“Shift Happens.” That’s the slogan that captures the spirit of the sweeping rebranding of one of the top PR firms in the state of Florida. In late February, Ron Sachs Communications officially became Sachs Media Group, an evolution prompted by a shift in the communications paradigm; a shift brought on by the rise of the behemoth that is the social media.
This rebranding (a term to which I was introduced during the first week of my internship) occurred amidst my own personal evolution as I was getting my first impressions of the professional world. I should amend that last statement by adding that as a 32 year old Bachelor’s degree candidate and unpaid intern, my current state has been the result of many evolutions.
Yeah, now that I think about it, I’ve had lots of experience in the “real” world. Experiences like getting stung by a flurry of furious yellow jackets after I unknowingly ran over their nest with a push mower (that actually happened to me several times). And I suppose cleaning the horrid bathrooms of Paradise Bar and Grille at two in the morning was a real “character builder.”
Perhaps it would be more fitting to say that my internship at Sachs Media Group was my chance to climb from the bottom rung of the “real” world, to test the waters of a better life, and to use my mind instead of losing it.
I was definitely nervous my first day, even more so because I had never worked in an office environment before and didn’t know what to expect. I tried my best to look the part though: blue blazer, grey slacks and a burgundy tie with a knot the size of a shelled peanut (thanks a lot youtube).
From the moment I was buzzed in the front door, I was in awe of the pace and intensity of everything going on around me. The air was ignited with high-stakes intellectual electricity. For even the shortest of distances, people walked with a pace and intensity that seemed to say, “Get the heck out of my way, I’ve got work to do.” Everyone was turned on. Everyone was impressive.
Most of that first day was a blur. It was a lot to take in. At around 4 o’clock my brain just shut down and I had a hard time putting together the simplest of sentences. That night, I experienced the deepest, most fulfilling night of sleep I’d had in months. Being “brain tired” is excellent exercise, clearly.
As a creative writing major, I went into my internship seeking a practical outlet for my writing skills in order to avoid becoming some kind of posthumously recognized, starving artist cliché (not that I’m that good). At Sachs Media Group, I found what I was looking for.
I was able to utilize my skills to write press releases, newspaper guest columns, public service announcements and more. Much to my surprise, I found that I was enjoying myself, especially as I began to get positive feedback.
As the semester progressed, the quality of my work improved and I became more efficient in my output. I was excited to be doing important work for big name clients, and for good causes like Lauren’s Kids and the United Way.
For the first time in my life, I felt like I was doing something important and it really made me feel good about myself. Now that I know I can get by using the muscle between my ears, I feel my future is bright and the possibilities are limitless. Now, I know there is no going back: no more yard work, bagging groceries or mopping floors (that may be unrealistic, as I AM an English major).
My internship at Sachs Media Group has proven to be an invaluable experience for me. I feel very fortunate to have spent this time working with such a dedicated, dynamic and compassionate group of people. I’d like to give special thanks to Ron Sachs for giving me this opportunity, and Erica Villanueva for taking me under her wing. I’ll miss this place! But they tell me that once you’re part of the team here, you’re always a part of the family. I believe it.