The Story
Intern Queen Shares Her Story and Gems of Wisdom About Internships
Thursday, January 28th, Alma Mater Productions (AMP) and the Career Center teamed up to bring the spunky and enthusiastic “Intern Queen,” Lauren Berger, to talk with students about how she held 15 internships (all unpaid) throughout her 4-year undergraduate career and to give advice about internships, including how to get them and how to make the most of the experience.
Before launching into her personal story, Berger began her presentation with a video clip from her website. The minute-long clip, like much of Berger’s presentation, had useful ideas about how to really take advantage of an internship, including making an Excel worksheet spread to keep track of all the contacts one might acquire throughout his or her internship.
Once the clip was over, Berger told the audience that “the entire time I want you to be thinking of questions… because I am your resource.”
She then began to stress the importance of internships, saying that businesses are now saying that they consider resumes without internships to be “naked.” Berger then added with good-humor, “I will talk your ear off about [internships], I promise.”
Berger’s journey began her freshman year, when the career center at Florida State University (FSU) informed her that the only communication internships were just for seniors. This didn’t stop her and she called the company herself, expressing her interest in having an internship.
“You want to sell them on your enthusiasm,” Berger said. This bold move landed Berger her first internship at the Zimmerman Company.
After her internship with the Zimmerman Company, Berger interned at a variety of companies, including BWR Public Relations, NBC, MTV, and Fox.
Berger first thought up the idea of The Intern Queen website in 2006. The thought became a reality in 2008 when Marshall Herskovitz, the producer of such films as Blood Diamond and The Last Samurai, called Berger and told her he wanted to help her. Berger quit her full-time job at Creative Arts Agency (CAA) and began investing herself in her idea. InternQueen.com is a 100% free site listing available internships and where one can send Berger his or her resume to send to employers. Berger explains that the site is “trying to make it easier for you.”
After sharing her own experience, Berger turned her attention to the advice portion of the presentation. To start, Berger advises students to apply for local places, not just “big names,” and to apply for at least 10 internships in the spring and fall and between 10 and 20 internships in the summer.
One piece of advice that Berger really stressed was following up. She explained that one should write down the day that he sends his resume in and then two weeks later, ensure the company received his information.
“Follow up is key," said Berger. "…if you use my site, follow up through me.”
Berger also went through advice for specific types of interviews, including the newest type: over Skype. She said that if you don’t have it, “you need to download it!” She also told the audience that “you have to tell your roommates you’re doing an interview” on Skype. Furthermore, she said to make sure the room is clean and that you dress appropriately for the interview.
For phone interviews, Berger said the most important thing was to speak clearly. If you don’t, Berger says she would think, “Why would I put you on the phone with my clients?”
For an in-person interview, the biggest piece of advice was to be prepared. Berger explained that interviews are like a game, so “don’t let ‘em stump you!”
Another suggestion Berger made was to invest in a business suit.
“One business suit can last forever!” said Berger.
She also said to invest in "Thank You" notes to send after an interview and to everyone you meet during an internship.
To build up a network, she suggests e-mailing everyone on a contact list at least once a semester.
“When networking with people," said Berger, "you have to bring something to the table. You want to make yourself valuable to the employer.”
Questions were then taken from the audience. The topics ranged from letters of recommendation to stipends for traveling to what to do with several offers.
She assured the audience that she had most certainly been rejected from internships, despite the high number to which she was accepted. However, she advised the audience to “make the most of your rejections.” She even informed the audience, “My dad told me to flush Intern Queen down the toilet.”
Fortunately, Berger didn’t take his advice and students can now take advantage of her website, InternQueen.com.