Written by: Lauren Cordero
My first semester at UCF, I found myself with a myriad of opportunities. As an active member of Quotes, I was introduced to Intern Pursuit quickly and decided I was ready to take my first professional step.
I was both eager and anxious to dive into the employer space that awaited me at Intern Pursuit. Nevertheless, when the day came, I walked into the Pegasus Ballroom, resume in hand, ready for my first conversation with a company.
Upon entering the space, I had a list of companies that I wanted to speak to. Come to find out, a great majority of those companies were unable to make it. Regardless, I seized the opportunity to get to know various employers and discover what their inspirations were.
Some employers left their 9-5’s to pursue their passion projects, others found themselves in a fortunate opportunity and stuck with it, and some were beginning their journeys in the communications field. After countless conversations, the end of the night approached, and I felt accomplished with the connections I made and the positions I learned about. That event was the catalyst for what was waiting for me in the future.
I reached out to the companies that intrigued me, interviewed for two, and was left with a decision to make. But after the interview process, I had a clear answer. Her name was Ashley Cisneros Mejia, and she was the owner of a remote business called Talk Freelance To Me, all about helping women in the freelance space follow their creative passions when the corporate world left a bitter taste in their mouths. Immediately, I found her work inspiring, and knew I was making the right choice. Soon after, I became the first-ever intern for the Talk Freelance To Me business and podcast.
The remote work I was able to do and the people I was able to interact with were nothing short of incredible.
Originally, I was tasked with devising a plan for podcast growth and creating the promotional materials to put her tools out there. In no time, I was editing and promoting her podcast, drafting various media strategies, and launching a new Instagram Live series known as Talk Freelance To Me Tuesdays! Ashley’s unwavering support and willingness to teach me allowed me to grow beyond belief. Every new skill I acquired was invaluable, and I will always be grateful to Ashley for believing in me.
If I could lend any advice to those looking for an internship, I recommend working for people you connect with and who are more interested in what you are getting out of this experience than anything else. The best mentors will want to test you and teach you the skills you are likely to use in the future.
Above all, assert that there is a mutual respect between you and your employer. As college students, it is easy to minimize your value, but do yourself the favor of being intentional and selective. Positions of power do not negate the need for respect. Take the time to speak with people you believe will regard you as much as you regard them, and make the most of each experience.
Good luck, Knights, you got this!
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