While I’ve had many experiences (contrary to popular belief, under 20 years is a lot of experiences), interning at a company has not been one of them. I somehow ended up as a public relations intern at a firm in Mumbai that dealt with very important matters like Employee Engagement. (What did that even mean? It sounded important).
And so began – cliché alert – a new chapter in my life.
My second home for the next month was tucked away in a red and yellow building opposite a railway station. Entering an office, nervous and enthusiastic (it goes without saying); I was introduced to my co-workers, that one painting on the wall & the six boards that represent their work culture, for the very first time. Also, three minion figurines. A Harry Potter mug.
That’s when I knew it was the right place to be. I would grow up at Never Grow Up.
I was as inexperienced as they come, but they took me in anyway. I had to give it to them – not many people would want a complete fresher interning with them. Monday morning arrived, and so did the readiness to take on the world! The world being whatever they would throw at me. Homework had been done, without really knowing what for. And so it began.
Despite never having been in a corporate workplace for very long, I knew this wasn’t how it usually went down.
Let me draw you a picture.
People are joking around, pulling each other’s legs. They are also relentlessly helping each other overcome obstacles. Everybody has a job profile, but everybody is doing a little of everything. Everybody is treated at par (yes, the intern too). Friends first, co-workers second. Giggles and strange noises are the norm. Yes, this is what life at work is like for me and everyone else here.
Ice cream is ordered on two consecutive days. Bean bags are at your disposal if all you want is a little comfort. Flexible work hours – come in whenever you want (but get things done, thank you very much). Adults in their mid-twenties are arguing like five-year-old’s about things that don’t matter but also brainstorming about things that do.
I am biting into a cube of cheese as I write this.
Don’t let this fool you. Fun is had, but work is done. A very impressive work culture, but what did you expect? I walked in looking for some work experience and am leaving with wisdom that was discreetly weaved into everyday conversation, including a better understanding of people.
Things like being able to network, that wouldn’t normally receive a second thought, are actually very vital. Teamwork is an exchange of opinions and constructive feedback, constructive being the operative word. A good boss is a boss who acts like one only when he must. Persevere, unless you’re making an attempt to lick your elbow (it’s a losing battle). Don’t take crap from anybody, not even when it is handed to you on a silver platter.
And while learning took place, the process of learning itself was very enjoyable. I was never actually told why I was doing any of it. Instead, the freedom to figure it out for myself with time was given to me. And of course, I can now tell you a little more about public relations than how it’s spelled. A course in public relations probably wouldn’t have taught me all this and more.
Never Grow Up happened to me at a very interesting stage in my life. I’m all of 18. The transition into adulthood is not something most not-adults look forward to. But Never Grow Up embodies the idea that being an adult isn’t synonymous with being boring. Who knew?
Aditi Shah ~ Intern – 2015.
