Welcome to the neighborhood, Al

Welcome to the neighborhood, Al

Italian Beef Sandwich at Al’s Beef, Courtesy of Paul Howey

Originally published on the RedEye Wrigleyville:http://neighborhoods.redeyechicago.com/wrigleyville/viewpoint/2011/05/25/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-al/

Following the Bulls’ providing additional evidence that they fully lack the ability to close a game (I’m talking to you and your back-to-back missed shot attempts in the 4th, Mr. MVP D. Rose), I took a stroll through my beloved Wrigleyville. The best thing about having an iconic baseball stadium in your neighborhood is the livelihood and vibrancy of spirit that come along with the influx of the roughly 50,000 attendees and satellite spectators.

Though my stroll occurred in the twilight of the 11 o’clock hour, the presence of the game-day crowd could still be felt. The couple on the corner of Clark & Roscoe having the serious conversation about the validity of cargo shorts; the superfan in matching hat and socks using the full width of the sidewalk; and most importantly to this particular stroll, the plain fellow in the classic Cubs’ tee scarfing a piece of Ian’s mac & cheese pie. Deeply engaged in a phone call on a dying cell phone, it struck me that I had neglected to eat dinner before departing for the game-watching festivities.

Determined to satisfy my hunger pangs with either a slice of one of Ian’s unique flavors and a root beer or Bacci’s massive, coronary-inducing slices, I was surprised to find myself drawn to a yellow roof new to the point where Sheffield and Clark meet. Wrigleyville’s newest neighbor: Al’s Beef. Some may attribute my drastic and abrupt change in target to alcohol-induced ADD, others to a lack of conviction. To those detractors, I say nay. My shift in sustenance acquisition stemmed from nothing more than my Midwestern morals and desire to extend a friendly hand to the new guy in town.

Upon my approach to the counter, a friendly gentleman greeted me with the courtesy of an old friend: “How can I help you buddy?”

“This is actually my first visit to this location,” I inform the gentleman. “I’m excited to have you as a part of the neighborhood.”

“I appreciate that,” replied the friendly gentleman with a smile. “We’ve been open about a month, and we don’t plan on going anywhere soon.”

After a brief exchange about the benefits of having an additional establishment available for the late-night dining crowd, the gentleman and I reach an accord on the terms of trade: about $5 in currency for a Maxwell Street Polish, fries and a Dr. Pepper (unfortunately, root beer was nowhere to be found). On my way out, one of the patrons clearly brought in by the game drunkenly stumbled into my path, nearly knocking my delicious snack from my ninja-like death grip. Instantly transformed into a mama grizzly, prepared to protect my Polish provisions by whatever means necessary, I was pleasantly surprised by the sincere and heartfelt apology with which my attack-stance was met.

Which brings me back to my initial point: though they contribute more than their share of litter, take more than their share of cabs and most definitely increase drinks to Prohibition-era pricing (adjusted for inflation, of course), this ‘hood would not likely sustain a delicious establishment like Al’s Beef on its own. If you disagree, I assume you haven’t had their Maxwell Polish combo at the end of an evening out, and your opinion is no longer valid.

Why am I up this early on a Saturday?

Originally posted on the RedEye Wrigleyville page: http://neighborhoods.redeyechicago.com/wrigleyville/viewpoint/2011/05/24/why-am-i-up-this-early-on-saturday/

The alarm goes off to the tune of “Danger! High Voltage” by Electric Six. It’s 7:30 am on a Saturday and a number of questions race through my mind, the first and most pressing obviously, “why the hell am I up at 7:30 on a Saturday?” The three word answer floats uneasily to the top of my head like a Magic 8 Ball: “Race to Wrigley.”

A recent Saturday marked the Cubs’ 5th annual 5k to help support local charities, and thanks to a generous contribution from my employer, I laced up my Nike kicks bright and early and hit the bricks. Kicking off to a hauntingly beautiful, albeit rain-soaked, rendition of “Go Cubs Go” by Mr. Cub himself, it occurred to me that this was the first time I had run in any context not involving catching public transportation in nearly a year. It also occurred to me that drinking with friends at Goose Island until close might not be the best pre-race strategy.

As the group turned on to Ravenswood and started to spread out, I could feel myself settling into a nice pace behind what appeared to be an 11 year old. My inner champion refused to allow this to remain a reality for long, and I was somewhat relieved to discover it was, in fact, a 12 year old. The course was planned out to give a nice cross-section of the neighborhood: start off down Addison, move up Ravenswood to Irving Park, finally finding its way home down Clark.

Approaching the field, runners were greeted by friends, family, and my personal favorite: a group of octogenarians in Cubs gear playing tunes from their heyday in a delightful brass and woodwind ensemble. Always liking a strong finish, I kicked into a sprint for the last 100 meters through the outskirts of the ballpark and crossed the finish line like a champion. In this context, champion is short for soaking wet, tired as hell and mildly hungover.

The record breaking 8,000+ runners helped raise more than $150,000 for the Chicago Children’s Hospital ($1044.69 of which from yours truly), ran a good race and got to see some of the most beautiful parts of Chicago this side of Division. I’d say that merits waking up on a Saturday morning any week of the year.

Danny Cox is a RedEye blogger.

UPDATE: I finally found out how to access my time, for those of you who may have wondered what ‘finishing like a champion’ means in quantitative terms- 23:40.

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!