The little intern that could…or was at least trying

I was reluctant to go for my evening run last night. I was tired from a long day at my internship and distracted by my loving animals who were vying for attention. I needed some motivation. After reflecting on the chocolate bunny ears I munched on at lunch and thinking about the warm Spring weather breezing in, I finally gave in. It felt good once I got going and my new downloads were certainly a great help.

So how important is it to be motivated? Well, as far as exercise is concerned – it’s everything. But I’ve recently been reminded of its importance in the workplace. You see, last week I started my internship. It’s that hands on, real-life experience that soon-to-be grads get to embark on, with no guarantee of pay, invigorating duties or sense of worth. Now, don’t let my negativity fool you. It has been good so far, but what I have come to realize is that in the absence of pay, you can’t help, but question – how am I being motivated?

I am a fairly busy person – busy by choice. I need to be immersed in many “things to do” and get gratitude through completing tasks well and efficiently. Leading up to this internship I was anxious to say the least. Following an exceptional client project (thanks to the communications department at Toronto East General Hospital), I felt ready to be of some value to a new organization.

Then the word “intern” came along.

As my soon-to-be father-in-law explained to me last week: “Karin, as long as that word is there before your name, you may never be looked at as valuable to some companies – regardless if you know what you’re doing.”  This is a bit of a disapointment, both as an eager learner and to companies who are willing to pass up on extra workers.

Well…where’s the motivation now?

So here I am, doing medial tasks and “paying my dues” that unfortunately don’t have a lot to do with communication or PR.  I’ve already been promised experience in writing and editing, to name a few, and I am optimistic that I will gain a lot of experience with this organization and hopefully benefit it at the same time, but I need a lot more. I need to be fulfilled, challenged and inspired. Not just now, but in any job. Internships are a great place to be exposed to your industry of choice and I am now realizing that for better or for worse I’ll learn to know what I will and will not accept in future jobs.

I’d love to hear your internship stories – good or bad!