From Intern to Full-Time Employee: Following My Passions and Putting Me on a Path to Success
It’s hard for me to believe that only a year ago I had no idea what path my career would take. Exactly 365 days ago, I was a senior at Hampton University in Virginia facing the challenge of mapping out my future. I had spent the majority of my life as a student, focused on getting good grades and turning in homework on time. But like all seniors in college, I knew the rest of my life was looming and I was expected to answer the question: “What do I want to be when I grow up?”
As I was passionate about writing, communications and media, I wanted to find an internship that could turn into a full-time job, but I wasn’t sure how to go about it. Until one fateful day when representatives from Real Chemistry virtually visited my class.
They told us about the firm’s unmatched summer internship program, which would provide the opportunity to both work with Real Chemistry team members and be embedded with its client Takeda Pharmaceuticals. I jumped at the opportunity and was fortunate to be one of four interns selected for the inaugural cohort of this first-of-its-kind joint summer program.
It was the best decision I could have made. The hybrid internship program gave me the opportunity to experience working at an agency while joining an in-house communications team all in one 10-week program. As an intern, you never know exactly what experience you’ll have. But from day one, I truly felt welcomed and acknowledged as a part of both companies, working with amazing people and not feeling as if I worked for them. My managers and other leaders I worked closely with cultivated an environment where I was able to thrive – while instilling in me valuable life lessons about how to be an effective communicator, team member and tactician. They also created an open-door culture that made it easy to connect and grow, even while working remotely in an entry level position.
I treasured the opportunity to create connections with teammates at both companies, from peers to leadership, who became friends and sources of support. I quickly learned that we are truly better together.
Upon completing my internship, I gladly accepted a full-time role at Real Chemistry as an Account Associate. Though I am early in my career, Real Chemistry continues to make me feel like a valuable member of the team, and I have experienced many new opportunities that continue to help me grow both personally and professionally. In my role, I have also seen my ideas and contributions brought to life – which provides me with a great sense of pride and accomplishment.
As I reflect upon my journey to date, I would advise students searching for internships and employment upon graduation to follow what you feel is right, continue to create strong connections with like-minded individuals who have similar interests, and be willing to step out of your comfort zone. The joint internship program with Real Chemistry and Takeda has allowed me to do just that, helping me grow more than I thought possible in the first six months following graduation. I am confident that over time I will reach the professional goals I have set for myself.
