“So what are your plans after graduation?”

These are the exact words that will make any recent college grad’s stomach churn. And aside from a handful of my colleagues who knew what they wanted to do since they could talk, most didn’t have a clue what to do.  So as graduation drew closer, I began to shift from denial to panic.

By pure luck, an acquaintance mentioned the Multicultural Advertising Trainee (MAT) Program, which guarantees a paid internship, mentoring and networking with industry professionals. “Count me in!” I thought. So after passing through a nerve-wracking application and interview process, I waited anxiously to hear back from the MAT program as to which company they felt would be the best fit. The email finally came. The Phelps Group.

My first impression of the agency came from their website. As someone who is very big on first impressions, I was immediately impressed. They presented themselves openly and honestly and their personality shone through.

After two interviews and two weeks of agonizing thumb-twirling, I finally got the phone call that I had been waiting for. I got the internship! So a week after graduating from the University of California, Irvine, I got ready for my first day of work.

Within minutes of arriving, I found myself sitting among strangers at the weekly Monday Morning Meeting. As associates talked about new projects and gave recognition to their colleagues, my first-day nervousness began to melt away. This was exactly the kind of place for me, where everyone’s contributions are utilized and appreciated.

On my first day, the CFO took time out of his day to give me a crash course on W-4s and taxes, topics that no one has ever been able to clearly explain to me before. This is the perfect example kind of nurturing, warm environment that is The Phelps Group. Every Monday, after a catered lunch, a seminar is presented on a new topic to expand everyone’s knowledge base. Then, every Thursday, after another catered lunch, everyone’s creativity is combined to brainstorm ideas for new projects at the highly anticipated Brain Banger’s Ball.

In just one short month, I’ve already come to feel at home here. Not once have I ever felt I was treated like an intern who should be seen and not heard. I’ve already worked with associates from almost every team and discipline, and they’ve all been not only willing to teach, but also to trust in my abilities. I could have not asked the MAT program to place me with a better company. I am truly thankful for the opportunity that I have been given here at The Phelps Group.

Jessica Zhang | Intern