The PlattForm intern survival guide

After my first couple weeks as an intern at PlattForm Advertising, I can already tell this experience will be anything but predictable. Upon entering the conference room for an intern orientation my first day, I quickly learned that I was in for an interesting summer; I was told we would each be dancing individually for a video that would be sent to all of the employees, that I was allowed to wear jeans every day, and the intern team would be taking on their very own project.    

Following the orientation, I moved on to claim my desk in the MarCom department. I really had no idea what to expect, but I found comfort in knowing that I wasn’t the only intern in this department –  there was another intern just across the pod, and the MarCom team understood that I was new at this.

I’ll be the first to admit that the decision to transition from poolside to cubicle lounging is not an easy one. As of my first week, I have learned a few tricks that can help ease the shift into intern life.

Tips for the budding professional:

• Pack a lunch, have breakfast ready, and schedule your morning coffee pot the night before. (You’ll savor that extra fifteen minutes of sleep.)
• Leave your house 10 minutes earlier than you think you should. You never know about traffic or what last-minute coffee spill/mascara clump/hair snafu you’ll have to deal with in the parking lot.
• Call a grandparent on your morning commute. (This will only lock in that batch of cookies and affirm that you’re their favorite grandchild.)

After just one week, I have already had the privilege of writing a book review and short story for Career College Central magazine, creating an internal PlattForm email, fighting with using the binding machine, and assisting the MarCom department with various odds and ends.

Plus, there are plenty perks: Candy Cart Tuesday, Flex Friday, the zen room, freshly brewed coffee, and the fun environment. (Though I still get creeped out by the ridiculously lifelike Jerry Garcia in the lobby.)

The life of a PlattForm intern is thrilling and enlightening. Stay tuned for more shared stories, insights on the PlattForm intern experience, and tips on making it in the professional world from someone who knows. kinda knows. is learning.