Ten in Ten: Top Ten Things We’ve Learned as Creative Interns
Internships are an awesome way to kickstart your creative career. Becoming a new member of an agency team is sometimes a tough transition from working solo; so, as two interns working at BRIGADE (Jordyn Brousseau and Natalia Velez), we created a list of the top ten things we have learned over the course of our 10-week internship to help you crush yours.
- Leave Your Ego at the Door.
If you’re anything like us walking into a new workplace, you’re a mess of nerves and excitement. Your mind might even be flooded with thoughts on how to make a good first impression or whether you forgot your blank at home. One thing you shouldn’t forget, before making your big entrance, is to leave your ego at the door! Working at a creative agency isn’t about creating in a vacuum; it’s all about collaboration. It’s like playing a match of creative ping pong—being able to bounce ideas off of each other for the best end result. Your collaborators are not your competition; the aim is to create a better project together, don’t let your ego get in the way of that.
- Get to Know Your Team.
When working at an agency, getting to know your team is a pivotal step in the process. With so many different backgrounds, it is important to get to know each person’s strengths in the field. This will help you identify who you’d like to collaborate with and how they contribute to the team as a whole. Besides, getting to know your team for who they really are—their hobbies and what they like—is a great way to build stronger, long-lasting connections. Working with people you share interests with is always easier than working with coworkers whose only commonality is the job itself.
- Always, Always, ALWAYS Ask Questions.
As an intern, questions are everything. If you’re worried about asking the wrong thing or asking something you think you’re expected to know… ask anyway. Getting clarity on expectations or making sure you are following company standards is better than worrying in silence. Besides, everyone knows you are there to learn. There are no questions that your team would not be willing to answer. Everyone is cheering you on!
- Bring Headphones.
Working in-office is less common these days. But on days when you do find yourself working in an office, headphones are a necessity. When you’re on a call, you never want to be that one person who has their meeting blasting for the whole office to hear. Plus, you’ll be able to listen to your favorite songs to keep your creative juices flowing. Headphones are the way to go! Always have them on you, and if they’re wireless, make sure to keep them charged.
- Lunch is a Tool. Use it!
Lunchtime is a coveted part of the 9-5 routine. Not only is it a way to refuel and keep your energy sustained throughout the day, but it’s also a powerful tool to grow closer with your team. Sharing silly stories, showing off pics of your fur babies, or having a quick yap about favorite spots around town—these casual conversations go a long way when it comes to teambuilding. Forgot lunch at home? No problem! Head out with the team for fresh air and a quick bite (Tandem Bagel hates to see us coming…)
- Time is of the Essence.
Having an internship presumably right out of (or during) your undergrad, you’ll quickly learn that agency timelines are quite different from semester-long design briefs. Instead of getting months to work on one project, agency work moves fast, so you have to learn to stay on top of it. Keeping track of time and progress on a task is essential in learning how to be efficient with your creative energy—so you don’t burn out or fall behind. Don’t get stressed by this big change. Your team knows you’re new to these timelines!
- Consume Other Media to Stay in the Know.
The media landscape is ever-changing, and it feels impossible to keep up. With the trend cycle being faster than ever, there are always new styles and approaches to design work. As a young creative on an agency team, you can provide valuable insights to your seniors, who are oftentimes older than you and may not know “what’s in.” Watch movies, listen to new music, start a new show, read print publications… always try to be in the know! Growing up in a digital age, you have a leg up on understanding trends and how to navigate the social media landscape. Use it to your and your team’s advantage.
- Be a Sponge by Observing Others & Saying “YES!”
One of the best things to do as an intern is say yes to every opportunity that lands on your desk (or in your inbox). Saying yes to an unfamiliar task, especially while being surrounded by industry professionals with years of experience, can feel intimidating. Part of being an emerging creative, however, is realizing that growth comes through the unfamiliar. If you’re not sure of something, take on a sponge approach. Observe how your seniors approach creative challenges and solve problems; maybe even learn a new shortcut or two. It’s a blessing to be surrounded by industry wizards. Soak it all in!
- Communication is Key.
Whether it’s asking for clarity, offering an idea, or updating the team on progress, clear communication keeps things moving. Never feel like you are bothering fellow team members or seniors; they are there to help. Even before diving into your first project, make your initial expectations for the internship clear with your manager so that everyone can help you work towards your goals. You will get what you put in if you are willing to communicate with others.
- NEVER Filter.
At a creative agency, ideas are currency—the foundation to every project, big or small. You should never filter yourself in a brainstorming session. Oftentimes, the unexpected and unconventional ideas are the ones that really create an impact. Simply put: the silly stuff sticks! Don’t be afraid to share an idea even if it seems out of left field. Yet don’t be too precious about them or take it personally if yours isn’t chosen. Remember: leave that ego at the door!
We hope you take these little tidbits we’ve gathered from our time as interns at BRIGADE and add them to your professional toolbelt, so that you’re better equipped to navigate an ever-changing creative industry. Whether you’re navigating the end of undergrad, stuck in between gigs, or starting anew, you might find some comfort in the popular saying: when one door closes, another one opens. Take what you’ve learned and carry it with you as you venture down your creative path, wherever this path may take you. The world will always need kind, talented humans, not just good creatives!
