Careersparx

Image Credit: Karen Morrison

Today’s interview was written and compiled by CareerSparx Managing Editor Kacey Valla.

Today’s interview is with PR Couture founder and curator Crosby Noricks. If you haven’t had the chance to check out the PR Couture website, then you’re missing out on some incredible advice for those dreaming of making a career in public relations, and all the must-have pr jobs! PR Couture started in 2006, and has since been featured in Mashable, PR Week and 944 Magazine, just to name a few. In addition, Crosby was invited by WWDMAGIC and TeenVogue to be among the first bloggers invited to report live from the tradeshow, while earning countless awards along the way.

With all of the solid advice, valuable content and wittiness, it’s no wonder Crosby and PR Couture have gained a large amount of respect and credibility within the PR industry. PR Couture has become so influential for college students and recent graduates that Crosby is publishing her first PR guide (out any week now!): “Ready to Launch: The PR Couture Guide to Breaking into Fashion PR.” It will be available in both ebook and hard copy versions and is worth every penny. To be sure you’re the first to get your hands on this incredible book, sign up to get PR Couture in your inbox!

So, without further adieu, check out our interview with PR Couture’s Crosby Noricks! Also, for daily tips and updates from PR Couture, be sure to check out their Twitter and Facebook profiles!

1)  How did you make PR Couture a success, and what are some keys to managing a successful social community?

The biggest things I did to make PR Couture a success was simply consistency. I’ve been developing and publishing content for the site several times a week for the past five years, and in doing that I have developed a relationship with readers and partners who know they can count on me to keep the site up to par.

In terms of the community aspect, I think it’s important to be accessible and genuine, as well as consistent. I spent a lot of time in the early years providing advice via email — and even these days although I have switched to doing paid consulting, I still take a few minutes to provide quick ideas or suggestions to the inquiries that come through. I have a genuine interest in helping young PR pro’s along their professional path as well as proving opportunities for fashion PR practitioners and agencies to shine. I think that comes through and helps to build trust.

2)  What was the inspiration behind “The PR Couture Guide to Breaking into Fashion PR,” and when did you decide it was time to write this incredible guide?

It took me a long time to think of ways to monetize the site beyond just advertising. I had tossed around ideas with other PR Couture writers and friends about digital products I could sell for years, but it either didn’t feel quite right or felt overwhelming. A few divine encounters with some amazing women gave me the push I needed to begin exploring ways to take what I was already doing behind the scenes through coffee dates, email and the occasional phone call, and charge for it!

Step 1 was launching Power Sessions in September, where I review resumes, blogs, press releases, whatever and then jump into a fast-paced 45-minute consulting call and follow up with a custom action plan. I’ve done this several times over the past few months, both with entry-level practitioners as well as brands and really enjoy it. Step 2 was writing Ready to Launch, which is a more affordable option for students and younger practitioners who can’t or don’t want to do a session but are still looking for advice and expertise about fashion PR.  It feels amazing to have taken the initiative, despite sacrificing quite a few Saturdays, and to have put together what I think is a treasure-trove of insider information. It’s essentially everything I would have killed to have 10 years ago when I was starting my career.

3) Cover letters can be one of the most challenging documents to write. What are your top tips for writing a great PR cover letter?

Demonstrate that you have read the job posting, and connect specific job requirements or skills to your experience or skill-set. Highlight anything measureable — media coverage you have secured, awards you have won, attendees at an event you helped to organize. Avoid cookie cutter cover letter templates. Instead let your cover letter communicate the energy, personality and unique blend of education, experience and passion that makes you, you! Avoid clichés, (never say you have a passion for fashion), and spell check, especially the name of the person you are writing to.

4) We love that you discuss the importance of informational interviews! What is your experience with informational interviews, and why do you encourage them?

I never went on any, but I sure have done several! I think the biggest benefit is that we professionals are always searching for great talent — it just might not be the right time or the right fit. However, when we need someone, we reach out to our network — I need an intern, I need a part-time publicist, whatever. When that happens, we naturally go to the inventory we keep in our heads of people we know. Setting up informational interviews is not only a great way to learn about the job, how different agencies are set up, and practice your interview/communication skills, but it helps keep you top of mind when job opportunities do pop up.

5) From your incredible lists of interviews questions (both what you will be asked and what to ask), what is the one question to remember to ask the employer during an interview?

Here’s one that’s not in the book — How can I best support you in this position?

6) What is the ultimate key to making it in the fashion PR world?

Consistency. If you do something for long enough, you get really good at it. The key is to keep going, even when you are exhausted, embarrassed or frustrated. We’ve all been there

7) Any closing comments or advice for our budding fashion PR readers?

Most everything is a choice — think of your career as a living, breathing relationship. Tend to it, nurture it, even love it, but don’t be afraid to get out if the situation is unsupportive, out-of-control, and painful. There are opportunities everywhere.

Today’s post is written by CareerSparx Managing Editor Kacey Valla.

Virtual internships are becoming more and more popular by both employers and interns. These internships can have the notion that they are more convenient, less demanding and easier. Well, that’s not quite true. Yes, it may be convenient in that you aren’t required to be in an on office eight hours a day and you could work in your pajamas; however, they are no less demanding or easier. Virtual internships allow for an intern to work at an optimal time within their schedule, but this means the intern needs to make time each day to work. So how do you succeed as a virtual intern? Check out the three tips below!

1) Schedule time and stay committed.

With the opportunity to work at your own pace, within certain deadlines, you have the ability to work when you would like! This doesn’t mean procrastinate until the last night before a project is due and only put in half the effort. It means you need to schedule appropriate time to complete each task and stay committed as if you saw your boss each day.

2) Communicate as if you were regularly in the office.

Even though you are only communicating via technology, it’s important to write professionally with your mentors. You don’t need to be cold in your conversations, but keep it professional. It’s almost more important to continually stay in contact and up to date, as technology is all you have!

3) Network with other interns.

If the company shares contact information of other interns, take advantage of it! If you were in the office, you would meet and talk with other interns every day, right? So why not do it when you’re virtual? It also can be fun getting to know people who live across the nation or even seas! It’s a great way to brainstorm and work together on projects as well.

If you’re unable to relocate for a dream internship, take advantage of virtual internships! It’s a great way to learn another side of business and allows you the opportunity to break into an industry. When taking the path of virtual internships, remember the importance of scheduling time to complete tasks and communicate regularly. And as always, remember to network and thank your mentors after completing your time with the company!

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Today’s post is written by CareerSparx Managing Editor Kacey Valla.

College students and recent graduates who have the opportunity to intern at multiple companies know that the transition between internships is not always easy. Each company comes with a new set of rules, employees, expectations, values and workloads. With all of these changes and more, adjusting to a new surrounding can provide for a roller coaster ride. However, there are incredible advantages to multiple internships, as well as ideals you should be realistic about. Whether you have a good or not so good internship experience, all help you grow and mature to become a seasoned professional.

• New experience, new knowledge, new power.

They say knowledge is power and the more experience you have, the more knowledge you gain! Working in different companies, and even industries, will give you the opportunity to learn different working styles and management of professional relationships. One of the best things about interning at multiple companies is the amount connections and relationships you will gain! Your career will most likely be dependent upon networking, so nurture the connections! You just never know whom you will run into.

• A whole new learning curve.

Just when you think you have a handle on your surroundings, you need to start over from scratch! Most internships are three months, although some may be extended, and this is just enough time to find your footing. The great part is you found your niche, the challenging and soon rewarding part – it’s time to find your footing, again.

• Don’t let expectations determine the outcome.

It’s in your best interest to only set one expectation going into an internship – to succeed! If you go into an internship expecting something specific and reality gives you a different outcome, it will affect your work. Try to always go into an internship with an open mind and be ready to learn! Each company is very different, even if they work in the same industry.

• Time to shine!

If there was anything you wish you did differently in your previous internship, now is your chance to start fresh! Every experience is a learning opportunity and with a fresh slate, it’s your time to shine! The company hired you for a reason; prove what you’re capable of. New internships lead to new experiences, lessons and connections. All of these lead to a new career and a soon-to-be accomplished professional!

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Today’s CareerSparx guest post is by Cheryl Minnick, a career counselor and internship coordinator at The University of Montana.

At age five, you pretty much knew what you were going to do with your life. You had big plans. You were going to kindergarten, and you knew that if you learned to read, write, walk in a line, take turns and share, you would get a big promotion — to first grade. From there the sky was the limit … middle school, then high school and off to college. But few of us think beyond graduation to, “Now, what?” A college degree allows career doors to open, but how do you decide which door to knock on? Grab a piece of paper, a pen and pumpkin spice latté, and let’s complete eight self-reflections.

Describe five moments you felt “flow.” Easy flow of effort, peace of spirit and confidence in your abilities whether on the job, volunteering, interning, doing extracurricular activities or simply having fun with friends, is key to career success. Note five times you felt “flow” at work and try to identify patterns. A career with easy flow of effort is a career of successful effort.

Reflect on your childhood. As a kid, you were most truly you and thoughtlessly revealed your natural talents and interests … you were a reader, explorer, risk-taker, teacher, caregiver, outdoor adventurer, writer, mechanic, athlete, etc. What gave you fulfillment or pleasure as a child … was it learning? Challenges? Being alone? Being with people? Fixing stuff? Being active? Helping people? A career honoring your authentic self and using your natural talents will bring you on-the-job happiness and success.

Pinpoint moments of joy. List five circumstances that brought you ear-to-ear grinning joy. Look for themes in those circumstances. Now, make a list of industries, companies or careers where those same joyful moments are required job criteria or job success factors.

Volunteer yourself  a future. List two duties, projects or areas at work that you could volunteer to help with that would let you develop skills/talents, build networks, or just fill your day with more joy. Now, go volunteer .. volunteer your way into a career or up the ladder of success.

List three work tasks you rocked! Reflect on your jobs, internships or volunteer experiences to list three responsibilities you did well and brought you success or joy. Now, list three things that brought you heartache and difficulty that you don’t ever want to do again. Make sure the “do well” tasks are in your future job description and the “don’t want to do again” aren’t!

Ten things I like about ME! List 10 things you’re damn good at (on the job, thank you) and list their common denominators. Try to find employment doing those things.

Who’s in your network? Most career success is built on networking and in our current economy it is the No. 1 way to find a job. List your 10 strongest network connections and get knocking on their doors to network!

Complete these sentences: a) My work colleagues would say I’m particularly good at … b) my supervisor has commented positively about my ability to … c) I’ve been positively recognized at work for … d) My supervisor or colleagues would say I need to work on … e) At work, I could be better at … and f) At work, I am really pretty good at and found success doing …

Come to find out, growing up to be a Superhero or Barbie-Princess-Ballerina takes a lot more energy and thought beyond learning to read, write, walk in a line, take turns and share …  and that a college degree is just the beginning. Finding a career that will bring you success AND happiness requires self-reflection, self-knowledge, and a pumpkin spice latté or two.

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Today’s guest post is written by CareerEffect Founder Catrina Boettner.

Imagine fancy cars, expensive items, an entourage, money and celebrity status … who wouldn’t love the life of a rock star? No real cares, no responsibilities, just focusing on your passion and your paycheck. Sign me up! Unfortunately the life of a rockstar, although glitz and glam, isn’t nearly as fabulous as we all would like to believe.

Not everyone is cut out to be a rock star, otherwise, we’d all be one. However, a rock star is someone who I believe we can all learn from. So the question really becomes, how can we all become our own version of a rock star?

1. They Have Thick Skin

Most rock stars aren’t handed their ‘rock star status’ on a silver platter. Many of them spend years trying to make it big, and there are others who ‘sort of’ make it, but never become a household name. They most likely received countless rejection letters, meaning no shows or boo’s. So they understand that not every door opens, and that those that do, you have to jump at and work for.

How to Apply It: In today’s economy, there are so many qualified applicants out there and only so many positions. Keep in mind that when starting your career, like the rock star, you won’t land every interview or get every job you want. The key is knowing that whatever happens, the door will open to the opportunity that’s right for you.

2.  They Don’t Stop

You won’t be a rock star overnight. Nothing worth having is just given to you. So, if you want that job or that interview, take the steps necessary to get it, even if it’s out of your comfort zone. If they say no, keep trying until they say yes. (Note: I am not suggesting in any way, shape or form to harass a company or individual, but rather to be persistent.)

How to Apply It:Put yourself in the employer’s shoes. What would you want to see from a potential intern or employee? Make a list. Then do it, at least do everything within your power. Start working for the company before you actually get the job. Research not only the company but the industry, competition and clients if possible. Go into an interview fully armed and ready to go.

3. They Have Attitude

Not a bad attitude, but one that engages you, that attracts you and charms you. They are someone you would want to be like and someone you would want to be around. Keep that in mind as you go through your journey. No one wants to work with a stick in the mud!

How to Apply It: To quote Guy Kawasaki from his book, “Enchantment,” “The optimal response when someone says ‘thank you’ is not ‘you’re welcome,’ but ‘I know you would do the same for me.’” It’s really all about being likable. Why? When it comes down to it, if you’re one of three final candidates, the one that wins is the one that they like the most — the individual who can adjust and thrive in the companies atmosphere.

4. They Adapt

A great example of this is the band KISS. They adapted with costumes, face paint and a band-identity that people could recognize without question. They changed and altered themselves while staying true to who they were and the music they created. Kiss used the tools they had and sought out new ones to achieve success.

How to Apply It: As you go through your career, you’ll figure out what works and what doesn’t for you. You’ll adapt to your environment, your peers and your duties. Maybe you’ll adapt by learning new skills, by going back to school or teaching yourself at home. Perhaps you will use the knowledge you already have and apply it in new and unique ways. Build your personal brand, watch it grow and strengthen into the person you want to become. In your freshman year of college, many of you had no clue what you wanted to do with your lives, but I would bet by senior year you had a pretty good idea. The same goes for your career. Whether an internship or first real job, it may not be your dream, but it’s a stepping stone and a great experience to learn who you want to be and where you want to go.

5. Work Hard & Play Hard

Many times we feel we’re under such pressure to get that job or promotion that we don’t take time for ourselves. Rock stars play just as hard as they work, so take care to do the same for you.

How to Apply It: My favorite thing to do once I’ve come from an interview is to do something for myself. After all, I worked hard, I deserve a little treat. Whatever that little treat is for you, it’s just as important to take time for yourself as it is to work toward your goals.

As you look ahead into your career, keep all of these things in mind. They’re great tools to help you become the rock star we all know you can be.

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Today’s post is written by CareerSparx Managing Editor Kacey Valla.

We have written about the many different ways social media has taken over the job search and application process, so now we want to show you an example of how five interns were chosen completely via social media. This past spring MasterCard needed to hire five interns for their summer program, so they took a new approach to searching for five prime candidates. All cover letters, resumes and creative videos were sent to MasterCard hiring mangers via LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Also, QR codes were used on posters and online ads to direct applicants to the MasterCard Canada Facebook page to give instructions and further details.

In the end, more than 500 applicants applied for five intern positions! MasterCard’s latest intern search shows just how tech-savvy companies have become in the application process and how influential social media outlets can be. We’re hoping you can take away some key points and creative ideas for your next application and become a star intern that is highlighted by your company!

To check out MasterCard’s social media interview process and the final five interns, click on the links below:

• “The Social Interview” : Highlighting the videos of the final five interns and explanation of the application process
• “The Heart of Commerce” : MasterCard’s blog with posts written by all levels of employees within MasterCard giving career and financial advice

From this example and other recent articles, it has been proven that your online presence is more important than ever. MasterCard’s interview process is a prime example of how the job search market and where employers look for potential candidates has completely changed. Even though you are applying online, that doesn’t mean you can approach the company in a non-professional manner. So, make sure you spruce up your LinkedIn account, clean up your Facebook profile and think before your tweet! You just never know when your online presence will become your entire resume.

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Today’s post is written by CareerSparx and IdeaMensch Founder Mario Schulzke

I graduated college in 2002, which actually was a pretty tough market. We had just gotten out of the dot com boom and there weren’t a whole lot of jobs out there for us marketing majors. But I was fortunate in that my college internship at a small advertising agency in Montana turned into a job offer. While it wasn’t quite Madison Avenue, it beat my other opportunities, which evolved around either being trained to manage a car rental place or to recruit nurses.

Even though I could have made almost twice as much in nurse recruitment (health care was booming at the time, and there was a severe nurse shortage in case you were wondering), I really didn’t feel like that was the best direction to take my interest in marketing.

I am a firm believer that your first job, and actually the first few years of your career, are just an extended part of your college education. In college you might have gotten a great education about the industry you’re about to enter, but that really doesn’t translate into being good at working in it. In order to become good, you need a lot of practice. In his book “Outliers,” Malcom Gladwell talks about how people who are amazing at something (from professional athletes to super programmers) require around 10,000 hours of practice to get there.

And he isn’t talking about sitting in an office for 10,000 hours, but rather being actively engaged in a very specific activity.

If your goal is to get 3,000 hours of practice at your job, at 20 hours per week — you’re still looking at about three years (assuming you work 50 weeks per year). That right there are the first three years of your career, your first job.

So as you start your career, look for the best 3,000 hours of practice possible. If you can get a few of those hours during an internship in college, count those, too.

Don’t worry about your first paycheck or your first title. Worry about the person you’ll be reporting to (your coach), the experience you’re able to get (your at bats) and the kind of people you’ll be working with (your team). Be conscious about getting the mix right, as even the best boss does you no good if your job description evolves around making coffee.

Recommended Reading: “Outliers” By Malcom Gladwell

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Today’s interview was written and compiled by CareerSparx Managing Editor Kacey Valla.

Jon Farrell just finished his creative internship at WDCW in Los Angeles last Friday and is headed back for his last term at the Art Center College of Design where he will earn a BFA in advertising design. Jon also has a BA in economics with an emphasis in marketing from UC Riverside. Since the age of 14, Jon knew he wanted to be in the advertising field and has finally reached his goal after leaving his first career as a fraud investigator and underwriter at Countrywide Bank in 2007.

Some of Jon’s talents include the passion for the process of shooting documentaries, writing and handwritten type. He knows advertising is hot and cold and very different from what he used to do. The industry changes on an hourly basis, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

1) What is your position during your internship and what are the tasks?

Right now, I am a creative intern and I came in to tune my eye and learn more about the ultimate goal for a lot of people, which is to become an art director. From the get go I assisted one of the designers with stock image searching, something every intern should get used to doing. If you’re positive about it, in a way you begin to develop an eye for what a brand is looking for within a very small box.

Task-wise there are some days when work is lighter, but there are others when things are hot and you need to produce. What is cool about WDCW, though, is that it’s always “we” here; it’s never about an individual designer. It’s something we developed at Art Center, and it remains true at the agency level, especially on the creative team.

Oh yeah, I make coffee every day and clean the kitchen. Also, get use to doing general agency upkeep, and if anybody needs anything like lunch runs or covering the front desk; hop to it with a smile. I think of WDCW kind of like a home, and you need to take care of your home, keep it clean and have respect for it.

2) What has been your favorite experience of your internship?

My favorite experience at WDCW was creating a simple print ad with one of the other interns, also named Jon. It was super basic and our first published work. The ad itself was only a quarter page black and white newspaper piece, but it’s what every ad instructor talked to us about at school as his/her first assignment. It makes me feel like I took the right internship rather than one that jumps you ahead without the basic tools.

3) What has been the most challenging part or task of your internship?

Staying a part of the team, honestly. As interns a lot of kids are going to question themselves with “Who am I here?” or “What am I doing here?” There are some stressful days where you just don’t feel a part of anything and think, “I’m only picking up slack.” But that’s to be expected. You’re an intern, and that’s just it; suck it up. I come here every morning and I try to be all smiles, but some days it’s more frustrating. You just need to keep going and persevere. In the bigger picture, it’s only three months, so it’s worth it. Just don’t let it go beyond three years … [laughing].

Also, be careful when taking an internship if you’re too close to your potential boss — remember there’s a difference [in relationships] when you walk through those office doors.

4) What was the biggest lesson you learned during the internship?

Learning how to shut your mouth and persevere. Knowing the fact that you can actually survive in the advertising world is a huge thing, but it takes a minute. It’s different because in school you’re paying your teachers for your assignments, but in an internship, you’re getting paid by the clients to perform. Remember to keep your speed up and stay positive. I’ve learned how to deal with life stresses, which is a great life lesson. In the end you have to be creative. It’s necessary.

Some advice from my mentor – “Solve the problem, then have fun with it.”

5) What advice would you give interns to succeed during their internship?

Start day one engaged, always engage and be excited. There are other kids who want your job, even if it only involves making coffee. Sometimes you’re going to feel down, but you just have to rise out of that and be excited. Always ask more questions! I tried, and it can be nerve-wracking, but just do it. Questions are meant to be answered, no matter if you think they’re stupid or not. If the team talks to you that’s great, if not — that’s scary.

Don’t tell anyone I said this, but watch “The Devil Wears Prada.” There are some lessons in there even dudes can learn from.

6) What advice would you give interns to balance work and life, if possible?

It is possible, especially when you’re getting into this game when you are a little bit older. For me, I don’t even turn on my computer when I get home. I turn this whole place off. As an intern you may not feel fully engaged, so you may be able to disengage easier. One big thing is to just go live life. We are in the business of mood making — observe, participate and have fun. The moment you’re not having fun, it’s time to find yourself a new thing to do.

7) What advice would you give interns in regard to saving money and affording daily expenses (especially in a big city)?

Ask your parents. That’s it, honestly, because you won’t get paid the big bucks for years. We are lucky enough to be paid as interns here, but really you have to take your hits and eat some Top Ramen. If at all possible, ask for as much help as you can from your school and your parents.

8) What are your career goals and dream job?

Sometimes it varies. Sometimes it’s just to be happy somewhere, like sweeping the floors at MOCA. Originally, my dream job would be working as a creative director in a smaller boutique agency. To be honest, I’m not too sure anymore; it’s kind of up in the air. But whatever your dream, you have to go get it. I’ve wanted to work here, so this experience has been great.

Something I’d like to suggest is when you pick where you want to work and what you want to do, make sure you like the clients. That’s the thing that will bring you in the circle or take you out of the circle. A lot of it’s client love, because you need to understand who they are, what they are about and what you can do for them.

9) Any last thoughts or advice?

Just engage. Honestly. Engage everybody. If you’re going to be in this business you’ve got to want it. That’s it.

Today’s interview was written and compiled by CareerSparx Managing Editor Kacey Valla.

Brittany Agostino will be a junior majoring in economics at the University of Chicago and has already completed two internships; she is in the midst of her third. Brittany’s internship experience includes:

• a high school internship at a private wealth management firm (UBS)

• an internship with an event planning firm specializing in corporate business functions in New York (The Executive Council of New York)

• an account management internship in Los Angeles with an advertising agency (Wong, Doody, Crandall, Wiener)

Brittany is full of meaningful advice, as she has interned in multiple industries and is only entering her junior year in college!

1) What positions have you held during these internships?

When I interned at UBS, I served as a wealth management intern. I was still in high school at this point, so I interned from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Wednesday of my senior year. Most of my tasks included maximizing portfolio investments given certain constraints, which boiled down to working with a lot of Excel spreadsheets.

Last summer I worked at The Executive Council of New York, an event planning firm that focuses on corporate events, in New York. My tasks included calling hotels and vendors to assemble cost projections and developing marketing calendars for the different events. The internship was very interactive, so I also spent my fair share of time running errands around New York City.

This summer I am an account management intern at Wong, Doody, Crandall, Weiner. My role as an account management intern gives me a lot of exposure to the different departments within an advertising agency, and I sit in on a lot of meetings with account managers and the creative team. I also have been extremely lucky to work on a few research projects that have expanded my knowledge of the cultural landscape.

2) What have been your favorite experiences?

At UBS my mentor placed a great emphasis on making sure I learned as much as I possibly could from the internship. This internship occurred during the time that Lehman Brothers was collapsing, so he [my mentor] was extremely busy. However, at the end of every Wednesday he would call me into his office and explain different aspects of the financial crisis, give me books to read and encourage me to ask questions.

During my summer at The Executive Council of New York, I learned an incredible amount about all of the different parts that come together to create a successful event. It was also pretty interesting to hear about the different attendees of the events, such as famous corporate or political figures. In addition, it was very interesting to see the budgets for these large-scale events as well as the New York event spaces themselves.

The mentorship program at WDCW has been my favorite experience and the most intensive mentorship program I have had so far. My internship has allowed me to witness an advertising campaign from start to finish and to observe how many different components are necessary for its execution. My account management mentor, Ary, assigns me projects and checks in at least once a day to make sure I am learning and to answer any questions. She has been extremely helpful in terms of mentorship itself, as well as serving as a source of knowledge and advice about how to best approach my projects.

WDCW also has assigned me a mentor outside the account management department, Spencer, who works in digital strategy. Spencer takes me out to coffee every week and gives me advice about working in an advertising agency in general. On top of those two mentors, the agency gives us a Starbucks gift card and a list of ten people within the agency to ask out to coffee to learn more about their careers. The mentors were all interns in the past and truly understand an intern’s perspective, which has made the mentorship program a really great and unique experience.

3) What has been the most challenging aspect or task of your internships?

The most challenging aspect of all of my internships has been asking for documents from superiors. As an intern, you’re coming in at the bottom of the totem pole, and even if they [employees] don’t treat you like that, it’s very difficult to tell an important professional, “I need this from you,” and to stress the urgency of a project. I have never encountered any problems with co-workers and they have been more than kind to me, but there is an intimidating factor in imposing a deadline on a superior. The most challenging part has been to balance being respectful as an intern and making your personal voice known as a co-worker.

4) What was the biggest lesson you learned during your internships?

The biggest lesson has definitely been how to balance the interests of different groups of people. Account management is all about managing people and expectations. I have learned a great amount by observing how account managers set expectations and manage a timeline that strikes a balance between the needs of the client and the creative team. In addition, I have learned that there is a hyper-organization that is required to be an account manager. You need to be on top of so many different projects at the same time, and an internal organizational system is necessary to handle it all.

5) What advice would you give interns to succeed during their internship?

Always ask questions, even if you think you might know the answer. You will most likely gain more clarity on the issue if you ask about it. If you have the opportunity to ask someone, do it, because they will like that you’re interested. Never just sit at your desk if you have nothing to do. The absolute least you can do is approach someone and ask if you can help with anything. If they don’t need anything, then that’s okay, but don’t just sit waiting.

6) What advice would you give interns to balance work and life, if possible?

Try to put 110% in when you are at work so you don’t feel guilty when you walk out of the office doors. Try to get everything done within the time constraints of the office day, and put your all into it, that way you don’t have to be at home at 11 p.m. working on a project, although that may happen from time to time.

I also think it is a really good idea to get an internship while you are still in college. It allows you to learn a lot and also to appreciate the amount of time you have at school. Sometimes I think I’m stressed during the school year, but when you work from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and have to cook and do laundry, it’s a good realization that free time is harder to come by in “real life.”

7) What advice would you give interns in regard to saving money and affording daily expenses (especially in a big city)?

Try to find public transportation. I have managed to survive on public transportation in Los Angeles, which many people are surprised to hear. Even though it might take twelve minutes in a car and an hour by bus, I’ve realized I like the extra time in the commute. It gives me structure and time to think, read a book or listen to my iPod; as an intern, you might not have that much time to do those things unless you schedule them into a routine.

If people at your internship pack their own lunch, you should do the same, because it’s expensive to eat out. Wake up early or pack your lunches ahead of time on weekends. Try to avoid frequenting Starbucks, which I know from personal experience is impossible advice.

8) What are your career goals?

I’m still not completely sure of what I want to do, but this internship has definitely opened my eyes to different creative industries. I value the creative aspect a lot now; innovative thinking and being able to successfully pitch ideas that are outside of the box is very important to me. I was surprised at how often it happens every day here (WDCW). My career goal is to have a job that allows me to be innovative and collaborative with other groups of people. I also have enjoyed being in a lot of different meetings and the variety of my work schedule. I always want to be interested in learning; I don’t want to have a job where I have to settle in a routine and become passive. I want a job where the tasks are constantly changing and I’m constantly challenging myself, because that’s when I perform the best.

9) What is your dream job?

I am still trying to figure out what my “dream job” is exactly, but I would say something that allows me to be innovative and make an impact. I know that sounds extremely vague and idealistic, but I think there are many jobs out there that allow for what I described in my career goals. I’m definitely considering advertising agencies and marketing firms now, and I’m also looking into jobs that expose me to a broad range of industries so that I can eventually settle on one.

10) What are you thinking of doing next summer?

I definitely love this agency; it has exceeded all my expectations and spoiled me. I am looking for an internship that exposes me to a broad range of industries, so I hope to intern in a corporate rotational program or in marketing or advertising agencies. I’m starting broad and then narrowing down from there. Each internship has been so different, and I have learned so much from each that I’m not willing to close off my options just yet.

11) Any closing comments or advice?

For other potential interns searching for summer opportunities, I would note that reaching out to people is one of the most important skills to find an internship. I encountered a lot of stress in applying to many different programs, and I didn’t realize that it is equally useful to find someone who you think has an interesting job and ask to take them out to coffee. You never know what may happen, and you don’t always have to go through the conventional application structure to get a highly coveted internship.

Also, when you’re asked to do something as an intern, it’s probably for a reason. The company and mentors are giving you such a great opportunity that acting entitled is not even an option. Your advisers are probably going out of their way to find work for you and are spending their time making sure you’re learning, so make sure to keep that in perspective. Just remember that your mentors are going above and beyond their job requirements for you, and that it is your duty to make the internship experience worthwhile.

Today’s interview was written and compiled by CareerSparx Managing Editor Kacey Valla.

Today’s interview is with the viral sensation Matthew Epstein who launched his own campaign (GooglePleaseHireMe) in order to be noticed, and eventually hired, by Google. We’re fortunate Matthew took the time to interview with CareerSparx and not only did we ask for career advice, but we wanted to know the true inspiration behind his mustache, why he doesn’t wear pants and the full scoop on his personal brand. Matthew just had his first phone interview with Google, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed for him!

1) When did your fascination with Google begin?

I think it probably started when Google first came out with their search engine and all it had was a box with their logo. At that point no one had ever really done something like that before. I had always dabbled in Web design, and I had always liked minimalistic, simplistic design; that was really revolutionary. I think I became interested in Google when they first launched their browser. As far as wanting to work with them, it’s really been within the last five years. I’ve just been gradually migrating to all of their products — my website, calendar, Gmail, Droid, maps, YouTube — just about everything. I chose Google because the volume of their user base is incredible, but their products are really innovative. I love them; I use them every day. I would love to work on a product I’m actually using and then make it better.

2) How do you believe social media has changed the job search market?

I’m not really sure it has too much, at least not yet. I’ve seen people do things similar to me, but I haven’t really seen many examples outside of my case study. I know a lot of people are just starting to tweet HR professionals and key individuals they need to get inside the company. People are leveraging it [social media] to get a job. I’ve actually gotten a lot of emails and LinkedIn messages from recruiters saying, “People aren’t doing this. They should be doing this more often.”

3) What advice do you have for college students/recent graduates in regard to pursuing their passion?

Definitely first and foremost, don’t take a job for the money. Unless of course, you absolutely need the money, and then you have to take the job for the money. If you can, take less money or even an internship somewhere where you are going to love what you do, but more importantly, you’re going to learn the skills that you want to learn. I see a lot of people like me, or who were my age, applying to jobs just because they need a job or money, but it’s not really in line with what they want to do long term. So they find themselves in a situation where they have three years experience, but not experience for what they actually want to do. So the first thing, whatever you do, if you don’t absolutely need money, find something (whether it’s an internship or less money, even if you have to move somewhere) or get a job (if you know what you want to do) that’s going to apply to your skills in the long term.

The other thing is there are some people who are smart enough, just naturally genius, and people like that should be shooting for the stars, shooting for Google right off the bat. But the fact of the matter is you’re probably not going to land your dream job right out of college. Outside of an internship, that’s probably not going to happen, and that’s just reality. That’s why I said, make sure during your first few years you’re knee deep in what it is you want to do. Dedicating two to four years out of college to land your dream job really isn’t that bad when people spend 20 years trying to land their dream job.

4) What is the main lesson college students/recent graduates can learn from your experience?

1) As soon as you can, start building your personal brand. I would recommend doing this in college; I started messing around with my personal brand when I was sophomore. By your personal brand I mean your story — who you are, what you want to do, what makes you valuable, what differentiates you from your peers. It sounds cheesy to think of yourself as a brand, but I think of myself no different than I do Coke or Nike. I have a slogan and look; I have something that differentiates me. I’ve been working on that for years, but trust me as soon as I have a job, it’s probably going to evolve again. So first thing, create a brand. If you’re just “Michael Johnson : Web Designer,” there’s five million Michael Johnson Web designers. So the first thing is to differentiate yourself.

2) Never forget, and I think this is why I got so much response from recruiters and why my campaign was successful (besides the fact I wasn’t wearing pants), is I realized there are actual people reading my resume, and they are people just like you and me. It doesn’t necessarily have to be entertainment, they don’t have to laugh, but they want something interesting, something different. So if you’re going to apply to a job creatively, think to yourself if you were to receive it, “Would it bore you? Does it make you laugh? Is it over the top like mine?”

For example, if you’re a programmer applying to Google, try developing the coolest program, the coolest script, maybe build on a Google app. Do something really creative and think to yourself, “If I were to receive this as a recruiter, would I open this? What would I think of it?” I think if people start gearing their applications toward human beings, instead of companies or thinking, “I’m just applying to some big machine who reviews my resume and spits it out,” I think they would have a much better chance at getting a job.

5) What is the true inspiration behind your mustache, and why don’t you wear pants?

A lot of it goes back to when I started my personal brand a few years ago, I was thinking to myself as I was on LinkedIn and Twitter, “Everyone who pops up in my feed kind of looks the same.” It isn’t a bad thing, they are all very professional and have headshots, but there was nothing that really stood out. So I was thinking to myself, “What would really capture someone’s attention?” I was thinking that if I’m not wearing pants and I’m wearing a mustache, some people have to look at that.

I remember showing it [no pants and mustache picture] at my agency and to my CMO, and he cracked up! So I figure if he thinks it’s funny, I’ll just roll with it. So it started a few years ago when I was branding myself.

6) What’s the craziest email you’ve received since going viral?

I like receiving the emails of people trash talking me, because a lot of them are actually really funny, and I respond to them saying, “Thank you, you made me laugh,” which probably actually annoys them because that’s not the response they we’re looking for. On a whole though, I didn’t expect:

1) This many people [to respond].

2) So many people to email me with a message. I still feel cheesy saying this, but hundreds and hundreds of people email me, even call me, all around the world saying that I inspired them either to land their dream job, to find a job that’s more challenging, to work on their resume, or to get their career stuff in order. That in itself is really humbling, I wasn’t expecting that. To me that was the craziest thing, that overall message of inspiration. I don’t think they’re inspired by me, I think they’re inspired by what I was trying to do.

The craziest thing was this morning someone told me that there is this company claiming that I agreed to work with them. They’ve been tweeting people that I got hired there. I was pretty annoyed, but it’s funny that people do that. That’s probably the craziest, strangest thing I’ve seen so far, people going way out of their way to monetize my brand.

7) We all want to know, have you received your dream job offer at Google, and what other options are you considering?

I have my phone interview Wednesday [with Google], which I’m really excited about. I have been talking with other companies like Amazon and Microsoft, as well as startups. Those are more just talking about opportunities; they aren’t as serious as Google. I think it would be stupid, and I think Google would agree, if Amazon and Microsoft called me and I said, “Nope, I don’t want to hear you out.” I don’t think they would knock me for that. But say Google didn’t work out, for whatever reason, there are a lot of other opportunities on my plate I’m really excited about, but not on the level of Google. However, I would definitely jump on board in a minute. To be honest, I’m not really too worried about getting a job now, in fact my problem used to be that I suffered from lack of choices, but now I suffer from too many choices. I would love to do or join a startup, but I don’t have an idea that I’m in love enough with yet, or I haven’t heard from a startup that appeals enough to me.

8) Any closing comments or advice?

Probably keep your pants on.

1) If you are going to apply creatively to a job, make sure that whatever you’re doing, it’s fun and it doesn’t feel like a job application. It should really feel more like a hobby. People who love playing basketball go out and play basketball for three hours; it should be something like that. Something that you’re proud of doing, something that you’re proud of making, something that once you’re done (whether you get hired or not) you’re happy with it. Whether you create an online campaign, a program to apply to Google, or you want to be a TV anchor and you do a video, the point being is make sure you love it and you’re having fun doing it.

2) Don’t listen to anyone, and just don’t think about it. The reason why is in both business and jobs people don’t get to where they want to be, for whatever reason, is because they just don’t go out there and get it done. Again, there could be a lot of reasons; it could be insecurity or it could be they think this idea isn’t going to work. Just don’t think about it too much. If you like it, just go out and do it. Honestly, and this probably is the most important advice I’d give, is whatever you do to creatively apply to a job, the worst that’s going to happen is you’re going to get rejected, and if you get rejected creatively, the odds are you’re probably going to get rejected in the traditional way. So there’s really nothing to be scared of.

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