New Beginnings: What My Internship Has Taught Me So Far

Day one of my internship at Bramante Artists, a casting agency in Manhattan, sent me on a whirlwind of emotions, starting with nerves. Sure, I had a plan. I had picked out my outfit, packed my lunch, and mapped out exactly how much time I needed to be ready to go. Yet even in the most prepared state that I could have been in, I had my doubts. Was my outfit business casual enough? Do I really know the bus and subway lines as well as I claimed? Am I going to be able to do the tasks they ask me to do? I’m used to this inner battle, but this is when it really counted for me to soldier on and walk into this internship with utter confidence.

Acquiring an internship in Manhattan in a high-rise office building wasn’t what I thought was going to happen. I applied for multiple internships, with little to no responses. When Bramante Artists called me back for an interview, I knew I couldn’t screw this up. I have had a lot of interview experience through classes at SNHU and real-life experience in jobs and internships in the past, so I prepared the way I was taught to. I spent so much time knowing my resume and my skills, I forgot to think creatively about who I am and what I like! I know that I won’t walk out of every interview completely confident, but I was disappointed in myself and was second guessing all of my responses. Low and behold, a week later I was offered the position. I was surprised, but this experience made me realize that the only person standing in the way of my own success is me.

I sat on the bus and the subway, wondering, “Are they going to like me?” I ascended from the subway stairs to the lights and skyscrapers of New York City. I looked around and saw people dressed up like me in their business casual blazers and ballet shoes as they hustled to their offices. Suddenly I was more comfortable and excited to be here with everyone. I couldn’t imagine myself a part of the hustle and bustle until now, and it brought me back to life.

I made it to the address, walked by the security guard, signed in, and went up the elevator for the first time. Then I went down the elevator, walked by the same security guard, and went back outside after realizing that I was on the wrong side of the building. A minor setback, but my mood wasn’t crushed. I found the correct entrance, went up the elevator, and waited to be let in. The office building looked like it does in the movies. Plants, sitting nooks, and a kitchen with everyone’s leftovers in the fridge, now including mine.

The workday entailed learning how the agency works, shadowing and writing notes for client meetings, delivering mail, contributing to social media platforms by making content and crafting captions, managing client calendars, and being trusted to give my input about talent submissions. I couldn’t be happier working for an agency that threw me into work, values my opinion and has created a safe work environment where I am not afraid to ask questions. Every new work opportunity has lowered my walls and given me the strength to trust myself and my ability to do hard things. Being uncomfortable is the only way I will learn and find out new things about myself and my career, and I’m happy that this is only the beginning!