'Man Up' it's a jungle out there
09-04-08

The lazy, hazy days of summer are dwindling. You grow up and still even now I feel a sense of great transition ending summer moving into Autumn. We adults who have a sparing amount of vacation time really see no physical difference in a work capacity from summer to fall. While this is true the youthful school student mentality has still remained with me as seasons cross. This is a column for those college students, mainly juniors and seniors who are out pounding the pavements working at filling in an internship. Internships come from the days when those in trades would have an 'apprentice'. Today the apprentice is more associated with a TV show then the comparison to an internship.

Internships are different today. Sadly I think they lack enough direct contact into the heart of a work enviornment, that's where the real learning takes place. Most internships keep eager students around the edges of a corporate or industry enviornment, but rarely do they get to see the true mechanics of how things operate. I interned back in the 80s at KYW Newsradio, and it was a great experience. Back then I was fortunate to sit along side some icons in the broadcast industry. The late Bill Bransome, Don Lancer, Harry Nelson, Rhonda Kinchelow, Paul Fiorvanti and more helped me as I learned about the broadcast radio industry.

The other day there's a knock at my now place of employ in Philly's Manayunk section. A young and eager student about to graduate Rowan stopped by, resume in hand, and anxious to see if we'd give him the time of day at our radio station. I sent Ben away and explained he needed to come back in a day or so. I was testing his resolve. Sure enough Ben returned. This time I was about to ask him to leave a resume, and I'd call him back when I reconsidered. I asked him to give me 20 minutes, and I'll have a sit down with him about interning.

Ben, to my pleasant surprise made a good impression and it looks as though may land an internship with us. At the time of my writing this column that's not determined, but Ben is in a good spot. Here's a few tips I noticed in my dialogue with Ben that may serve as value to younger folks working to land an internship or your first job.

#1 -- Don't be afraid to be persistent, even a borderline pest. Ben wouldn't let up till I was called to the lobby ( Ben's desire is to intern in the sales department ). At first I was put off by this interuption but later realized it was Ben's sense of urgency that got my attention.

#2 -- Be prepared for the on the spot meeting. Most of us privileged to hold some kind of post where interns and first time job seekers want your attention, when we can, will give it freely. That's good and bad. Good, you've got access. Bad if you're not prepared. Listen to each question without thinking about what you're going to say next. Let your interviewer know you're eager to learn and will start at the ground floor as necessary. This doesn't mean you'll be grabbing coffee and dry cleaning (no respectable company should be asking this of you). It does mean you'll do work that you both like and dislike. It's all part of it and keeping a positive attitude means much.

#3 -- Have references ready -- It may be your teacher, your sports coach or your family clergy member but have some people ready to testify to your character and work ethic.

Finally, when you get done all these fabulous nearby sightseeing excursions you can head on home and treat yourself to dinner at any one of Quakertown's fine area eateries. I'll encourage you to visit the locally owned establishments and they're easily identifiable.

#4 -- Have some extra curricular activities on your resume that show you have taken on some activities that require responsibility. Note that giving back to your community with service projects always helps.

#5 -- Be open minded and ask questions. Inquisitive people often land internships because they exhibit an eagerness to learn.

It's a jungle out there, lots of business's need good interns and good employees, often interns turn out to be the best people in the best spots to land a position. Good luck and here's wishing you prosperity as you seek to grow your career of choice. See ya around town.