleagues outside your team.
Tips I would give future interns:
- Be patient, do not give up: Looking for an internship may be one of the most exhausting and unmotivating things to do. Do not let this affect you, apply to every opportunity that presents, no matter it is not your dream option, just give it a go. I would never have imagined working in this company and I have learned so much. Also, prepare yourself for the rejections, these are part of the process.
- Prepare yourself: Before joining, take the time to research extensively. Understanding the organization’s values, goals, and industry dynamics beforehand will give you a solid foundation to navigate your internship smoothly.
- Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to seek clarification or guidance from your colleagues and supervisors. Asking questions is a sign of curiosity and eagerness to learn, it shows that you care. My manager always told me: ‘Better safe than sorry’ and it really stayed with me through all my internship.
- Be a risk-taker: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take calculated risks. Whether it’s proposing a new idea for a campaign or volunteering for a challenging project, stepping up will not only showcase your abilities but also expand your skill set and improve your confidence. Take initiative. Ask for more.
- Be an extrovert: Being enthusiastic and open to learning has been my mantra throughout this internship. Being extroverted has been an asset, allowing me to connect with colleagues effortlessly and foster meaningful relationships that enhance teamwork. I really got to feel this sense of team, I not only relied on interns of my team but I also knew I had the other ones. We always helped each other, or at least tried.
Reflection
My internship at Signify has not only honed my communication skills and industry knowledge but has also deepened my appreciation for teamwork and innovation. From managing press releases to analyzing media coverage, every task has been a stepping stone towards personal and professional development. I’ve learned the importance of adaptability, resilience, and the essence of effective communication in a fast-paced corporate environment. I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and friendships formed.