My internship experience at GLFHC changed my entire thought process on the marketing and communications field as well as what I was passionate about. I liked how GLFHC value and mission is to help others. As a healthcare company seeking to provide medical care to those who cannot afford it, the external relations team was constantly trying to get this message out to the community and our customers. The people there also made my experience so valuable. I learned how to work on a team, as an integrated and useful member, all things social media, how to write press releases, and the biggest: how to plan an event! I liked that I was more or a less a "jack of all traits" intern and learned the ins and outs of the industry. I worked with account management, event planning, community and donor relations, social media, and much more!
What I wish was different
I wish I had a marketing manager as my supervisor. 2 weeks before I started, the manager who hired me had left the company. They were interviewing for the position in my first month of work there. This means I did not have a direct supervisor. However, this turned out to be a blessing because I got to work in each of the other positions in external relations and learn much more than just marketing.
Advice
Go into an internship with an open and learn-focused mindset. Before I started, I was so nervous I wasn't going to be adequate enough or know the knowledge they wanted me to. However, I quickly learned that they wanted to teach me and help me along the way. yes, they gave me tasks without instruction but always encouraged me to ask questions. This helped me to learn to jump right in and teach myself as well! I would also say that just because you are an intern doesn't mean you can't be an integral part of the team. Share your ideas, dive into projects, be yourself! Companies love to see you take initiave and share what you are learning.
