Written by exiting interns Hannah Jones-Bernard and Mimi Hamid

Internships, designed to be a learning experience for college students, have never been considered glamorous by any means. Many negative connotations follow the word “intern,” and because of the daunting job requirements, it is easy to fear the worst when starting a new internship.

Right from the beginning, we knew that this public relations internship was different. With an authentic company culture and an energetic atmosphere, the Bradford Group gave us a PR internship worth waking up at 7am for. So, without further ado, we’d like to share some common expectations we had prior to starting our internship here and how the Bradford Group changed our minds.

Expectation:

Being in charge of daily coffee runs

Reality:

Spontaneous coffee dates at hip East Nashville coffee shops for intern/AA meetings.

Expectation:

Spending your afternoon making copies for everyone in the office.

Reality:

Contributing to copy for everything from press releases to social media to news articles.

Expectation:

Being stuck in a dark, cold cubicle all day.

Reality:

Enjoying the Nashville skyline while working on the rooftop and soaking up some sun.

Expectation:

Picking up office lunches.

Reality:

Being treated to celebratory office lunches.

Expectation:

Working like a dog.

Reality:

Working with your dog at the Bradford Group’s “Bring Your Dog to Work Day.”

Expectation:

Finally finishing your internship to complete your graduation requirements.

Reality:

Completing your internship and wishing it wasn’t over!