<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R12eQOTrErI/AAAAAAAAAC8/6qjf2t6liIg/s1600-h/ns-pic-IMG_0969.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R12eQOTrErI/AAAAAAAAAC8/6qjf2t6liIg/s200/ns-pic-IMG_0969.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142440351082681010" /></a><br />The Internship Stigma<br /><br />Howdy.  Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Nicole Salerno, and I am currently a marketing intern at Brand Iron.  I joined the ranch about a month ago, and love every minute of it.  Some people may look at the title of “intern” as lowly and not so glamorous; however, this stereotype is evolving.  As a part time intern, young professionals get the chance to explore many areas of the advertising and marketing industry.  These internships, nay, opportunities can be looked at as aptitude tests for your special talents.  Not only is an intern’s job never done, it also never stays the same.  Currently, I am assisting with monthly client updates, proposals and new business meetings.  Just the other day, I sat in on a four-hour “BrandStorm.”  I am meeting leaders in the industry every day.  These networking opportunities should never be passed up or looked over.  <br /><br />As an intern, no one is expecting anything from you because you are “green” or a “newbie.”  This allows for the best opportunity to stun those around you.  Show to them that you aren’t just a student and you can be so much more than someone to answer phones and courier papers.  This is the time for my generation to take advantage of these temporary positions and soak as much up as possible.  The next door that opens is always through the influence of the previous door that has closed.  <br /><br />At Brand Iron, I have learned the importance of complete appreciation for clients, prospects and partners.  A simple gesture, such as a hand-written “Thank you” or a Brand Iron stick pony, are just a couple things that set us apart from other agencies.  By showing these clients, prospects and partners that they are valued, further emphasizes what Brand Iron’s services are worth.<br /><br />Nicole Salerno, Marketing Intern