Small towns and shoes: An internship update

As you may remember from earlier last week, I had an interview/meeting with another internship!

I was definitely nervous at first- I got off to a rocky start. But after meeting and talking, the position turned out to be just what I was looking for!

Originally, I was worried that doing an internship linked to another place I had already worked would have made me look like I couldn't find another place to intern. It made me nervous- would I look like too small town with this on my resume?

I asked my mom - guru of all things business - and she told me that actually  the opposite is true. It shows that you were wanted back, which is definitely a good thing.

And if you wanted to get technical... I'm interning for a show instead of the company. So that distinction can help if anyone attempts to peg me with small town syndrome.

Don't knock it til you've tried it....

I also thought that it would just be radio-centered, like the last internship I had been offered. But after meeting the host, it turns out I'll be doing a lot more than just radio work!

Not only do I get to work on a radio show, I also get to work on the website and social media. I might even be able to do some writing!

Needless to say, it's almost like this internship was made for me. I get to do all the things I wanted to do, it's local and it starts immediately!

There's a lesson to be learned here, as always. The shoe could be a perfect fit, but how will you know until you try it on?

If the shoe fits.... 

Have you ever experienced something that turned out to be exactly what you were looking for? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Sharing my Internship Interview Experience

So I tried to keep this under wraps originally, as I am (unfortunately) superstitious. But, I had an interview on Friday in downtown Atlanta!

Here's the short version of my day Friday:
*I came home Thursday night to ensure a full night's rest. No crankiness allowed!

*I woke up nice and slow, but I forgot to eat before I left, which was not a good idea because then I did get cranky. Fail! Later, however, I discovered it was a great idea, because my stomach didn't start knotting while I was waiting.

*I wore a classic grey pinstripe skirt suit with a bright blouse, comfortable shoes and hose. I did not bring a coat and I definitely should have! I also brought a designer bag that matched my suit and my father lent me his fancy leather portfolio to match.

*I took the MARTA - a public transit subway. It gave me a lot of time to think, relax and prepare, as well as keeping me from stressing out about where I was going!

*I arrived at the interview a few minutes early - always a good plan! But I didn't actually get to interview until about 30 minutes after my time! Luckily, the company had a TV in the lobby, so I got to watch sitcoms while I waited!

*I got called in to interview. I tried my hardest to be polite and normal, but later admitted to the interviewer that I was trying really hard. I was so nervous about making a better impression that I sort of lost myself. I was lucky to open up as the interview continued.

*I brought extra resumes and an air check, which my interviewer was happy to have.

*As I left, my interviewer said, "Great interview" and shook my hand. Even if I didn't get the internship, I felt accomplished. How often does one get complimented when they are one in hundreds!?

*I finally had a bite to eat. I had some delicious spaghetti, prepared by a Italian man with a thick accent. He was very nice and made me smile! It tasted better afterwards anyway.

*Hopped back on the MARTA and headed home. What a day! By the time I was off the track and in the car, four hours of my day were spent downtown.

Via Jeff Pittman

What can you take from this? 
*Dress comfortably. But don't get too crazy - even though I wished I had been in brighter colors, I think I made a better impression in my classic suit.

*Bring everything you can with you. An aircheck, resume, writing sample, anything - just in case. They may not ask for it, but wouldn't you rather be prepared!? (I have to thank my dad for that one- he made sure I had everything before I left!)

*Be yourself. Yes, impressions are good. But don't overdo it - I accidentally convinced my interviewer that I preferred one radio station over the other, when it was actually the opposite! It took me so off-guard that it threw my whole train of thought off.

*Be careful not to over-focus. I totally forgot my favorite artist(s), all because I was trying to prepare myself for harder questions!

*Speaking of.... I was not expecting to be asked conversational questions! Don't forget, you're a person.

Have you ever interviewed for something? Have any more tips? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson