What Happened to my Spring Break?

by Eddie Rivoldi, Vollmer Public Relations Houston Intern

I have adapted to more changes in these last few months than I have in my last 22 years combined. Spring break is just around the corner and I have accepted the fact that this year I will be staring at a beautiful sunset from a screensaver in my monitor while I sip on some cold and delicious apple juice from the mini fridge. Boy I can’t wait.

**Listen to the podcast version of this post***

Growing up I moved to many different countries, yet I never understood what culture shock meant until I actually graduated from school and entered the real working world. So, here are my two cents for any recent college graduate or college student about to graduate.

First of all, don’t romanticize the real world too much. Right before I graduated I thought I was going to share a big house with a pool with all my friends. I was going to work hard, work out even harder, and party like there was no tomorrow. Well, the only thing that stuck with me from that philosophy was to actually work hard. The working out and all the partying died after a week of working. Nevertheless, you should still try to get a run in here and there.  As for the big pool house with all my friends…well I have a house with a pool, but my roommates are my parents.

In these times of recession most college graduates have had no choice but to move back home and live with their parents either because they can’t find a job or because they can’t afford to live on their own. I belong to the latter, but I realize now that living at home is practical and convenient. I have food, clean clothes, and I get to save money. Sure it would be fun to live on my own or live with roommates, but – and I can’t believe I am saying this - right now I have to stop thinking about what I want and start thinking towards the future.  I am amazed at the fact that a lot of my friends are getting into debt just to be on their own.  Save, save and save. If you want to have a down payment for a car or a house, don’t go spending it on rent, save.

The third thing I would like to say to anyone who just graduated and has a job is don’t screw it up. If you are one the few fortunate to have found a job, do everything you can to keep it. Get rid of that college mentality and take it seriously. Show up on time, always dress appropriate by and always have a “can do” attitude. I am not the smartest guy but I figured out quickly that if I give it my all and I am honest I will do just fine.  (A little side note… if you are still in school, please take advantage of it. If there is one thing I regret in college it would be not taking classes that interested me just because they were hard or had a hard professor. Challenge yourself because once you find a job you will be challenged all day, so might as well get some practice.)

The last thing I would like to say about entering the real world is to enjoy it. These last months have been nerve-racking, frightening, but very exciting. I am paying attention all day to everything around me. This is the time in our lives where we really start defining who we are as professionals and as people so make the best of it. As for spring break, well honestly I don’t think I will miss spring break that much, I am having a pretty good time working.  

How to Get the Best from your Summer Interns

by Leticia Schmidt Camara, Ashley Hellen and Amanda Waldman
Vollmer Public Relations Summer Interns Twitter @vollmerinterns

The three Vollmer summer interns got together to offer insight into what makes for a valuable intern experience for both the intern and the employer:

Leticia Schmidt Camara, Vollmer Public Relations – Houston Office

Last week I met up with a friend that I hadn’t seen in ages, and we talked about our most exciting summer plans – our internships. I was very quick to dominate the conversation with all of my new experiences at Vollmer – the media calls, my emersion into Social Media tools, fun conversations with interesting co-workers, event planning and media recaps. I could not be stopped. Until I took a breath, and realized my friend wasn’t looking very excited. So, politely, I asked, “What has your week been like?”And my friend replied, “I’ve been licking envelopes.” I paused. Why? Why wouldn’t you use a glue stick/tape/staples/a sponge (insert anything else that might have been more pleasant than using your tongue repeatedly)? My friend wasn’t even sure what event he was licking for.

Having coffee with him made me realize the difference between an internship that will keep you busy and an internship that will help you grow. I am happy to say that I find myself in a summer mentorship, while my friend is stuck in an internship. I believe understanding the difference between the two and striving to create a “mentoring” atmosphere is ultimately the best way an employer can motivate and best use an intern.

This difference stems from the approach the company takes towards the intern and learning process. A mentoring institution views the intern with curiosity, respect and with a willingness to teach. Interns thrive at places like these, such as Vollmer Public Relations, where questions are welcome, co-workers share stories, and tasks are given but also explained. Employers would also greatly benefit from getting to know their interns. Ask about hobbies, skills and interests. Sometimes these may translate into valuable differentiators for your firm.

Employers that focus on teaching and pushing interns to see how daily tasks fit into the big picture of an industry may not fully realize the substantial impact they have on our lives. My time with Vollmer will allow me insight into a market segment so that I can have a strong base to ponder post-graduation plans, and the opportunity to ask questions and pick brains is priceless.
It’s hard for employers to fully grasp how much responsibility interns can be given right off the bat, and we understand that we may be given jobs that may come across as “busy work.”

However, there are some simple ways to help us feel motivated to do whatever task comes our way. One of the easiest ways to help an intern feel included in your organization is by setting aside time to allow everyone to introduce themselves and explain what they do within the company. This allows us to see how the organization works, who we can “bug” with questions on a certain task, and most importantly – it’s a chance for us to learn everyone’s names!
By creating this atmosphere with open dialogue and patience, employers will optimize the internship experience, for both the mentee and the firm.

Ashley Hellen, Vollmer Public Relations - Dallas Office

To sum up what Leticia said, here are some tips on how to use an intern best to get the most out of an internship:

• No job is too small



• Make me feel a part of the team



• Schedule one-on-ones



• Evaluate my performance regularly



• Encourage participation

Amanda Waldman, Vollmer Public Relations – Austin Office

Still not exactly sure where to start your intern?

At Vollmer this summer, I have been assigned to answer the phones. Although I was hesitant at first, I think this was a great way for me to become familiar with the clients our firm represents. I am the first person they hear from and the one who answers all of their initial questions. I have to know these answers, of course, which only comes with experience. Put your interns on the phone for a while and see what they can do. I know I have certainly learned a lot from being on the phone.

And, please remember, interns love to sit down to talk with their employers and fellow co-workers. We are curious individuals who are excited and eager to get involved and learn about the field we are working in. I encourage employers at the end of the week to debrief what your intern has done, in order to make sure they are staying on track and getting the most out of their experience. That way everyone will be satisfied.

Once again, thank you so much for this opportunity. I hope that by the end of my internship I will have made you proud and that we both will have learned a lot.

Twitter @vollmerinterns