Once you are done writing your blog: If you have a challenge that you are struggling to work out at your internship, email or text the program director immediately so you can receive help as soon as possible.
Blog Question #1- What did you learn from your first week at your internship? Did anything surprise you or make you excited? Were there any challenges? Did you make any connections with co-workers? Did you engage in any code switching?
During my 1st shift, on January 10th, I was first introduced to my co-workers. While talking to four co-workers, I learned that the building that I am interning at used to be an historic African-American church. During my walk-through, I learned what my daily duties would be at the start of each of my shifts. After learning history about the building and company itself, I learned about the programs Cleo Parker Robinson offers.
Once I began my work for the week, I was surprised to find out that there is a lot more that goes into running a dance studio than I thought. Watching my supervisor, I found out that she is always working to make connections for the company. Not only was I surprised with my supervisor’s daily duties, I was excited with the fact that I could take advantage of the classes the studio offers and that I would get the chance to interact with students and teachers just by working at the academy desk.
Though I had help during my first shift, I faced challenges regarding finding the location of certain rooms and remembering names and faces. My secondary supervisor, asked me to create a flyer to advertise the studio at schools they are planning to visit. Creating this flyer was challenging to do since I wanted to impress my supervisors and I knew that they have high expectations. After creating the flyer, I was relieved to find out that my flyer looked exactly how my supervisors wanted it to look.
Throughout my first week, I gradually got to learn more about my supervisors. As former dancers themselves, we connected from a dancer’s point of view. Our connection grew once the topic of our strengths came up. After talking for a while, I felt comfortable and welcomed in the environment.
Despite that the environment of the studio is relaxed, how I spoke and how I presented myself was still on my mind. Subconsciously, I believe that I did have to code switch since I wanted to leave a good first impression on the people I met. Cleo Parker’s presentation is very free-spirited, but I did make sure that I did not overstep my boundaries.
(367 Words)
Blog 2: Networking
Begin by interviewing 2-3 of your coworkers with the following 3 questions (about 10 minutes of their time). Time allowing: feel free to ask them more questions to get to know them better. Following the interviews answer the questions below for Blog 2.
Interview questions:
Did you study art after high school? Art or traditional college? Internship or apprenticeship?
How did you get your first job in the creative industries?
If you were in an intern in this field, where would you focus your learning during your internship? What is the most important learning one can do when beginning a career in this profession?
(Time allowing) Is there anything interesting about you that is non-work related that you would like to tell me about? Hobbies or interests?
Blog Question # 2: What co-workers did you interview? Did your co-workers study art after high school either through higher education or internships/apprenticeships? What recommendations did they have for what you should try to learn as an intern in this field? Did they have any advice on how to begin your creative career? Did you learn anything interesting about your co-workers that was non-work related?
The two co-workers I interviewed were Mary Hart and Shelby Jarosz. Mary Hart is the Director of Bookings and Sales, while Shelby Jarosz is the Director of Education. After high school, Mary did not study art. Even though Mary did not study art, she was introduced and exposed to many forms of art through the influence of her father at a young age. Shelby, on the other hand, pursued two degrees in the arts. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Theater and Dance in addition to a Master of Education degree in Dance.
While interviewing both of my co-workers, both women gave me insightful advice. Mary advised me to ask as many questions as I can and talk to everyone I meet since there is something I can learn from everyone I encounter in the dance industry. Mary also let me know that it is imperative to learn the business aspect of the arts industry since the arts industry needs more administrators. Shelby let me know that if you work in the arts field, you must try a little bit of everything so that you know how to do it all. I learned from Shelby that being versatile makes you more marketable. Both sets of advice enlightened me on how it is to work in the arts.
Regarding advice on how to begin my creative career, Mary and Shelby gave me similar advice. Mary mentioned that it is important to learn not only the creative aspect of the arts industry, but also the behind-the-scenes of what goes into running art businesses. Shelby also informed me to always put my best foot forward no matter how big or small the job I am doing is. The advice I received from both Mary and Shelby allowed me to learn about what challenges I may face in the future and how to overcome them.
As our conversations veered to more personal topics and became more casual, I learned that sometimes people you may not think you will have something in common with will surprise you and reveal the exact opposite. I found out that Mary and I both share the same level of passion for creative writing and language. Mary and I also have a common interest in helping with productions of shows and plays. In addition to learning what I have in common with Mary, I learned that Shelby is working on developing more hobbies and loves hiking. Shelby also loves to ski and live in the mountains. This opportunity to interview both ladies gave me a chance to explore my internship environment and who occupies the space.
(438 Words)
Blog Question #3 How do your actions affect your workplace? Are you able to be mindful and bring a good attitude when you come to your internship? Do you contribute positively?
Do you feel like you have a good work ethic so far? How do your co-workers actions affect your internship? Are you beginning to develop any work place friendships?
When I decide to do specific actions in my workplace, I can tell that my actions affect the vibe I am giving off to my co-workers and the overall working environment. I know that whatever I put in, I will get back. As I’ve been working at my work site, I try to be as positive and mindful of my attitude as I need to be. Especially during the few shifts I was sick, I tried to push on and complete what I was being asked to do.
While working by myself and with co-workers, I contribute positively by being open-minded and sharing my ideas. Even though I am an intern, I want to make sure that I can leave an impact with what I do and I hope that my co-workers will think of me as someone who was diligent and someone who put their one hundred percent in everything they did. So far, I do believe that I have good work ethic. I feel that I put my best foot forward no matter how I am feeling.
Regardless of the day, I feel that my co-workers actions have little to no effect on myself or my experience at my internship since I have not seen or experienced anything negative from anyone at my work site. My co-workers actions have only helped me complete my job efficiently. Though I do know that I have a more personal relationship with some of my co-workers, I would not necessarily call them friendships. Sooner or later, I think my workplace relationships will blossom into genuine friendships.
(266 Words)
Blog Question #4: Freestyle blog week. Write your own blog prompt about your internship, then answer it in 200-250 words
Over the time that you have been at your internship site, what has been your fondest memory? What requests from your supervisor have you questioned? Have you had any conflicts with a co-worker? If yes, in the future, how will you solve any workplace conflicts?
Since I have been an intern at CPRD, my fondest memory would have to be one from my first week as an intern. On my first day, I was able to participate in a Zumba class taught by Cleo Parker Robinson’s son, Malik. Though I expected to catch up quickly, I was shocked to find out that the class was more difficult than I thought. After a while I was able to keep up. This class got my heart racing while incorporating fun.
Most of the requests I receive from my supervisors are reasonable. The only request I had a challenge with was inputting customer information into a spreadsheet. With over one hundred applications with multiple phone numbers and names, it was complicated to type the information all at once. Even though I had a few challenges, I overcame them by taking my time. Next time, I will evaluate what is in front of me and break it up into manageable groups.
At my internship site, fortunately I have not had any conflicts with coworkers or dancers. I have gotten along with everyone I have had an encounter with. With my coworkers, I have built workplace relationships based on respect. All of my coworkers seem comfortable with me so I do not feel like there is no tension between us. I know that if there is an issue in the future, I can talk it out with the coworker that is involved.
In the future, if there is a conflict, my first step would be to have a sensible conversation. If that does not work, my next solution would be talking to my supervisor. Hopefully, I will not have to involve my supervisor if I do have an conflict since that is my last resort. I do believe that I have someone I can trust at my internship, that person would be the first person I would go to if I cannot resolve the conflict internally. After going through the proper protocols, I would hope that the conflict would be resolved.
(341 Words)
Blog Question #5 How do you feel like your internship is going so far? What are the highlights? What are the challenges? Do you feel like you are making connections with your co-workers? Are you using your internship inspired project as a creative connection between you and your supervisor? What can you do to improve your experience?
So far, I believe that my internship is going okay. I enjoy where I intern at and who I interact with during each shift. I feel like my internship has been fulfilling for the most part. The highlights of my internship have been when I get to meet a new dancer at almost each shift I have and catching up with dancers I have met during my previous shifts. Though meeting dancers have been a great experience, working and interacting with Cleo Parker Robinson has made the experience worth-while. Being in Cleo’s presence is definitely the highlight of each of my shifts.
During my time at CPRD, the only challenges I can think of has been with technology. Since I am using my own laptop most of the time so I can work on assignments outside of my shifts, I have had trouble with my laptop connecting to the Wi-Fi at my internship site and staying connected. This has been very frustrating for me, but I am working on fixing these issues. As I spend more time at my internship site, I feel like I am making meaningful connections with my co-workers. Each of my co-workers are helpful and are great to be around. My co-workers make my shifts enjoyable and stress-free.
Now that I am starting on my Internship Inspired Project, I am using this project as a way to discover what else I can learn about my supervisor. The project is also being used to open my mind to new ideas and suggestions from my supervisor. My project is allowing me to see what other tips and tools I can gain from supervisor. To improve my experience, I can organize what I need to do in a more efficient way. I can reach out for help when I am stuck instead of handling things the way I usually do. I can also ask more questions if need be.
(320 Words)
Blog Question #6 End of the quarter check- in. OK to do 150 words this week. Please do an inventory of your hours completed up until now and make sure your electronic time card is updated coming into the end of the quarter. How are you doing so far on completing your hours? Do you have the amount of hours complete that you should have at this point in the internship? If you are behind on your hours, what is your plan to make up the hours you are missing? How are you doing with the challenge of maintaining your intern work schedule? Are you using your google calendar to keep track of your intern schedule and homework assignments? Is there any other challenge you feel the Internship Program Director should be aware of at the end of the first half of your internship?
Right now, I am doing okay with my hours. I am trying to utilize my timecard to make sure I have enough hours. I am setting myself reminders to input my hours. At this point, I am short six hours due to me missing two shifts since I had surgery. Since I am missing hours, I am looking for time to make the time from the shifts up. I am also working with my supervisor to make adjustments to my schedule.
My plan to make up my missing hours is to find one or two days to schedule a shift. I plan to talk to my supervisor to see what day and time are good for her. Once I figure it out, I should be in a good place regarding my hours. With my intern work schedule I have faced some challenges. With school and work, I am finding trouble with keeping up with it all. I am working out what is challenging through communication.
Not only am I using my Google Calendar, I am using a planner. My planner allows me to keep up with due dates since I use it everyday. With the help of my mom, I am not as forgetful. I do not feel like there is anything my supervisor should be aware of. We have kept our lines of communication open. If something does come up, I will let my supervisor know immediately.
(238 Words)
Blog Question #7: What is your favorite part of working on personal art projects? What challenges do you face on personal art projects? What have you learned about working in a creative business? What is your favorite part of working in a creative business? What is the difference between working on personal art and working in a creative business? *(Please read below now in preparation for Blog 8)
My favorite part of working on personal art projects would have to be trying out spacing and dance moves on myself and the dancers I work with. I like that I am able to incorporate the ideas from the people I work with into my projects. In addition, I enjoy having creative freedom. The challenges I face on personal art projects are conveying my message in the appropriate way and utilizing my dancers to their full potential. With creative differences, I find that sometimes I challenge with coming to an agreement with my partners. Even though I usually work on dances, I challenge with the technical side of creating personal art projects.
Since I have been an intern in the creative business, I have learned that behind closed doors, there are many people who keep the business running. I have learned that to keep a business successful, you cannot do it alone and you need a team of people who have the same goal. Yes, the creative business can be fun, but it entails critical thinking and connections. My favorite part of working in the creative business is being in an environment where I can be myself. I like that most of the time I am in a no-judgment zone. The vibe and energy makes me want to further my learning within the creative business.
The difference between working on personal art and working in a creative business is that both may require a different set skills at different times. Working on personal art could have you be more creative and free-spirited while working in a creative business may have you be more professional and business-like. Both personal art and creative business wake up a side of you that may not be shown to the world on a regular basis. Even though both can be connected, each environment brings unique challenges and tasks. I believe that it all depends on your audience and what you are asked to do.
(329 Words)
No Blog Next Week- you will need to use the week to work on your Internship Inspired Project in preparation for blog 8. You cannot write blog 8 if you have not talked to your supervisor about your internship project. Make talking to your supervisor about the project #1 priority if that hasn’t happened.
Blog Question #8 :
How is your internship project going? Describe the progress of your project. How did the conversation about your project go with your sponsor? (If you haven’t discussed the project with your sponsor yet, how do you plan to do so?) Did they have good insights into how to improve or expand the project? How does your project bridge what you do at your internship and what you like to create for yourself? Has your relationship with your sponsor evolved as you have engaged in a creative dialogue about your project? Art there any challenges you are experiencing planning or doing your project?
My internship project is going okay. Right now, I am figuring out how long it will take to get phase one of my project completed. Currently, I am putting time aside to film a few dance classes and I am learning how to work the technology I need. The conversation I had with my sponsor went well. My sponsor had a few good ideas that I am considering.
My sponsor suggested that I narrow my ideas down to about three. My sponsor also suggested that I decide what classes I want to film. My project bridges with what I do at my internship and what I like to create by incorporating the people I interact with. This project allows me to utilize tools that I use in the office and in dance too.
My relationship with my sponsor has evolved. Our relationship has allowed us to explore more about each other due to me having to complete this project. As I am working on my project, the challenge I am facing is knowing if my project is showing who I really am as an artist and creator. I think I am learning about what I can and pushing myself at the same time.
(203 Words)
Blog Question #9 What have you seen or experienced in your internship that has inspired you the most on your own artistic journey? Has this experience changed your artistic ambitions? How? Have you used this experience to diversify your skill set? What skills have you added?
During my time at my internship, the amount of hard work that goes into running the facility and into the choreography has inspired me the most. The way that no matter what curveball is thrown at them, the staff makes sure to get the job done. The passion that each faculty member holds has also inspired me.
While being an intern, I would have to say that this experience has changed my artistic ambitions. Observing all the aspects of the business has altered what I thought I wanted to do. The experiences that I have had made me reevaluate what I thought was best for me. Seeing the amount of skill that is required to be a dancer or a member of the administration, I have realized that right now I am not prepared to go into the artistic industry. Eventually I will be ready to enter the industry after some careful consideration and planning.
Yes, I have used my experience to diversify my skill set. I have learned other ways to use Microsoft and Google. I have also learned how to do typical office tasks that may be asked of me. The skills I have learned will definitely help me in whatever direction I go in.
(207 Words)
Blog Question #10 : Has this experience been a rewarding one for you? Why or Why not (keep it positive, if you had negative experiences, focus on what you learned- make yourself look good!)? How has the reality of your internship matched or contrasted with your expectations? What is the most important learning you did during your internship?
This experience has been rewarding for me. This experience has opened my eyes to what I actually want my career aspirations to be. My experiences have made me discover what my strengths and weaknesses are. I have been rewarded with the fact that I can do a lot more than I thought I could do. I was humbled by my experience as an intern.
This internship has both matched and contrasted with my expectations. This internship met my expectation that I would be completing administrative tasks and running errands. This internship has contrasted with my expectations by me making connections and learning new skills. Overall, my internship pleased me in some unexpected ways.
The most important learning I did is pretty ironic. I learned that patience is key. From patience with people to patience with time, it is key to build that trait. Without patience, you will not succeed. I also learned that putting your one hundred percent into anything you do will have a positive outcome. The amount of effort you put in, will be the amount you get out. Most importantly, I learned that being optimistic will get you far in the work you do. Trying to see the benefit in all things will motivate you. I had to learn this the hard way.
(215 Words)