jump over to the Brazen Life blog
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow

Welcome to Brazen Careerist!

There are networks on Brazen Careerist to discuss all the career issues you are thinking about right now. Join now to start moving your career in the right direction.

Internal Affairs.jpg
+ Join Group
INTERNal Affairs

Particularly in today's economic market, more and more aspiring young professionals are finding a stepping stone in what was once viewed as summer-job material: the internship.

But today's interns are not the nameless, coffee-fetching, mail-cart pushing verbal whipping boys and girls of yesteryear. No, today's interns are speaking up, stepping up and standing out, turning a 10-week program into lasting careers.

Consider this a digital stomping ground for tomorrow's CEOs as we discuss the trials and tribulations of finding, landing, then OWNING the internship that will jump start your career.

Network Leader: Danny Cox
Groups > INTERNal Affairs
 
TOP IDEA: Ryan Paugh Internships.com reminded me yesterday that big job boards are full of junk when they paid Charlie Sheen to post a social media internship and tweet about it. Being Charlie Sheen's intern sounds terrible and it's just one of many mediocre social media manager positions you'll find on big job sites. So I went through some really bad job postings for social media positions yesterday and came up with some red flags for you. Check them out and add your own red flags: http://bit.ly/gj6wRQ

63 weeks ago from INTERNal Affairs, Interns, Social Media and Community Managers2 more

View 2 older replies

Kate Davids: Yes, I completely agree with this! I have seen this too often, and it is frightening. They are ready to spend money on someone, but they aren't ...MoreYes, I completely agree with this! I have seen this too often, and it is frightening. They are ready to spend money on someone, but they aren't ready to use that person. They will likely completely ignore their new "social media rockstar" because they aren't ready to implement the organizational change really using social media will require.
60 weeks ago
 
Dave Ellis I wrote a blog post today that young professionals, and those soon entering the Real World may find useful. It's a perspective on how you aren't expected to know everything in your early career - so don't pretend to. Listen and ask questions. Please let me know what you think... http://bit.ly/o50uts

37 weeks ago from I am Gen Y, INTERNal Affairs, Interns and Brazen Undergrads2 more

 
Dave Ellis Starting a new career, or transitioning to a new one, takes a lot of work. So many skills to acquire, trends to follow and new knowledge to learn. Thankfully there is plenty of great advice from truly caring experts out there we can turn to. Check out this helpful post for The Top 50 Twitter Accounts Job Seekers MUST Follow: http://bit.ly/pLAmbD Let me know what you think! What are your "must follow" Twitter accounts?

44 weeks ago from INTERNal Affairs, I am Gen Y, Career Rocketeer, JobSTART 101 and Interns3 more

 
Dave Ellis An insightful blog post - all interns (and recent grads) should read...... YouTern CEO To Interns: Stop Being Doormats! by @EntryLevelRebel http://read.bi/oZeRT9

44 weeks ago from INTERNal Affairs, I am Gen Y, JobSTART 101 and Interns2 more

View 2 older replies

Jason H. Parker: Good post, Dave, I'm glad Mark got that interview. Looks like he nailed it!
43 weeks ago
Dave Ellis: Yes, it's some great information.
43 weeks ago
 
Dave Ellis Some really great insights for interns on how to succeed in your internship. "Nobody Has Time for Interns" http://www.businessinsider.com/nobody-has-time-for-interns-2011-7 As we at YouTern often advise, "make your own internship within your internship!"

43 weeks ago from JobSTART 101, Interns and INTERNal Affairs1 more

 
Dave Ellis Over the next three weeks, beginning Wednesday May 11, YouTern will present a free webinar series: “Jump to the Top: Get Noticed in an Ocean of Applicants”. These one-hour webinars will be taught by the best career coaches in the business: Tracy Brisson (Founder of The Opportunities Project), Brett Kunsch (The Millennial Coach) and Jennie Mustafa-Julock (The Audacity Coach). We'd love to help Brazen Careerists through these seminars. Here's a link for more information: http://dld.bz/YTsz

54 weeks ago from I am Gen Y, Career Rocketeer, INTERNal Affairs and JobSTART 1012 more

 
Dave Ellis Here's a new article in Forbes by fellow Careerist Jamie Nacht Farrell: "Internships - the quickest way to Gen Y success" - http://dld.bz/RuKC Great article, Jamie!

63 weeks ago from INTERNal Affairs, I am Gen Y and Interns1 more

 
Dave Ellis As a hiring manager which do you tend to prefer when hiring: A candidate with a stellar GPA, possibly also from a great school? Or a candidate with more down-to-Earth academic credentials, but with several high-quality internships on their resume? Would love to hear your thoughts.

66 weeks ago from INTERNal Affairs, Shotgun Startups and Entrepreneurs1 more

View 9 older replies

Justin R. Papreck: I'm finding it difficult to even get an interview in the sciences because I have no "industry experience", and all of my work is "academic". So I ...MoreI'm finding it difficult to even get an interview in the sciences because I have no "industry experience", and all of my work is "academic". So I would have to say that in this field, they hire based on field experience over academic status, because they feel those persons in the field will ultimately require less training than the academic crowd. It really all depends on what your company's needs are and how quickly you need the new hire trained.
66 weeks ago
Cheryl Roshak: It really depends on the position and the person. I don't think you can make blanket judgments like that as to which is more preferable. The ...MoreIt really depends on the position and the person. I don't think you can make blanket judgments like that as to which is more preferable. The resume first tells you so much about how a person thinks, writes, organizes, and demonstrates his sensibilities. If I receive a resume from someone who comes from a great school with a 4.0 GPA but the resume tells me something is really off, I'm probably going to defer to a less stellar background with a better presentation and clarity of purpose and direction to interview. That's just me. Others may disagree.

In the final analysis, it will always come down to qualifications, personality, and who will be the best fit within the company culture. Which person interviewed the best, and won everyone's heart with the right background and enthusiasm. It's really that simple in most cases. There's a place for everyone, you just have to keep looking till you find that one place.
66 weeks ago
 
Dave Ellis I keep seeing this question come up in Twitter chats: Is it ever TOO early to apply for internships? SO, I came up with an answer in this post. http://bit.ly/h2XqJ9 What do you think? Do you agree?

69 weeks ago from INTERNal Affairs, Interns and I am Gen Y1 more

 
Gauri Nawathe Last year, I was offered an internship opportunity in company X which I refused because I had a more interesting offer in company Y. Now my internship is about to end and I don’t know if they are going to keep me on board. Can I go back to company X and ask if they have a vacancy? How should I go about it?

77 weeks ago from INTERNal Affairs, Ask A Coach and Ask Penelope Trunk!1 more

View 1 older reply

Caroline Ceniza-Levine: Agree with Thabo, you can absolutely go back to companies you have declined. Hopefully you have kept in touch with them in a nice way since last ...MoreAgree with Thabo, you can absolutely go back to companies you have declined. Hopefully you have kept in touch with them in a nice way since last summer. Let them know that you completed your internship with Co Y but are now interested in restarting conversations with Co X. Give them an update on the great skills and experience you have developed and how you can add value to them. Make a business case; you don't have to be apologetic about having gone elsewhere -- show them it was to their advantage b/c of all you learned.
77 weeks ago
Gauri Nawathe: Thanks for your replies, Thabo and Caroline. I'm sending in an email TODAY!
77 weeks ago
 
Dave Ellis Many internship seekers think their role as an intern is severely limited – confined by the traditional perception where the skill you’ll improve best is the speed at which you deliver coffee. If that's how you see your days as an intern… let’s get you a new definition. Challenge yourself to view your role as empowered… as having choices. Here's how to write a new definition of "intern" for yourself. http://bit.ly/d5XVQQ

79 weeks ago from INTERNal Affairs, Interns, I am Gen Y and Brazen Undergrads2 more

Andrei Hancu: actually the role of an intern changed a lot in the past 2-3 years, mainly due to the current global crunch. everyone now hires interns, because ...Moreactually the role of an intern changed a lot in the past 2-3 years, mainly due to the current global crunch. everyone now hires interns, because you can put them to work for a couple of months for a really small or nonexistent salary; they still put in the same workload and probably even more effort than current employees because they need/want to prove themselves - so for companies it's pretty much a win-win situation any way you look at it. I believe at some level what I'm saying equates to something along the lines of exploitation... so yes, I didn't get anything wrong that's pretty much how it is :)
79 weeks ago
Dave Ellis: It is unfortunate yes, that some companies don't understand the role of an intern. This happens in some companies no matter the economic ...MoreIt is unfortunate yes, that some companies don't understand the role of an intern. This happens in some companies no matter the economic conditions. Ideally we can begin to educate both companies, and interns alike, that interns are not exploitable labor; that they are a valuable resource to be mentored... and that they are a valuable resource to be appreciated. The interns need to know that they should stand up for themselves (professionally of course) to make sure they are appreciated.
79 weeks ago
 
Dave Ellis Geny... you're not so mysterious. These blogs have you figured out. http://dld.bz/zwYr

82 weeks ago from I am Gen Y, INTERNal Affairs and Brazen Undergrads1 more

 
Dave Ellis Ghost of internships past... Here's a blog post you might find useful about what I know now that I wish I knew then. (and you can know ahead of time) http://dld.bz/zyPh

82 weeks ago from I am Gen Y, Brazen Undergrads, Interns and INTERNal Affairs2 more

 
Ryan Paugh Have you guys heard about The World's Most Interesting Intern over at Cisco Systems? It seems like this story might be a little old so just tell me to shut up if this is old news. I guess their intern put together a rap video and is challenging other interns out there to put together videos that prove they are more interesting than he is. I like this guy. I might even hire him to work at Brazen. Would you hire him? Read more about him >> http://bit.ly/cmWw8b

95 weeks ago from INTERNal Affairs, Interns, Human Resources and Corporate Talent Acquisition2 more

View 2 older replies

Natalie_Akers: I love it!
95 weeks ago
Chris Paugh: Definitely hire him. He is really putting himself out there and I like that. You need to differentiate yourself from the crowd so someone will ...MoreDefinitely hire him. He is really putting himself out there and I like that. You need to differentiate yourself from the crowd so someone will take notice!!
95 weeks ago
 
Jessica Bahr I will talking to a group of college students next week about the benefits of participating in a co-op/internship. Any ideas of what I should include?

84 weeks ago from INTERNal Affairs

 
Ryan Paugh I learned a new buzz word today: Vanity Internship. It's when celebrities who are bored take internships with cool companies like Nike and Vogue, but pretty much do absolutely nothing other than dumb down the experience for other passionate young people without the prestige. I read about it from a fellow Brazen member who writes at The Huffington Post (http://huff.to/hvR9Z). What do you think about these Vanity Internships? Shouldn't celebs just stick to endorsements where they belong?

89 weeks ago from INTERNal Affairs, Interns and Celebrity Gossip Rock Stars1 more

View 3 older replies

Lindsey Sparks: My reaction to this is negative as well, although that may also be influenced by the fact that I don't like any of the celebrities mentioned in ...MoreMy reaction to this is negative as well, although that may also be influenced by the fact that I don't like any of the celebrities mentioned in the article. I think if a company wants to hire a celeb intern, they should be very careful about it and most of those examples do not demonstrate that. It looks like more of a PR move to get people talking, but for me it just lessens my impression of say, Vogue. I can't stand Sean Avery, and he clearly has no business interning at the magazine. You know he did it for press and to meet models.
89 weeks ago
Sadya Siddiqui: Its another reality show in the making , thats about it. remember that weird show in which Tommy Lee Jones decides to go to college, same thing.
89 weeks ago
 
Emily Moore In the lull week at my parents home before the start of senior year, my dad has put the (healthy parental) pressure on about finding a job. How would you guys recommend this going into senior year? Is now too early to be applying for jobs and interviewing?

94 weeks ago from Young Professional Women (YPW), GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, Brazen Undergrads and INTERNal Affairs2 more

View 6 older replies

Jason H. Parker: first step: know what you want to do. if you don't know that yet, interview as many people as you can get to sit down with you to talk about their ...Morefirst step: know what you want to do. if you don't know that yet, interview as many people as you can get to sit down with you to talk about their professions. Family friends, friends already graduated, people local to school, recruiters. Just talk to everyone and ask honest questions.

Once you know what you want to do, there's a variety of ways you can create opportunities for yourself. I'd advise you to never apply online to a job. But that's just because I'm old school and truly believe in the importance of networking.

Essentially, once you know what you want to do, talk to everyone about it. Ask who they know who you could talk to about it. Smile a bunch!

Also, you'll do great. And who knows by next June, I might have a job for you. Make sure you keep us here at Brazen in the loop!
93 weeks ago
Ben Donahower: applying and interviewing will at least give you some test runs before you are more serious about job hunting, so can't hurt.

also, you started ...Moreapplying and interviewing will at least give you some test runs before you are more serious about job hunting, so can't hurt.

also, you started an nonprof... is this something that you would be interested in making your career? why not spend your last year at school really trying to make something happen there.
92 weeks ago
 
Gauri Nawathe As we all know, applying to vacancies on a company’s website never works. What do I do to get my foot in the door if I find an interesting job opportunity but don’t have any contacts at the company? How do I prevent my application from being discarded by robots?

101 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk! and INTERNal Affairs

Bruce Peterson: If and only if you don't know ANYONE in the company, first look on LinkedIn and look for sales people who work there. They will typically give ...MoreIf and only if you don't know ANYONE in the company, first look on LinkedIn and look for sales people who work there. They will typically give you the lay of the land and figure out who the recruiter and hiring manager is. It may not work on the first try. You may have to reach out to others. Salespeople generally are very helpful, and savvy in terms of internal relationships. They like to network and talk with people. Give it a try and let me know if it works for you.
101 weeks ago
 
Gauri Nawathe As we all know, applying to vacancies on a company’s website never works. What do I do to get my foot in the door if I find an interesting job opportunity but don’t have any contacts at the company? How do I prevent my application from being discarded by robots?

101 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk! and INTERNal Affairs

 
Jamie (Ji Eun) Lee I am interviewing for an unpaid summer internship program at an investment group that supports female entrepreneurs, whose vision & goal really excite me. The program is geared towards MBA students, which I am not. Currently I work for a hedge fund whose assets are shrinking and cash flow negative for months. In other words, a sinking ship. Has anyone out there made a mid-career shift from paid job to internship?

101 weeks ago from INTERNal Affairs and Ask Penelope Trunk!

 
Emily Moore I just got accepted for a remote editorial internship, and on the advertisement (through craigslist!) it mentioned a stipend for the internship position. In the email with the offer, the director said that I could complete the internship for school credit. I don't need the school credit and would like to know if there is a way that I could negotiate for another form of compensation. Is this kosher? What is the best way to go about it?

102 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!, Freelancing, Professional Writers and Editors and INTERNal Affairs2 more

View 7 older replies

Emily Moore: Thank you for all of your responses! Here is an update:

After replying to their offer on Friday, I called the director this afternoon and ...MoreThank you for all of your responses! Here is an update:

After replying to their offer on Friday, I called the director this afternoon and explained my situation to her. She said tat they are in the process of moving from a blog to a dot-com business, and they are in the middle of raising capitol for it and until that time, she cannot promise a stipend, since they don't know when the money is going to come in.
The ad that they placed was to get a general feel for people interested in the position. She said to take 24 hours to think about it and get back to her about it.

My thoughts? This is a career move that I've been wanting to break into, and I feel that there is a lot of potential for the future while working with this group. How should I approach my response? What is a form of non-monetary compensation that I could suggest?
102 weeks ago
Jamie Nacht Farrell: 1) Definitely take it 2) For compensation, sign a 2 year contract that they will have the link to your blog on their site somewhere.
102 weeks ago
 
Emily Moore How have you guys seen your internships influence your career? I'm about to start my third internship, which I got from being connect to my last internship, which I discovered from my internship before that. Hopefully this cycle eventually becomes a career.

102 weeks ago from INTERNal Affairs

View 7 older replies

Cary Thomson: Even if you don't get a job with your internship company your supervisor will still be able to act as a relevant and very important reference. It ...MoreEven if you don't get a job with your internship company your supervisor will still be able to act as a relevant and very important reference. It all very will being a star student in the classroom but many employers want to know how you act in the professional world.
102 weeks ago
Seth Cameron Short: I had three internships in my Senior year. The first two helped me decide I didn't want to do that work. The last one led directly to my current ...MoreI had three internships in my Senior year. The first two helped me decide I didn't want to do that work. The last one led directly to my current job, which I've been in for 7 years.

I heard from lots of my fellow students that they weren't going to take any internships, or that they had taken one and it was a waste of time. I never found it to be a waste of time -- better to learn what you DON'T like before you're committed to that job, and without interning I wouldn't have ended up in my current (7 years so far) career.

So my advice to students debating interning -- do it. Do it often. Take advantage of the experience and connections you get from them. They're more useful than any course you might take instead.

Seth
102 weeks ago
 
Gauri Nawathe I recently had my first feedback interview. My boss would like me to take initiatives, go beyond my normal duties and projects as an intern. This is my first real internship and I don’t really understand how exactly I can do that. Any advice? For your information, I'm working in the advertising department of a bank.

102 weeks ago from INTERNal Affairs, Ask Penelope Trunk! and Advertising Professionals1 more

View 10 older replies

Gauri Nawathe: @Connie and Kim: Thank you for your suggestions. One thing that really stands out for me in your replies is - it's important to ask a lot of ...More@Connie and Kim: Thank you for your suggestions. One thing that really stands out for me in your replies is - it's important to ask a lot of questions.
@Melissa: I really liked your idea of intern's handbook. I'm definitely going to think about some projects to do in my spare time.
@Sean: My problem is exactly the opposite. I don't have many projects to work on; sometimes I end up getting bored and feeling demotivated. As Melissa says, I ought to use my spare time to do some projects to help out my colleagues.
102 weeks ago
Danny Cox: That's one of the biggest conundrums interns face: how do you show your energy and motivation and drive without overstepping boundaries or being ...MoreThat's one of the biggest conundrums interns face: how do you show your energy and motivation and drive without overstepping boundaries or being annoying? A few tips from my recent experience:

1) As everyone has mentioned, ask what you can do to help. But to REALLY stand out, keep your ears open and listen to what is being said around you, what people are complaining about, come up with a great idea to solve it, and volunteer to implement your plan.

2) Take a stab at things that are "above" your level: if there's a report that is looming for one of your superiors, offer to make a first draft- even if it's just practice, you'll get valuable experience with the format and style, and your superiors will take note.

3) Questions are key, but SMART questions reign supreme. Whenever something presents itself that you're not familiar with, do a little research and show that you can be resourceful. If it's a question you CAN'T find the answer to, make sure you ask it in a way that shows you're trying to understand the bigger picture or understand the thought process behind the decisions.
102 weeks ago
 
Gauri Nawathe Is it ok to make mistakes? Have you made mistakes at work? How did you correct them? As an intern I often trip and stumble. I understand that now is the time to make mistakes because it is through them that we learn. But at times I feel it seriously undermines my chances of being employed at this company. What do you guys think?

104 weeks ago from INTERNal Affairs

View 1 older reply

Rebecca Thorman: You don't stop making mistakes once you're not an intern. :) I think the key is how you respond when mistakes happen. When I make mistakes, I ...MoreYou don't stop making mistakes once you're not an intern. :) I think the key is how you respond when mistakes happen. When I make mistakes, I always own up, ("This could have worked out better, I take responsibility"), offer ideas ("Next time, I think we could do xyz"), and ask for feedback ("Why do you think this went wrong? What do you think we should do? Is that a good plan?"). As you and Danny, mention, mistakes are about learning, and all good companies and managers understand that :)
103 weeks ago
Gauri Nawathe: Thanks everybody for your replies!
If I had to summarise the discussion: it's important to own up and recognise one's mistake and then take ...MoreThanks everybody for your replies!
If I had to summarise the discussion: it's important to own up and recognise one's mistake and then take proactive steps to learn from them. And above all, never repeat them again!

103 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh We have some great interns, but I've noticed they are also super busy with college and their other activities. I wonder, do today's college students have to much to do and too many expectations on them? I personally did. Between my Fraternity positions, philanthropies, intramural sports, etc, I was SO overwhelmed! What do you think? How do you balance your internships with everything else?

106 weeks ago from INTERNal Affairs, Interns and Brazen Undergrads1 more

View 5 older replies

Kristina E. Smith: College students can really be overwhelmed with activities. I for one was one of them. Between sorority activities, res life responsibilities, ...MoreCollege students can really be overwhelmed with activities. I for one was one of them. Between sorority activities, res life responsibilities, internships and of course CLASSES I was looking forward to 'just working'. It did teach me balance.
106 weeks ago
Danny Cox: @Cameron I couldn't agree more. My GPA was good, but nothing to write home about. The reason my GPA suffered was the priority I put on getting ...More@Cameron I couldn't agree more. My GPA was good, but nothing to write home about. The reason my GPA suffered was the priority I put on getting involved with the things I loved doing. When I had my interview, we didn't talk about my GPA and what courses I took: we had a great conversation about my experiences, what I'd learned and how they were applicable.
104 weeks ago
More
 

Join This Network Today

Join Brazen Careerist right now and you'll automatically be added to this network.

or

By clicking "Sign Up", you are indicating that you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy