Work Hard to Exceed Expectations...and Be Ready for the Consequences

After working hard to land my first part-time internship, my next  goal was to turn my small position into a full-time summer job. I put in 8-9 hours three days a week and stayed  late most days to make sure I completed everything I was assigned. I asked to take on more responsibility as I became more comfortable with my new work environment and worked my butt off trying to impress my co-workers. The day finally came when I was called into my bosses office, a little under three months after starting, and was asked to come on full-time for the summer. Of course, I immediately said yes. She responded, "Are you sure your ready to work full-time for the summer?"

For just a moment, I saw the summer I wasn't going to have flash before my eyes. Weekdays at the beach with friends, going to the gym or yoga class after I woke up around 10 or 11 every morning, and all the late nights of hanging out followed by sleeping in. The teenage part of me wanted to say, "Now that your asking, I think sticking to three days a week might be just fine." The driven part of me said, "Yes, I've really been wanting to become more involved."

The first week was rough. It had taken almost a month to get accustomed to waking up at 7am three days a week. Now I had to wake up at 7am five days a week. The idea didn't sound so bad until I realized that I had been on college schedule for the past two years. The last time I woke up early was in high school and even then I tried to sleep in until the last second. Now I had to hop out of bed quickly to have enough time to make my self look semi-presentable for the professional world.

Having so many more hours in the day to complete tasks is helpful, but it also makes for some boring what-the-heck-am-I-supposed-to-do-with-myself time. My co-workers are still getting used to having me around everyday and don't always have a ton for me to do. Then there are days when I feel like the hours are slipping by far too fast and I'm flooded with work. Taking it day by day and not letting yourself get overwhelmed is key. Keep your calm and know that there is always time in the day to complete a task. You may have to stay late or give up more of your free time, but anything can be accomplished! After working hard to become a part of the team, I have been asked to attend and participate in a huge industry trade show. Not only will this be a great professional experience, but a chance to travel to San Francisco, California for 5 days! I couldn't be more thrilled and excited.

My next goal....juggling 5 classes and an internship while trying to hold together some sort of a social life in the Fall. If you can set a goal and stay focused, there is no reason why you cant meet or succeed the bar you set for yourself.

- Brit