Finding My Way In LA

For those of you who are thinking about taking part in the Los Angeles program or any program Ithaca has to offer, go for it! Everything I experienced as made me realize a program like this isn’t offered everywhere.  As Ithaca College students we are lucky to have this opportunity accessible to us. The staff members at ICLA and here in Ithaca who make this program possible are dedicated to making sure we are enjoying our internships, comfortable living at the Oakwood’s and get to experience Los Angeles and all it has to offer.  Our Resident Assistants and Jon (ICLA staff member) worked tirelessly to put together exciting events throughout the semester. Figuring out how to get around LA, taking the bus to work, going on interviews, attending and volunteering places where I knew no one, planning adventurous trips around LA and driving across country have helped me become a more independent and confident person. I will keep these memories and the relationships I have formed close to my heart forever. 

Here are some words of advice for those who are planning on completing an internship:

v     Always be working on something, you never know who is watching.

v     Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially if you need a task clarified. At the same time, know when the appropriate time is to ask a question.

v     Make yourself available. You don’t want your supervisor to have to search forever to find you and assign you a task. 

v     Talk to as many people as you can because you never know who knows who and what people have a background in. They might have experience in an area you are very interested in.

v     Be willing to learn from others. No one knows everything and if a fellow intern or staff member is teaching you something, listen and take it is a learning experience. 

v     Avoid gossip within the work environment at all costs! I worked with a number of interns at Ellen and when we were all in close quarters people will start talking. Try to stay out of it as best you can.

v     If you know you are scheduled to have an exit interview, make sure to take note of some processes you noticed did not run smoothly. If you feel they are appropriate to mention to your interviewer (supervisor most likely) than address them in a constructive way. 

v     When you are assigned a task, make sure you are aware of its priority. You don’t want to sit around with a task and think you have time later when it’s needs to be completed ASAP.

v     If you are assigned a boring task, find a way to make it interesting and fun because you are going to have to do it anyway. 

v     Not all organizations have an effective communication plan and it’s important that you do not fall into their pattern of poor communication. Remember what we learned in our classes!

v     You may not love every aspect of an internship but think back to why you picked this organization and remind yourself of their mission. Not all work as an intern is glamorous, but if you work hard in time you will be rewarded for your dedication.