Internships are a crucial part of getting started in the business world. To get comfortable with the jobs we may want or the route we’re thinking of taking, internships are a great way to help us gauge that. For me, the first few days of my internship were hectic but exciting! I learned a lot of information very fast and did it all from the comfort of my own home. Although it was a bit chaotic having a lot of information thrown at me, I knew it would all be fine as I could ask as many questions as I needed to, and I had other interns to talk to along the way. My internship is music writing – I get to attend concerts and write reviews for them, which eventually get published!

When I first started, I was nervous that I wouldn’t be good enough for the company. I still get nervous about this sometimes, but I’ve realized it’s nothing to be concerned about. An internship is a place where you learn, grow, and get to better develop certain skills you’re working on. It’s not a place for perfection, and your bosses know this. That’s why they hired you! It’s important to understand and remind yourself that this is all a learning experience. Yes, there are tasks you have to do, and you have schedules and timelines, but your bosses understand this may be your first experience. They willingly hired you knowing this information.

At first, my supervisor wanted me to write a short informative article before getting thrown fully into the concert reviews. He gave me a few topics to choose from, and he gave me about five days to do my research and turn in my completed article. I also received an informational packet describing what he was looking for in terms of writing. About a day or two after I got this assignment, I got a last-minute request to attend the SZA concert and write a review on it! Someone else was supposed to do it, but they couldn’t last minute, so I stepped in. I think this was a smart move as it would show my boss I was willing and able to work whenever the time came.

I was terrified to go to a SZA concert alone and write my very first official concert review for immediate publication. I went to the show, took as many notes as humanly possible, had a great time, and wrote my article in about two hours. My supervisor helped me along the way as he knew this wasn’t usually how he integrated first-time interns. I wrote my draft, rewrote it a million times, and sent it to him for editing. It was very stressful, but I had lots of help and support. It was a great experience, and I can’t wait for more! Reminding myself that it’s ok to make mistakes and it’s good to ask for help as it’s all part of the process.

Here is one of my reviews. Feel free to check it out!

https://www.chicagomusicguide.com/ax-and-the-hatchetmen-making-waves/