With the first few weeks of my internship complete, I’ve learned a lot. Mostly, I’ve learned that I don’t know much. College teaches you how to study, not how to work. It’s certainly humbling to be thrust into an established work culture where everyone has a specific job and knows exactly what to do and exactly when to do it. And I don’t.
It is intimidating, for sure, but I try to remind myself that’s why I’m here: to learn. As I navigate my way through my internship this summer, I’ll periodically share my insights with you. I’m excited to see how I change throughout these next few months; to see what I’ve learned.
So far:
I’ve learned what PPC stands for, and ROI and SOW. I’d share my whole list with you (yes, I made a list–it’s still growing), but I’ll spare you the acronym soup.
I’ve learned how to sift through lots of information quickly to find the good stuff, and I’ve learned how to respond to a reporter’s request without too much editing required.
I’ve learned why it’s important to be direct in a business call–and what happens when you aren’t.
I’ve learned that lunch is short.
I’ve learned that there’s a science behind every Google search, and every single click.
I’ve learned that some people get angry at customer service. Very angry.
I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask questions. Questions, in fact, are encouraged–by both interns and small business owners. I hope every workplace is this welcoming to its employees and clients.
I’ve learned to appreciate the sun more, and the weekend more. And sleep more.
I’ve learned that I don’t know much at all about the world of software, or even really the world of business. But I’ve learned that I want to know more. And being here, I’m pretty sure that I will.
Katherine is a Princeton University student completing a summer internship in the Marketing Department at Palo Alto Software.
