Well, the tassel on my cap has been turned, my W2 forms filled out and my first days of work at a Raleigh PR agency are officially over. What all did I learn in the first 48 hours on the job? A lot, actually.
There were some administrative tasks to attend to, like getting my own set of office keys, learning my daily to-do list and filling out paper work. And, then there were the more sentimental/emotional/personal lessons to learn, like the deeper and deeper realization that I really like it here.
I loved the people (and dogs – shout out to Billy and Charlie) at Clairemont immediately. When I first met Dana last year, I knew I could see myself at her agency, and when I met Josie the following week, the deal was sealed. I withdrew from the interviewing process at a big PR agency in Raleigh and officially joined a small PR agency team as Clairemont’s spring intern.
Now, fast forward to today, and my decision to chose Clairemont only seems that much more brilliant. I’ve moved on from part-time intern to full-time employee, and I can’t picture myself working anywhere else.
And, that is my most important lesson from these first two days. For anyone out there looking for a job, this is my advice: Who you work with is way more important than where you work. Here’s why.
Graduating, leaving my student status behind and taking on a full-time job was a huge transition. My personal identity had been tied to being a student for so long that I felt a little lost without that categorization. But, these past couple days made me realize that losing my identity as a student was just part of the process of making room for an identity that was way better – being a Clairemont-er. These people are awesome, and I’m one of them now.
At the end of my first day, my friend (who started her job the same day) sent me a text, “A lot less worse than I thought…you?” She’s right; the first day wasn’t bad at all. But, I would love to reword that text to: “Even better than I thought it could be.”
Starting your first day of work should be a little nerve-wracking. But, at Clairemont it just felt natural and easy, and I can’t attribute that to anything other than the people working here. Where else could you walk into work on your first day and have a vase of pink tea roses on your desk? Or a ton of pink markers and sticky notes? Or a pink keyboard cover (are you catching a theme here? I like pink…)?
Dana and Josie know me too well and that’s been part of my first lesson in the real world at a Raleigh PR agency– these are people who want me around, and who I want to be around. Yeah, your first day of work could feel like work, but it shouldn’t have to feel like a chore. Work doesn’t feel like work when you enjoy what you are doing…or, more importantly, if you enjoy who you are working with each day.
Thank you for all of the kind comments everyone! I’m so excited to be working at Clairemont and look forward to sharing more of my experiences! Stay tuned!
Margot, I know I already told you that this post made me cry. I practically tear up each time I tell someone about it, too!
We are so excited to have you as part of our team in a full-time capacity. I’m proud of you for successfully completing your Clairemont internship (so successfully so that we realized we cannot live without you) and for earning your degree. Congrats!
This post also makes me feel proud. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts. They give me so much validation that the big decision I made 2.5 years ago was absolutely right.
I’m looking forward to all of the amazing things we will accomplish at Clairemont with you as part of our team. Welcome!
Dana! Love this post and love to hear about the wonderful environment you have created! Need to have coffee soon… xoxo Gigi
What a very cool story. I hope many new grads (in any field) are inspired by your story. I also hope bosses can learn from Dana’s mentoring and leadership. She’s one of a kind. You’re lucky to be on their team.
Dana, You are just the best…I am in awe…And a Mac! Holy Cow.
—mary (wohlrabe) durkin—-
Aw, thanks! Come visit us in North Carolina! Macs + magic wands. You’d feel right at home!
What’s terrific about this post is the term “Clairemonter” — great to watch the formation of your agency’s culture.
Really enjoyed your post. And it’s such a great reminder that it really is all about the people you enjoy seeing everyday, share ideas with, argue with (well sometimes), enjoy wins and losses with, challenge and respect. That’s what makes working enjoyable and fun.
When I started my first job my dad told me that three things are important – love what you do, love the people you work with, make good money. Then he said you’re lucky if you have two out of three and don’t settle for less. Looking forward to meeting you. Dana is the bomb (which is probably an outdated expression, but I am old so forgive me).
I’m so excited to get to work with you, Margot! Josie and Dana, bring her out for lunch/a tour of Briar Chapel asap!
Field trip!
Aw shucks, Margot. We’re so glad to have you on board. Already, it fees like you’re a huge part of the team. I think that’s the way things go when you’re a superstar intern turned employee. We’re not expecting great things….We’ve already seen them!