Since U Been Gone

I’m not only breathing for the first time, I’m screaming at the top of my lungs for joy.

First, I would like to address my loyal readers who may have wondered about my extended absence: sorry Grandma. I hope you still love me as much.

Now that that’s out of the way, it’s time to get through the daunting task of bringing this blog up to speed on the goings-on of my, at this point, wildly exciting and incredibly optimistic life. For example, I just signed up for my 401k. Not words I really thought about 5 months ago. Let me get down into the nitty gritty.

1. Pardon my French, mais mon emploi c’est foutrement génial! I couldn’t be happier anywhere else. Tomorrow marks my 3 month anniversary working with Weber Shandwick as an AAE, with my 90-day review following on Thursday.

2. I sold my car. While this may not make much sense as to why it falls under the exciting category, it translates to $350 a month in my paycheck, rather than to a car I haven’t seen in nearly 6 months that I get to spend in a city where public transit can get me any/everywhere I need to go.

3. I still live in Chicago. Yes, I know that some of you were worried that in my absence perhaps I had lost my job, sold all my belongings and hitchhiked home to Ohio, or worse… Logan County, and abandoned all hope to ever finding happiness. Though I appreciate your concerns, I assure you- I am fine.

Though it’s late and I’m tired after a long day’s rocking, this post is essentially to mark the joyous occasion of my return to blogging. Though sometimes it’s not easy to work on social media projects all day and still find excitement and joy in telling my story, it’s something that brings me joy and, one day might have a little sentimental value. If nothing else, it helps keep my writing sharp and my ideas alive.

It’s good to be back.

Playing Catch-up

My how the time does fly. Much has happened since my last post, but it’s late so I’ll be brief and give you the bulleted list:

• My internship with Weber Shandwick, which was supposed to last 16 weeks ended abruptly and unexpectedly after 8…
• …because I was offered and accepted a full-time position as an Assistant Accout Executive!
• Then most recently, I graduated from OU.

I will elaborate tomorrow, but I wanted the record to show my past 2 1/2 weeks.

Thank you and good night.

#ImAnIntern Chat Transcript

For those of you who missed last Wednesday’s #ImAnIntern Chat, here’s the transcript. Enjoy!

DannyCox
@KelseySpellman Continue writing about your experience; broaden your lens to focus on trends in the area/others’ experience #ImAnIntern
10:00 PM May 12th via web in reply to KelseySpellman

NicoleBersani
@DannyCox Good luck and thanks for setting up the chat! #ImAnIntern
9:18 PM May 12th via web in reply to DannyCox

NicoleBersani
@JenniferMYang & @annahellgeth Thank you! and everyone else on the #ImAnIntern chat!
9:16 PM May 12th via web in reply to JenniferMYang

annahellgeth
Great #ImAnIntern chat! Thanks @DannyCox for organizing!
9:13 PM May 12th via web

heatherbartman
@DannyCox Thanks so much! This was very beneficial! #ImAnIntern
9:09 PM May 12th via web from Athens, OH

JenniferMYang
Thanks for hosting the chat @DannyCox. Great idea! #imanintern
9:08 PM May 12th via web

nicklucido
@DannyCox Thanks for hosting! Looking forward to future chats, and maybe an in-person meet up this summer, too. #ImAnIntern
9:07 PM May 12th via TweetDeck in reply to DannyCox

DannyCox
#ImAnIntern If you missed the chat but have questions youd really like answered, please dont hesitate to reach out. Thats what its all about
9:06 PM May 12th via TweetDeck

DannyCox
#ImAnIntern Thank you for those of you who were able to join us tonight! Keep your eyes peeled for future chats to focus on spec. areas
9:05 PM May 12th via TweetDeck

annahellgeth
@NicoleBersani the scariest part is that everything moves at a very fast pace. As long as you can multitask you will be great! #ImAnIntern
9:02 PM May 12th via web

MarandaSaling
I just got home, am I too late for the #ImAnIntern twitter chat?!
9:01 PM May 12th via web

DannyCox
@NicoleBersani Both are incredible, I’m loving every moment. Nothing too scary yet (knock, knock, knock) #ImAnIntern
9:00 PM May 12th via TweetDeck in reply to NicoleBersani

DannyCox
@annelw Provide consistent, high quality content while always writing for YOUR audience. Find like-minded blogs and connect #ImAnIntern
9:00 PM May 12th via TweetDeck

eabradley
@nicklucido I have def done that. I say yes to a lot but can’t do everything #ImAnIntern
9:00 PM May 12th via TweetDeck in reply to nicklucido

nicklucido
@DannyCox Truth. It’s almost worse when you take on too many projects and overpromise. You need to be reasonable. #ImAnIntern
8:59 PM May 12th via TweetDeck in reply to DannyCox

NicoleBersani
Thanks @DannyCox How is Weber and Chitown? #ImAnIntern Have you had any scary situations yet? ha
8:58 PM May 12th via web

nicklucido
Get noticed by introducing yourself to coworkers and offer to help with their projects (but don’t spread yourself too thin). #ImAnIntern
8:55 PM May 12th via TweetDeck
1 Retweet

DannyCox
@NicoleBersani Just think strategically, consider what you do from other perspectives, and if all else fails: ask #ImAnIntern
8:54 PM May 12th via TweetDeck in reply to NicoleBersani

DannyCox
@NicoleBersani the scariest thing is doing something incredibly stupid in a public, permanent space (read: social media) #ImAnIntern
8:53 PM May 12th via TweetDeck in reply to NicoleBersani

heatherbartman
@DannyCox Okay. That’s what I was thinking, but I didn’t know if that was okay. Thanks! #ImAnIntern
8:53 PM May 12th via web from Athens, OH

DannyCox
@heatherbartman As far as presence: seek out blogs that discuss what you’re passionate about and participate- comment! #ImAnIntern
8:52 PM May 12th via TweetDeck in reply to heatherbartman

DannyCox
@heatherbartman If nothing else, start off building a continuous online portfolio #ImAnIntern
8:52 PM May 12th via TweetDeck in reply to heatherbartman

NicoleBersani
What’s the scariest part as an intern? I’m working at FD in Chicago this summer and will admit I’m a little nervous #ImAnIntern
8:50 PM May 12th via web

heatherbartman
I really want to have a blogging presence, but I don’t know what to blog about. Any ideas? #ImAnIntern
8:49 PM May 12th via web from Athens, OH

annahellgeth
@DannyCox ask questions, be proactive, find a mentor to talk to, and always send daily updates to your team #ImAnIntern
8:47 PM May 12th via web

DannyCox
#ImAnIntern For those looking to go agency side, start building relationships with bloggers now. Have a presence before you need it
8:47 PM May 12th via TweetDeck

eabradley
Def listen a lot and show you are proactive #ImAnIntern
8:44 PM May 12th via TweetDeck

DannyCox
@annahellgeth @nicklucido Some advice for our soon-to-be interns: how do you get noticed for the right reasons the first week? #ImAnIntern
8:43 PM May 12th via TweetDeck

KelseySpellman
@DannyCox i never though of it that way but so true! @jennifermyang i definitely will, that’s great advice! #ImAnIntern
8:40 PM May 12th via web

annahellgeth
@AndreaHarless make TO-DO lists and keep them in front of you all day long! Check off after each task is accomplished #ImAnIntern
8:38 PM May 12th via web

DannyCox
@AndreaHarless Honestly, most days I look up at the clock for the first time at 4. If you’re busy and love what you do, days fly #ImAnIntern
8:37 PM May 12th via TweetDeck in reply to AndreaHarless

DannyCox
@KelseySpellman That means your ideas are 10% of the workflow. You have a great opportunity to make a difference- rock it! #ImAnIntern
8:36 PM May 12th via TweetDeck in reply to KelseySpellman

JenniferMYang
@KelseySpellman Be willing to take on more than your internship description. Especially at a non-profit! #imanintern
8:36 PM May 12th via web

heatherbartman
@DannyCox The plant manager is a family friend so he told me about it so I applied. & I like that analogy! #ImAnIntern
8:36 PM May 12th via web from Athens, OH

AndreaHarless
What are some tips to get through the long work days? #ImAnIntern
8:35 PM May 12th via web

DannyCox
@heatherbartman The best way to open doors is to ask questions. It shows your interested and inquisitive. #ImAnIntern
8:35 PM May 12th via TweetDeck in reply to heatherbartman

KelseySpellman
I’m interning at a non-profit this summer that has an office staff totaling about 10 employees, any advice? #ImAnIntern
8:35 PM May 12th via web

DannyCox
@heatherbartman Think about networking like a plant- the more attention and care you give it, the bigger and stronger it grows. #ImAnIntern
8:34 PM May 12th via TweetDeck in reply to heatherbartman

heatherbartman
@DannyCox thanks again! Even if I can’t intern there this summer, should I contact him already to show that I’m interested? #ImAnIntern
8:32 PM May 12th via web from Athens, OH

DannyCox
@HeatherBartman I think you’re our only client-side participant so far: how did you get your Pepperidge Farm internship? #ImAnIntern
8:31 PM May 12th via TweetDeck

DannyCox
@JenniferMyang I actually reached out through Twitter to some folks who I knew worked at Weber #ImAnIntern
8:30 PM May 12th via TweetDeck

annahellgeth
@heatherbartman that’s fabulous that you already landed a internship.Try to get as much experience as possible before graduating #ImAnIntern
8:30 PM May 12th via web

JenniferMYang
@DannyCox Thanks! Same as @Abernst. Learned about org through info interviews. Networking is big! How did you start at Weber? #imanintern
8:28 PM May 12th via web

DannyCox
@heatherbartman Use alumni connections that exist @abrownFMPR is a good resource to start with as an OU grad #ImAnIntern
8:27 PM May 12th via TweetDeck

heatherbartman
thanks @nicklucido & @dannycox! I eventually want to intern at Fahlgren Mortine. Any past/current interns there? #ImAnIntern
8:25 PM May 12th via web from Athens, OH

nicklucido
@DannyCox There’s always a wicked learning curve whenever you start somewhere new. You have to be receptive to a new environment #ImAnIntern
8:23 PM May 12th via TweetDeck in reply to DannyCox

DannyCox
@jennifermyang Remember that there’s a learning curve and you’ll catch up. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure #ImAnIntern
8:21 PM May 12th via TweetDeck in reply to JenniferMYang

JenniferMYang
What can I expect in my first week of internship? Any pointers? #imanintern
8:19 PM May 12th via web

abernst
I wish I had done more internships in college.They make a big difference…take advantage while you can. #imanintern
8:19 PM May 12th via web

DannyCox
@heatherbartman First of all, congrats on landing one so soon! You can never start too soon. My biggest piece of advice: smile #ImAnIntern
8:18 PM May 12th via TweetDeck in reply to heatherbartman

nicklucido
@heatherbartman Great to see you’re gaining experience so early! Be a sponge, ask big picture questions and work hard. #ImAnIntern
8:18 PM May 12th via TweetDeck in reply to heatherbartman

heatherbartman
I’m a freshman, and my first internship is this summer at Pepperidge Farm:) Anything I should know? #ImAnIntern
8:16 PM May 12th via web from Athens, OH

DannyCox
@Abernst Each office will have it’s own personality, but at #WSChi there is a very supportive and welcoming environment. #ImAnIntern
8:16 PM May 12th via TweetDeck

abernst
Anyone current Weber interns who can tell me what it’s like? #imanintern
8:13 PM May 12th via web

nicklucido
@DannyCox I’m right there with you trying to keep up with #PRStudChat and #ImAnIntern tonight!
8:13 PM May 12th via TweetDeck in reply to DannyCox

DannyCox
@Jennifermyang my experience (very small in-house, very large agency) is fairly small. In both, u work for clients best interest #ImAnIntern
8:11 PM May 12th via TweetDeck

DannyCox
@Abernst I couldn’t agree more. Speaking of networking I’m participating in both #PRStudChat & #ImAnIntern tonight
8:09 PM May 12th via TweetDeck

JenniferMYang
What is distinctive about agency vs. in-house PR internships? Will be a Fleishman-Hillard intern in a few weeks. Stoked! #imanintern
8:08 PM May 12th via web

abernst
networking is key! I met someone who works at Weber and he put me in touch #imanintern
8:07 PM May 12th via web

DannyCox
@abersnt To get us started, how did you find/land your internship with Weber Shandwick? #ImAnIntern
8:05 PM May 12th via web

DannyCox
For any who are joining in, feel free to ask questions at any point. Are there any students who have a burning issue to start? #ImAnIntern
8:04 PM May 12th via web

abernst
I’m starting a post-grad internship at Weber Shandwick in a few weeks…very psyched! #imanintern
8:04 PM May 12th via web

DannyCox
Just kicking off the first #ImAnIntern chat! For those who want to join but are unsure how, just search or create a column for #ImAnIntern

Calling All Interns

I’m taking a stand.

I’m tired of feeling like I have to justify my position to misinformed skeptics.

I’m tired of having to break through misconceptions before people who I talk to about what I do get it.

No, I’m not running to fetch the boss the morning coffee or relegated to menial and pointless tasks because my uncle pulled some strings on my behalf.

Yes, I’m an intern, and I’m damn proud of it.

It’s been one month since I began my journey on the ‘ship at Weber Shandwick in Chicago and there are two thoughts that stand out above all:

1. Holy hell, it’s been a month?! Where have the last 4 1/2 weeks gone? AND
2. This is one of the most rewarding experiences of my young life, and I couldn’t be happier with the places my journey has taken me thus far.

I’m getting to do some incredible things for national brands, join in on brainstorms and, most important, I feel like a valued part of each of my teams. Even better, I’m getting paid to do it! My stance on paid vs. unpaid internships is another post for another day, but my point is this:

The internship has undergone a transformation. Gone are the days where ‘intern’ was synonymous with ‘pawn’. Particularly with the down economy (which is showing signs of recovery), more companies in more industries are using interns as a valued part of the team. Internships are now an integral stepping stone on the path of the young professional in many fields.

Remember, today’s interns are tomorrows CEOs, so take the steps you need to now to find, land, and OWN the internship that steer you in the right direction for your career. Need help? That’s my middle name. Or at least my favorite past time.

CALLING ALL INTERNS!

To help rebrand the rejuvenated internship, I’m asking interns from all walks to stand up and declare, “Yes, #ImAnIntern” on Wednesday, May 12 at 9pm EST/8 c, on Twitter. Let your voice be heard as eager students join the conversation to learn what it means to be an intern. Share the knowledge you’ve accrued in your experience and help be a part of building a better workforce for the future of your industry. If you’re less forward thinking, save yourself the pain of training them on EVERYTHING later when they eventually get hired.

CALLING ALL INTERN WANNABES!

Given the logical way in which we’re taught to read, I’m going to assume that you’ve read the immediately preceding paragraph (if not, it’s right there, go ahead- I’ll wait) and jump to the relevant bit: Send us your questions! What do you want to know about finding, securing and rocking an internship? Get the knowledge straight from the collective horse’s mouth. If you’ve got a great question you’re afraid you’ll lose, head to the new Brazen Careerist network “INTERNal Affairs” (http://brazencareerist.com/network/internalaffairs) and post your queries in advance.

And don’t forget to tell your friends- the more experiences we can draw from, the more everyone benefits.

I can’t wait to hear from you guys!

The Interwebs: and no, I’m not talking about Lolcats

As I begin pre-production and research on a very large, independent project (which I will discuss in great length once the time is right) I’ve been thinking more about the connections that I’ve made over the past four years and the ways in which that network has helped guide me to where I am. I alluded to this phenomenon in my last post when I gave my vague, sweeping gratitudes. But beyond the initial appreciation of how my network has helped me, I’ve been thinking about the broader principal of the way networking helps all of us. For the sake of being cheeky and hip, I’m calling it the interweb-no, I’m not talking about lolcats-an inter-connecting, intertwining web of social connections and interactions.

Think about your social network like a web: when you connect with someone new, that’s an individual thread of webbing. By itself, it’s not likely to catch any flies or even have the visibility to prevent an inadvertent passerby from walking right through and severing the tie. But that’s the beauty of the interweb- when you connect with someone, and I mean really connect, it’s not a linear two-way relationship. You are then granted access to all of the threads of webbing that they have established, greatly enhancing the utility of your web. But if you only have one thread connected to the rest of the web, your chances of catching the fly are again pretty slim.

What you will discover quickly, is that if you have made a connection with anyone outside of that initial thread, you’ve likely already given yourself a stronger place in the web. The whole concept of six degrees of separation is great on a global scale, but in specific industries it shrinks to maybe three. More likely it’s two. And just like a web, if you’re a point from which interlocking threads of like-minded individuals branch out, well my friend you’ll be living large on flies tonight.

Admittedly, the metaphor is not perfect. Whereas most spiderwebs are fairly flat, when built correctly your interweb is more like an interlocking sphere connected points, but you get the idea.

So think about how the things you say, or post, or take pictures of affect the rest of the web and your connection to it. Think about how a vibration on one end of the web informs the spider at the other that dinner has arrived. Now think about what the vibrations and signals you’re sending are saying to the other sides of your web because unlike a spider’s web, your interweb has a memory.

That said, go out and make the connections, build strength from multiple points of contacts and make the best vibration possible. If you do it well and in the right way, the tremors will travel through the web and you’ll be rewarded with a nice, juicy fly. If you make the wrong vibrations, you’re likely to end up on a joggers face with no dinner and no connections.

How do you use social networking to achieve your career and social goals? What advice do you have to help make the best vibrations?

Intern Report 3: Life Comes at You Fast

I can’t believe it’s already the end of week three of my internship with Weber Shandwick in beautiful downtown Chicago, IL. Price-is-right moment aside, words can’t describe the warp speed at which my life seems to be travelling right now. It feels like two weeks ago I was starting at OU, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed to be leaving Small-town, USA and arriving at the gates of my educational edification. It then seems like last week that I was writing fake news stories and working with fellow Bobcats to make up completely fictional PR campaigns.

Instead, two weeks ago I was dealing with a campaign built around an individual had to be completely redone when that individual was let go from his position. Last week I was writing a month’s worth of social media copy and designing Twitter backgrounds for nationally and internationally known clients. And today I was brainstorming with some of the best and most creative minds in the industry for a campaign that hasn’t been written yet, but in all likelihood you will see or hear something about- if we do our jobs well, that is.

Please forgive the seemingly egocentric, almost-masturbatory  mini-nostalgia and understand it for what it truly represents: complete shock and awe that I’ve found myself in this position. And maybe it’s because I’m reading Outliers, Malcom Gladwell’s phenomenal account of those who truly excel and the way in which their families and circumstances assist them; or perhaps it’s the chat I had this afternoon from a friend and mentor looking out for my best interest; but whatever the reason, I want to take the moment to honor and truly thank those who have helped me reach this point.

For fear of the trap into which so many flustered Hollywood producers and rap artists have fallen in the past, my thanks are of a more general nature. To those who continue to give me the love and support that everyone needs, know that you give me the strength to face any challenge with the knowledge that no matter what, I’ll find a way- I just know I might have to get creative to find it. To those who have helped me network and make the connections necessary to reach this point, helped shown me which doors to open and allowed me to viciously and unabashedly take advantage of your friendships and colleagues, my only hope is to be able to reciprocate in full. To those who have inspired me to pursue social media and given me the strength and motivation to continue to learn more, I will never be able to repay you directly. Instead, I plan to pay it forward. Starting now, actually.

For any who may be interested and happen upon this post before Wednesday, May 12 at 9 pm EST, 8pm C, I, along with at least several of my colleagues at #WSCHI*, will be hosting the first #InternNET chat. We will be answering questions any aspiring interns may have from the perspective of those currently living the dream, as well as providing an excellent NETworking opportunity (see what I did there?). Remember, today’s interns are tomorrows CEOs.

Though the focus will initially be primarily upon those in the PR sphere, I am actively seeking and completely open to contributions from any and all participants from diverse backgrounds and fields of study. I will have a post nearer the date to explain guidelines and format, but please save the date/time if it’s of any interest. I will be compiling and posting the results the next day a la #JournChat for those unable to participate.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it- let’s get the weekend started.

*Legal/covering-my-ass disclaimer: any and all views, opinions and ideas expressed before, during, after or about #InternNET from said #WSChi do not necessarily reflect those of our employer, nor do we make any claim that our experiences are typical, to be expected or able to be recreated. This is an educational discussion to help provide insight, guidance and perspective through dialogue and the free exchange of ideas between individuals, representing themselves as such, and not meant to be indicative of anything. That should do it.