Do as I say, clearly not as I do

Pay it forward.  That is what my mentors told me when I asked how I could ever begin to repay them for all the knowledge, time, tears and sweat they put into my personal and professional career.  So, it is my personal policy to take on interns as often as I can and provide them with a valuable experience and MANY portfolios pieces.  

In the last five years, I have had more than ten students partake in my uber fun internships.  Some are very green and it provides a great arena to teach and mold.  Some are very eager and take on anything you send their way with the most positive attitude imaginable.  Some are family members (cousin Katie - best intern ever!) and some become great friends.  Almost all of them go on to get great jobs - maybe one day they will hire me.  And then there are some that don't quite seize the opportunity or take advantage of the experience.  They come in late, don't ask questions and show not one bit of enthusiasm.  For my own sanity, I try to avoid taking on these types of interns.  

This past couple of months, I have been so blessed.  I have had a couple of the best interns out there.  They are eager, talented and absorb everything.  EVERYTHING, including my bad habits.  That is the one thing about interns, they require you, the mentor, to stay on the top of things or all hell breaks loose.  Well, maybe not that bad.  With every intern I am able to mentor, I want them to succeed and go out in the world knowing a little bit more than the average PR grad.  I want their time to be well spent and the experience to be beneficial.  

This current group of interns has been so great, I am not sure I have taught as many instances of what to do than what not to do.  Things at work are crazy busy and my personal life is even worse.  It is no excuse, but often I find myself not with enough time to do things the right way or most detailed way.  Now, don't get me wrong, a good student can learn from their mentor's mistakes and short comings.  Trust me, over the years I have had my share of supervisors who did not teach me anything but what not to do.  I hope this group of interns is able to take away something on both sides of this fence.

I really do enjoy mentoring.  I would not be in the place I am today or the person I am today without the many mentors that took an interest in my well-being.  I am eternally thankful for their wisdom, generosity and patience.  I only hope that I am able to provide at least one of my interns that same.