My First Internship Interview
Michelle Vitanov
Some might tell you that it’s too early to start looking for internships and that you have time in the future. However, it is never too early to get the experience and knowledge you need. For myself, I tried hunting for internships after my freshman year, but without any experience, alas I could not find any. I’m halfway done with sophomore year and applying for internships has been stressful. Anyone going through the process can tell you the same.
After applying to endless internships through Handshake, LinkedIn, and other sources, I finally got a call back. I was in the middle of a conversation with my mom, and then I got a call from a random number. I ended the conversation with my mom and picked up. A firm, but young voice was asking to speak with me. I responded appropriately and the woman on the phone explained she was calling from The Bradford Group.
My heart started beating fast and I was beginning to get nervous. She began to ask me questions you would typically hear in an interview, “Where do you see yourself in the future?” or “What made you pick Advertising?”. I was totally unprepared, but I somehow managed to answer all the questions confidently. She then asked my availability for an interview. She also asked for a portfolio. After confirming the details of the interview, I hung up the phone and freaked out. I was so happy I managed to get an interview. I had two weeks to prepare.
Finally, the time came, and I had read every possible website for interview and I prepped for all types of questions. The drive was about an hour and the whole time I couldn’t stop the nerves. I arrive, and I see ten other applicants in the waiting area. Turns out, they were all from UIUC as well and that freaked me out even more.
In a group, they gave us a tour of the office. The Bradford Group has a beautiful indoor garden and I was really impressed by the non-traditional office vibes. They took us into a conference room and we were interviewed one by one. Because of my last name, I was the last one to be interviewed. I tried not to trip in my high pointed toe heels while walking into the room. The interviewers were very accommodating. Prepping for the interview came in handy, as many of the questions were similar to my findings online. I handed my resume and portfolio to them and I answered their questions with ease.
Confidently, I walked out of the building and was told I would find out in a week whether I got the internship or not. I told myself that no matter what happens, this was only my first internship interview. I have plenty more to go through and I am glad I got the first one out of the way, especially for the experience.