Normally at the end of the semester we publish a blog post thanking our interns for their hard work and wishing them the best in their future endeavors. However, we’re lucky enough to have our two fall interns staying on with us next semester. Over the past few months, we’ve kept them busy writing press releases, pitches, blog posts, tweets, Facebook posts and more. Read on to find out what they’ve learned and their advice for being successful interns that employers want to keep around!

Dana Harvey

Favorite part about working at BIGfish: My favorite part about working at BIGfish is the hands-on experience and the collaborative nature of the work. As a non-Communications major, I find it extremely helpful to be able to draft press releases, write blog posts, and engage in social media while also getting immediate feedback from the account team. As an intern, I am also able to sit-in on meetings and provide input during brainstorming sessions. At BIGfish, I can tell that my work and ideas are valued and appreciated.

Most valuable lesson learned while working at BIGfish: One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned at BIGfish is that sometimes you must be persistent with a client in order to get them to take advantage of a new trend. When working with different clients, you might find that some are more open to change than others. There’s a delicate balance between advising a client to make appropriate changes without pushing them too hard or too far out of their comfort zone. While working with BIGfish, I have seen and taken part in brainstorming sessions to help clients approach social media, newsletters, website layouts, and more in new, innovative, and engaging ways.

Suggestions to be a successful intern: I believe that in order to be a successful intern, you should show an eagerness and willingness to learn new things. You must also show that you are able to come up with new and creative ideas for the company, as well as for the clients. I think that it is important to be personable. Although everyone is engaged in their different tasks for the day, there are always opportunities to engage in conversation and show your personality.

Hannah Duffy

 Favorite part about working at BIGfish: BIGfish has given me tons of hands-on experience, which I value greatly in an internship. My assigned work is relevant and important, so it’s satisfying and rewarding to contribute to the team. In particular, I enjoy seeing things I have written posted online, such as blog posts, articles, and tweets. I also appreciate and enjoy the warm office environment at BIGfish; the whole team is friendly, welcoming, and more than willing to answer questions.

Most valuable lesson learned while working at BIGfish: I am ending my semester with a wealth of knowledge and skills that I didn’t have before my internship at BIGfish. One valuable thing I have learned, and continue to learn, is the many layers and intricacies of social media. I am extremely familiar with social media from my own personal use, but I have learned various strategies on how to make the most of social media to promote a brand or business. I more clearly see how significant social media is, and will continue to be, important in the marketing and PR world.

Suggestions to be a successful intern: One of my strongest suggestions would be to take initiative and help wherever you can. Keep an eye out for opportunities to assist outside your assigned work and offer to help out. The team always has a lot to do, so a little help can go a long way. Overall, take advantage of the learning opportunity by asking questions and taking in as much information as possible. Along with asking questions about the job and industry, ask the BIGfish team about their experiences. They all have impressive backgrounds and can share useful advice on college, jobs and life in general!