Memoirs from BNH's 2011 Intern

Do you sometimes wonder whether internships are worth it? Check out this letter our recent intern read to our staff at a celebratory lunch on her last day and you'll get the answer as to how important and rewarding internships can be for the intern and the company. Thanks Christine! You were a great intern we're pleased to have you now working for us part-time!

   -Heidi Copeland, Publisher

TO: The Staff of Business NH Magazine

FROM: Christine Krapohl

RE: Things That I May or May Not Have Done as a Business NH Magazine Intern

                  I may or may not have arrived half an hour early on my first day and had a mild panic attack in my car.
                  I may or may not have taken a picture of what was going to be my office on my first day and immediately uploaded it to Facebook so I could show off to all of my friends.
                  I may or may not have been completely terrified at Business of the Year.
                  I may or may not have put on a mini fashion-show for my mom the night before Business of the Year because I may or may not have been in over my head over what to wear to one of those things.
                  My profile picture on Facebook for a month may or may not have been a picture of me wearing my badge at Business of the Year.
                  I may or may not have learned more about the different kinds of cocktails there are on my lunch break than at school.
                  When Heidi first asked me to rewrite the copy for a house ad, I may or may not have thought to myself, I have no idea what I am doing.
                  When Heidi asked me to write my first press release, I may or may not have googled press releases to figure out where in the world to even start. Just so that everyone knows, I think Heidi used two red pens in editing that first press release.

Things That I Have Learned as a Business NH Magazine Intern

                  I feel like I have learned almost everything about publishing, a topic I knew absolutely nothing about at the beginning of the summer.
                  I have learned how telemarketers feel when people hang up on them.
                  I definitely learned that accounting is not for me.
                  I learned way more stuff about social media than I ever thought I would ever have to know.
                  I have learned to be more aware of my environmental impact.
                  I have learned the importance of nonprofit organizations on the community at large and the importance of giving time to them.
                  And I definitely learned that working for free can be totally worth it if the people you work with are totally awesome.

All the world's a stage,

And all the men and women merely players:

They have their exits and their entrances;

And one man in his time plays many parts...

This excerpted quote from Shakespeare's "As You Like It," is so true. As I left school, I was completely burned out from school and unsure about what was ahead of me in my new scene at Business NH Magazine. But you, my fellow co-stars in this scene, have taught me so much. I will never forget all of the laughs I had during lunch nor all the practical life advice all of you gave me. I really appreciated how all of you took the time to teach me and to answer all of hundreds of questions I had throughout the summer. I know that took a lot of patience. I would also like to thank you all for the confidence boost you gave me during a time I desperately needed it. I am leaving this scene knowing that I can accomplish everything I want to do in life, and I know I will be surrounded with people who will support me. Thank you. Please continue to teach all of your other interns as much as you have taught me. Continue to build your interns' confidence. I couldn't have asked for a better internship, and as I transition from this scene back to my university scene, I will miss all of you, but I will never forget you.