When I logged on that first morning in June, I was pumped! It was my first time stepping into a real marketing role outside of school or volunteer work, and I felt ready. I had a sense of the kind of projects I’d be working on, but what I didn’t expect was how deeply the experience would shape me. This internship gave me more than bullet points for a résumé. It taught me lessons I’ll carry forward into every role after this one. Whether you’re a future intern or someone designing an internship program, I hope these eight takeaways help guide you, challenge you, and support you, like they did for me.
- Lead with “Hello”: Make the First Move
My very first assignment wasn’t official, but it felt just as important. As someone who is very introverted, the idea of messaging people I had never met before made me nervous. I pushed through and I sent those quick hellos, and I’m so glad I did. That small effort opened up conversations, helped people know who I was, and made the team feel a lot less intimidating. It also signaled that I wanted to be part of things, not only as a present member, but as an involved one.
- Connection Takes Time, and That’s Okay
In the beginning, I thought I needed to click with everyone right away for everything to be completed effectively. I quickly learned that real connections take time and they’re more valuable that way. Conversations with my coworkers felt more natural, and we started making jokes and sharing anecdotes from our lives (shoutout to Kayla for coordinating our vegan potluck!). Don’t panic if it doesn’t happen instantly. Give it time, and show up with curiosity and genuine interest.
- One-on-Ones Matter More Than You Think
Some of the best conversations I had weren’t in team meetings–they happened one-on-one. Aside from my weekly meetings with Mia (my favorite 30 minutes of the week), any time someone offered to hop on Zoom, I jumped at the chance. These conversations gave me space to ask questions, talk through projects, and learn more about teammates on a personal level. They were also fun, grounding, and helped me feel more seen. My advice is, if you’re interning, ask for them, and if you’re managing interns, make them part of the routine.
- It’s Okay Not to Have It All Figured Out
When I started, I had a pretty solid idea of what I liked: strategy, analytics, and research. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d grown to love writing in a more conversational tone, especially for blogs, which was completely outside my comfort zone. I didn’t feel confident at first, but with practice and feedback (thank you, Meg), I genuinely improved. Internships are meant to teach you what energizes, challenges, and surprises you. The only way to discover this is to stay open to the unknown.
- Mental Health Support Doesn’t Have to Be Formal
Some of the most meaningful support I received wasn’t scheduled or scripted. It came through a teammate asking, “What needs to be prioritized right now?” when tasks became overwhelming. Those small check-ins made a big difference, and reminded me that mental health in the workplace doesn’t need to look like a formal policy to be effective. Instead, the culture of care is built through everyday actions.
- Communication Can Make or Break Teamwork
This internship taught me how essential clear communication is–whether it was asking for help, confirming deadlines, or giving a teammate a shoutout, every conversation mattered. What really stood out was how meaningful recognition is. A simple “Thank you” or “Appreciate you” made me feel that both my work and I truly were valued.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Share New Ideas
One of the most valuable things I learned was that if you have an idea, share it. The worst thing someone can say is “not right now,” but the outcome is invaluable: thoughtful discussions, new perspectives, and meaningful impact. During my internship, I introduced “Language Minutes” in our team meetings. It was a quick dive into global marketing examples that highlighted the power of language and cultural nuance. In a country as diverse as the U.S., creating space to reflect on inclusivity in messaging felt important. These weren’t moments for me to show off what I knew–they were an opportunity to spark conversation, invite learning, and deepen our awareness as a team. So, if something sparks your curiosity or passion, don’t hold back! Your idea might be exactly what your team needed.
- Focus on What You’re Learning, Not Only What You Can Leverage
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “How will this look on LinkedIn?” or “Who here can connect me with a CEO?” Honestly, scratch that. Those thoughts are distractions. What matters most is what you’re learning in the moment: the skills you’re building, the questions you’re asking, and the knowledge you’re absorbing.
Yes, connections are valuable, but they don’t mean anything if you’re not putting in the work first. Focus on growing your craft, not just your network. The skills you sharpen now are what will carry you forward.
Looking Ahead
What was the biggest surprise? I’ll be back! After eight weeks of learning, growing, and finding my footing, I get to return and keep building on everything I started. It’s a full-circle moment I wasn’t expecting when I first logged on to start my summer, but one I’m incredibly grateful for. This time, I’m not only stepping in as an intern, but I’m stepping in with a little experience, pure intention, and a deeper sense of what I can bring to the table. Let’s see where it goes from here.
If you’re a future intern, someone managing internship programs, or simply curious about my experience, I’d love to talk! Feel free to reach out to me to swap stories or share advice.
