I have, on occasion shared some personal anecdotes with you in the past that, for some reason have been looked upon as some of my best blogs. Recently, as I was talking to one of my young colleagues at work, the topic of internships came up and I was asked did I ever do one and what was that experience like. I attended an ‘alternative’ university (Franconia College – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franconia_College) and in lieu of INTERNSHIPS, they referred to it as an OUTREACH PROGRAM, where a student was obligated, due to the curriculum, to do one semester away from school and work in their “field of endeavor”.
My passion and my major were in Photography and Design, so working in a photo studio was my plan. I targeted a specific well-known photographer in NYC. I looked up his name in the ‘Yellow Pages’ which is a phone directory most young people never even heard of, but there it was his listing, address and phone number. I called, a woman answered, I introduced myself and within seconds, he got on the phone and we talked about my intended plan. We scheduled a meeting for when I would be in NY during a semester break.
Today, we are all insulated by technology, emails, voice mail and security in every building in NY prohibit people from just walking in, so what I did could never happen today. We met. We talked and he accepted me to work in the studio. In every way, it was an amazing experience. He specialized in album covers and high-end fashion. Every famous model, so many famous musicians, stylists, hair and make-up artists and Art Directors were part of the everyday experience in this studio. I was 20 and exposed to so many cool things.
I remember my first day and Frank, the studio Manger gave me a tour. Fabulous studio space. “This is the main studio, this is the secondary studio, production area, make-up room, offices and THIS WILL BE YOUR OFFICE”. I was blown away when I heard that, but when he opened the door, it was the broom closet. I got the message immediately. This studio was always busy, and the place was a chaotic mess. I decided on my own to eliminate the disorder, organize, clean and maintain a sense of order. In 2 weeks, this studio was completely transformed into a well-oiled environment. It was ‘Jimmy Clean’.I was quickly recognized for taking the initiative and elevated to the studio. I was now part of the ‘on-camera’ team. The message to all young people interested in an intern experience and some of you more senior folks in transition – Exhibit a great work ethic embrace your opportunity and OWN THE BROOM.
