Internship 101: Unveiling the Reality of Professionalism

Reposted from June 23, 2023 via Blogger

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/preview/950805501932791644/8937760713970613319

Join me on an exhilarating journey into the professional realm of communications and marketing. As someone who has often been labeled as "shy", venturing into this field has posed its challenges. However, my overarching goal throughout this entire experience has been to cultivate self-confidence and optimism, and I'm already witnessing genuine progress. Stay with me, and you might just discover a thing or two about gaining confidence during your own internship.

A Glimpse into My Journey

Hello, everyone! I'm delighted that you've stumbled upon my summer internship blog. My name is Grace Grady, and I'll soon be entering my senior year at Kansas State University, pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications with a Film Certificate. I am from a small town in North Central Kansas called Downs, which you may not be familiar with. To give you some perspective, it's located a mere 5 miles away from the world-famous World's Largest Ball of Twine. During my time in college, I've explored various career paths within the communications field. If I were to graduate tomorrow and choose a career path the very next day, videography would be my ultimate choice. Film production and writing have been a lifelong passion, and it's only recently that I've realized it's something I can envision myself doing professionally. 

Heart Choices Internship

Business Background

Heart Choices Pregnancy and Parenting Resource Center was established in 2002 with a mission to empower as many individuals as possible in the greater North Central Kansas area to make healthy life choices, related to their sexuality, child-bearing, and parenting consistent with the sanctity of human life. The center primarily serves young women who find themselves unprepared for pregnancy and in need of guidance. It provides a welcoming, compassionate atmosphere where trained peer counselors offer assistance and hope for the future. In addition to counseling services, the center offers free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, and houses a baby boutique stocked with affordable baby necessities. My Role in the Office

As the marketing intern at Heart Choices, I hold the responsibility of overseeing all aspects of the marketing strategy. Since the center doesn't employ a dedicated marketing professional, I have the freedom to curate and implement my own ideas, some of which I've already set in motion. Crafting a monthly marketing schedule, scheduling social media posts, creating content for various platforms, and assisting with event organization are a few of my day-to-day tasks.  

Culture and Connection

To be completely honest, when I began my internship, I wasn't sure if Heart Choices was the right fit for me. As an individual who gradually distanced herself from religion, I felt somewhat out of place at a non-profit Christian pregnancy center. Worries consumed me: "Will I be judged for not attending church regularly or not praying before every meal?" I began to experience anxiety, fearing that my beliefs wouldn't align with those around me. However, I couldn't have been more mistaken. For starters, I've never worked in an environment with an all-female staff, and it has been a refreshing change of pace. The women I work with are compassionate, and understanding, and take the time to establish personal connections. I've already learned so much from these ladies about the services we provide, and they've even opened my eyes to perspectives I hadn't considered before. It's comforting to know that there are still individuals dedicated to helping others and offering support when they need guidance.

Key Lessons and Reflections

Merely a month into my summer internship, I've already acquired a wealth of knowledge concerning professionalism and effective collaboration. As I mentioned earlier, being a reserved individual in the communications field has posed challenges in finding my voice. However, being surrounded by a supportive group of colleagues has empowered me to break out of my shell and tap into my true abilities. The progress I've witnessed within this short timeframe is remarkable. Previously, I would confine myself to my desk, engrossed in my own thoughts and ideas. Now, I actively seek advice from my colleagues, eager to hear their perspectives and enhance my ideas collaboratively. It has been a gradual process, but I'm steadily becoming the confident employee I've always aspired to be. Here's to the next half of my internship, where I look forward to acquiring even more knowledge and wisdom that will stay with me throughout my professional journey. 

Heart Choices Website