If you’re reading this as an incoming intern, congratulations! You’ve landed at a great place. Beehive is unique and wonderful. You will work hard and learn a lot.

I was welcomed with open arms and felt inspired from day one by the energetic culture. Beehive’s company culture is world-class, and I believe it should serve as a model for other organizations. People come first. Everyone respects and trusts each other, which drives high productivity and strong results.

Favorite projects and experiences

Perhaps the best thing about this internship was the fact that I got hands-on project experience in several areas. I immediately became familiar with the marketing team and the role I would play in building the Beehive brand. I always looked forward to our weekly meetings where we would brainstorm content ideas and evaluate analytics. I would leave with clear responsibilities for the upcoming week.

I also completed a big research project under the supervision of Beehive’s CEO and founder, Lisa Hannum. Having the opportunity to work with an inspirational business leader is an experience I value immensely and is something you might not find at a larger agency.

Beehive understands the importance of employee health/happiness and the impact it has on their work. I got to participate in a number of sessions that focused on relationships and communication in the workplace. One of my favorites was an Emotional Intelligence (EQ) session, led by Maryanne O’Brien of Conscious Company. My key takeaway was that active listening sets us up for success. When you actively listen — muting your internal dialogue – you hear what’s really being said. Sometimes you find yourself in conversations that are uncomfortable, like when you’re receiving feedback on a project. Leaning in and focusing on what you can change or do better will help you in the long run.

Advice for new interns

You may be feeling nervous and unsure of what’s to come, but everyone at Beehive is rooting for you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish in your time here. Your role as an intern is important. That being said, I have a few pieces of advice to set you up for a valuable internship experience.

1. Ask questions. If you’re not sure about something, clarify it. Details matter and asking questions show that you care about producing high-quality work.
2. Say “yes” to every opportunity. Show up every day ready to learn something new. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is part of life.
3. Set goals. During my first meeting with my supervisor, he asked me if I had any specific project ideas in mind. Telling the team about your top interest areas, like media relations or crisis communications, will help shape your experience.
4. Follow Beehive’s Daily Practices for well-being. Write your three goals on the whiteboard on Monday. Take a Power Hour, then take a break in the In Zone meditation room. Set a nutrition or fitness goal. Prioritize sleep. These are all designed to help you succeed, both personally and professionally.
5. Embrace the Hive hounds. Dogs in the office have been proven to reduce stress, increase productivity and improve co-worker relationships. As a huge animal lover myself, it was always a mood booster to take a screen break and launch toys across the office for our four-legged friends. Especially Mac. Wait until you see his puppy eyes.

“You might not remember what someone said, but you’ll always remember how they made you feel.” I’m leaving Beehive with a full heart. I enjoyed lots of laughs, meals and meetings with a genuine group of people who inspired me every day. I shared my thoughts and ideas, even my dreams. Here’s to an agency like no other — one that lifted me up and provided me with an unwavering level of accomplishment. I’ve left my mark as a thinker, a question-asker and a dog-lover, but I’m feeling more like Beehive left its mark on me.