After finishing my undergrad at McGill University in Montreal, I moved back to my folk’s place in LA. The recession continued to pile on economic misery and the job front looked grim. Months later, I got word that The Phelps Group was looking for interns. Paid interns. I wanted in, but knew the competition was tough. When I eventually got the call with the good news, I tingled with both excitement and fear.

Beyond the agency’s sweet location (just blocks away from Santa Monica’s 3rd Street and the beach), the actual work environment was unreal - canine friendly, free lunches twice a week, snack time, and brainstorming sessions at the bluffs overlooking the Pacific. The only thing missing was a ping-pong table.

As an intern, of course I answered phones, set up snacks and dug into Excel. But I also got to tweet for Tahiti Tourism, participate in photo shoots, do PR pitches and brainstorm with big shots like Howie Cohen (aka “MadMensch”), legendary copywriter who coined Alka-Seltzer’s “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing.”  

One thing I learned is that no matter what you’re assigned, put a smile on and do a great job. If you want to transition from intern to employee, you’ve got to enhance the workplace culture. And when you run out of work, ask for more. You never know what fun project may fall in your lap.

Ironically, it was The Phelps Group, this place I loved, that inspired me to pursue a copywriting program in Toronto. While I was given an opportunity to stay, I knew (after observing the creative team) I needed to get my copywriting chops. Trust me, it was hard to leave. But I realized that you don’t just work somewhere - you live there. So why not make the most of it?

Word of advice: If you apply for an internship at The Phelps Group, don’t forget to triple-check your resume and cover letter. The internship leader’s got an eye like a hawk.

Shiran Teitelbaum | Guest Contributor
 
Editor's note: Not only was Shiran a finalist in the renowned Student Advertising & Design Club of Canada (ADCC) competition, her work will be featured in the ADCC award annual. And, at the culmination of her copywriting program in Toronto, she and her art director partner earned themselves prestigious positions at Leo Burnett's Leo Arc in Toronto. In her spare time, Shiran started citybandit.com, an online guide to fashionable steals and deals in Toronto and Montreal. Let’s just say we know how to pick ‘em!