Show Me How Big Your Brave Is

Good morning, PR dolls! Today's post is part real-world lesson, part standard Aysha pep talk. Get ready.

I started a new internship last week doing marketing/PR for the business school at my university. I did a similar internship at the same business school last year, so it isn't my first time around this rodeo. Spoiler alert: I love it. Its not just the fact that I have the most inspiring supervisors/mentors within earshot or that I have a group of talented, driven fellow interns. Its the fact that at this internship I feel comfortable and confident enough to express my thoughts and ideas, no matter how insane they seem.

Last year during my internship, I worked on planning a major event that the school hosts every spring. I was in meetings with people who have started their own businesses, have established themselves in the world and have so much experience in event planning, marketing, PR, etc. Not going to lie, its intimidating. It took me a few rounds of meetings to basically break out of my shell and bring up an idea for a social media blitz. I toyed with even bringing it up but the second I did, I felt something in the room change. They could have hated the idea but I took the first step by stepping up, even as an intern. From that point on, I expressed my thoughts, ideas and opinions professionally, but freely. From that, I actually joined the conversation instead of merely being on the sidelines. Of course, not all of my ideas were winners. However I can honestly say that I learned something after every meeting, whether it was a suggestion from someone on the board or just an internal lesson.

No matter where you are or what you're doing, I dare you to be brave. Speak up. Forget your ego or insecurities or whatever else is hindering you from growing, experiencing and learning. Take that chance and get yourself in the game. Be brave, be bold.

We want to see you be braaaaave!

Have you ever had one of those crazy brave moments? How did it work out? Tweet me at @LBDPR!

Have a fabulous, fierce Monday!

xxx

Intern Commandments

Happy Wednesday! So this week has been even crazier than usual (hello, midterms/internships/reports/meetings/group projects!) so today's post will be brief, but I still wanted to share a little something. Yay consistency!
So here are some quick tips on how to be a fabulous intern, no matter where you are! I'll elaborate more and have more intern-related posts soon, but consider this a sneak peak! ;)

1) BE ON TIME! Nothing says, "I respect your time and I'm excited to work here" than being on time. Kudos to the earlybirds who are even a few minutes early.

2) Do your homework. Not school homework- do your research on your company, their mission statement, what they stand for, and what they've done.

3) Be excited! Be that smiling face or that friendly person in the office- you don't know who needs it and how appreciated it is sometimes.

4) Write down your ideas. Sometimes your ideas are not solicited or requested, which is fine. You're working with people who have launched a business and you should respect that they know what they are doing. But if you do have an idea, write it down! You never know when they'll want your fresh input into a project. Be ready!

5) Dress professionally. Even if your internship is coded as "casual," dress nicer than you would normally. Look the part.

6) Branch out. Your internship might be in one area, but don't be afraid to branch out and learn about other departments or areas of work. You are there to learn, so take advantage of any and all opportunities.

7) Ask questions! Don't be shy- you are there to learn! Your employer also knows you are a student and are at an entry-level. They aren't expecting you to be perfect, but if you have any questions or concerns, address them before you mess something up!

8) Think about your life, think about your choices. This internship is possibly what you want to do with your life- do you like it? I'm a believer that it is never too late- finish up the internship and go find whatever your heart desires. Maybe this internship will lead you to whatever you want to do.

9) Make mistakes. They will happen. Let them. Take responsibility, clean it up, and learn from it. And don't be too hard on yourself- you're at the internship for experience, not perfection.

10) Dream big. My hope for all of you is that your internship shows you exactly what you want to do, and encourages you to chase your dreams, no matter how big they are. So go for it!

I hope this inspires you! Have a great week, everyone!


xxx