Chapter 39

Chapter 39

The Internship Search

“What am I going to do?”

March 2015 

No matter what college you attend, searching for a summer internship is a necessity for most students. In rare occasions, students who plan on attending graduate school don’t have to work an internship, but it’s always a plus if you can add some experience to your resume.  For some, the internship search can be stressful, long, and have you asking yourself, “What am I going to do this summer?” I will use this chapter to help prepare you for your internship search, how to prepare for an interview, and how to decide between your internship offers. 

As mentioned before, internships are used as a “test.” For example, during my sophomore summer I had dreams of being a consultant for one of the “Big 4” firms. This dream was before I had actually done anything remotely close to consultant work. During my internship in London, I learned quickly that big city, big office settings weren’t my thing. Internships are the best way to introduce students to an industry without causing any financial harm to the individual. 

The best way to search for an internship is to first figure out what your interests are. For instance, are you particularly interested in a certain industry, such as marketing, sales, journalism, sports, education, or research? Once you find some interests you may have, you can then begin searching for companies that would allow you to explore that interest. In my case, I am interested in a number of different things. I was interested in marketing and entrepreneurship, so I applied for an internship at NBCU (Los Angeles), and also used AngelList (platform that lists start-up jobs/internships) to find other small opportunities.  Whatever your interests, there is an internship/opportunity. Make sure to take advantage of your universities career resources, these could include internship fairs, job expos, and mock interviews, which is arguably the most important skill when trying to land an internship. 

Like anything in life, the best way to get better at something is to practice. Universities offer a number of opportunities for interview practice, which I highly recommend taking advantage of. Practicing for interviews give you confidence for your real interviews. Another important strategy is to research the company in depth. For instance, looking at current news, past news, and offerings of the company will show that you have true interest in the company. When you know the person that will be interviewing you, I have found it helpful to research the interviewer. This allows you to find connections with the individual, which can help you frame your responses to some of their questions. In final preparation, expect the unexpected from your interviewer. During my interviews I have been asked a various amount of random questions such as: “If you had a magic wand…,” and “How many gas stations are in the U.S?” 

Following your interview you should always email a thank you to the person that interviews you. This shows continued interested, and it’s a sign of respect to the company representative.  

Depending on the internship, you should find out about the results of your interview within a few weeks of the interview. And when you receive the email, never, and I repeat NEVER accept the offer immediately. I have learned from my negotiations course that one must always send a counter-offer to the company that offers them a position. In some instances you may have more than one offer, so you can use your different offers to gage the amount of pay you believe you deserve. It’s also important to note: when sending the employer a counter-offer make a precise offer. Don’t simply send a range because this gives the employer more wiggle room. If plausible, send a thoughtful email explaining why you deserve an increase in pay/opportunity, and most of the time the employer will satisfy your request, or work with you. 

If you are offered multiple internship opportunities I suggest listing the opportunities side-by-side. I have found this strategy to be helpful in many aspects in life. I used the same strategy when deciding which college to attend, and it’s proven to be the best determinant. However, I realize that some opportunities will be almost equal, and very difficult to decipher which is best. This is when I draw a BIG circle. Think. Pray. Trust. The BIG man upstairs has a plan for you, you just have to have a little faith :)

One key factor in finding an internship that you are truly interested in and are excited about, is preparing yourself long before the search process begins. On each of my campus tours I tell the prospective students this simple bit of advice, “Your intern/job/life application begins the day you move-in freshman year. Each day, is a new day of new opportunity.” I have found complete satisfaction in living my college journey in that way. By chasing opportunities I knew that the question of “what am I going to do for summer internships/job?” wouldn’t be a situation of, I don’t have any options, but a situation where I had to choose between multiple opportunities. With multiple opportunities on my plate, I feel like I am eating at an all-you-can-eat buffet, but not a college cafeteria, something of higher quality. The only problem, I can only choose one entrée. I have made my pros/cons sheet, spoke with many of my closest advisors/family members, and I am drawing a prayer circle around my decision. Currently, I’m not sure what entrée/opportunity I will choose, but I do know for certain, I am going to do something amazing, that’s just what you do in a BIG year :)

Group of friends and I ventured to Jacksonville to watch the Heels play in the first round of the NCAA tournament. As you can tell (far right), I was a bit nervous towards the end of the game. The Heels were victorious!  

Chapter 38

Chapter 38

8 States, 6 stops, 1 trip

This is only the beginning

Jan 28-Feb 1

 

Before I dive into the best weekend of my college career, I need to give you a quick update on Buddy’s, or what is now, Waterless Buddy’s LLC.

Before the launch of the test market, we entered into the EDENS retail challenge. EDENS is a property owning company that owns properties from New York to Miami. Their retailing challenge is a four round challenge that comprises of creating a self-video, writing a business plan, a virtual presentation, and the 3^rd and 4^th rounds are pitches regionally, and then a finals day in New York. The Buddy’s team was fortunate enough to get invited to Atlanta for the regional competition, which we were scheduled for Jan 29 @ 11AM.   Following the launch, Randy and I added two more members to our team. We added two friends, but two guys that shared our vision for the future of the company, Taylor Beck, and Tyler Hagan.  In the time between the test market, and Atlanta trip, we worked hard perfecting our pitch, creating new T’s, and speaking with a number of different entrepreneurs in the UNC community.  As we hopped in the car on January 28, 2015, I felt relaxed, excited, and eager to present the biggest pitch of my professional career.

Stop 1: Lexington, NC

When we were invited to compete in Atlanta, EDENS sent us a $500 traveling stipend, and we thought we would make the best of our trip.  

Before the trip we planned to go to Lexington, NC (Taylor’s hometown) to try their famous barbeque. If you’re not from NC, you probably don’t understand the barbeque dynamics. North Carolina is known for its pork barbeque, and each section of NC has a different way they prepare it. Word on the street was that Lexington BBQ was the “best,” and I don’t know if I would go that far, but it was definitely a treat!

Following our quick meal at “The Monk,” we got back into my car, and we were ready for Atlanta!

However, I forgot to mention that we were traveling with a car hood that would be used during our presentation! During the weeks prior to the trip, we decided to venture to a junkyard in Durham, NC. There we explained our story to two nice gentlemen, and they gladly took us around back, and told us we could choose anything we wanted from a select pile. In this pile of used car parts lied a hood, and a side panel. The hood wasn’t small, and was much bigger than the hood of the car that we drove to the junkyard.  Taylor insisted that we get the hood, but none of us could fathom how it would fit into the car. But, we didn’t give in. After what seemed like endless tries, Taylor gave it one more shot, and with a “wooooo,” and a chest bump, the hood managed to fit into the back seat of a 2002 Toyota Camry.

On the ride from Lex Vegas (Lexington in Taylor’s eyes), we had a great plan. Our current itinerary was Atlanta, Athens, GA (to see Taylor’s friend), Valdese, NC, and back to Chapel Hill. However, we remembered the Heels were playing at Louisville on that Saturday, and if we could get tickets, we would be there in a heartbeat. Taylor quickly began texting some of his friends on the basketball team, and it was just a waiting game from there.

Stop 2: Atlanta, GA

We arrived at our hotel at 12:30AM, to find our presentation papers to be soaking wet with the waterless product. One of our bottles had leaked, ruining everything remotely close to the bottle. Luckily, Microtel, our hotel, came to the rescue with free printing for all guests.

After sorting out that issue, we wanted to find where the EDENS building was located. It was also something that The Circle Maker, the book I spoke of last chapter, encouraged. We circled the building in my car, and then took a peep through the large, revolving doors before the security guard gave us a nasty stink eye. We quickly got back into the car and made our way back to the hotel for much needed rest.

But….. what’s a big presentation without multiple mess-ups? And, this one was 100% my fault.

Before bed I decided to iron my shirt, and Taylor’s Buddy’s T. I pressed my white button down with pure finesse, Taylor’s, not so much. Mid-iron, I dropped the iron onto the carpet, burning some bits of the carpet, then preceded to put the iron back on the shirt. This took the bits from the carpet, and ironed them directly onto the brand new Buddy’s T. The T that would be worn during the presentation. However, the Buddy’s team wants to give another shout out to Microtel, their washing machine works at 3AM!

Sometimes the alarm clock doesn’t have to wake you up. January 29, 2015 was one of those mornings. We sprung out of bed, practiced our pitch two final times, had a prayer with our big Buddy, and left for the biggest presentation of our professional careers. However, before arriving at the EDENS office we had to grab a quick breakfast at Chick-fil-A (can you really lose with that combo?)

When we finally arrived, one of their assistants came down to assist us with the car hood that we had toted along with us. And I must say, carrying a car hood into an office building will get you a few strange looks.

Before our presentation we were met by a few EDENS employees that offered us water and some words of encouragement. Side Note: Arriving early is always the best thing to do, but arriving early means sitting in an office in anticipation.

“We’re ready for you,” said the EDENS assistant. We perked up, it was game time.

We quickly learned that most of the EDENS office had joined the conference room to listen to our pitch. The judges, the CEO of EDENS, a representative from GAP, and Teavana were also in the room. We were told that we had 10 minutes to present, and 20 minutes of Q&A, but it didn’t work out that way.

After what was probably the best presentation we had delivered, the judges preceded to give us 50 minutes of Q&A! 50 minutes! And these were 50 great minutes. They were asking questions that were not only challenging, but questions that will help propel us into the future. The Buddy’s team and I were blessed with the opportunity to pitch in front of these retail professionals, and believe it was a turning point for the company and our careers. It’s kind of crazy though, you work so hard for ten minutes, and those ten minutes can either make or break you. We will find out mid-February if we move on to the final round in New York!

After the pitch we went to the famous Varsity restaurant. They serve some fried, some more fried, and all kinds of fried food. If you have never been to Atlanta, it’s somewhere you have to check out. However, you might just want to check it out once, it’s not the healthiest of eateries.

We also had time to venture to Centennial Park, CNN, and maneuvered our way onto the Georgia Dome field, which is home of the Atlanta Falcons. At 3:30, I felt we had accomplished a solid day, but the grind never stops. It was time to keep moving, supposedly they have a traffic problem in Atlanta?

Stop 3: Athens, GA

We arrived in Athens, GA, home of The University of Georgia at 5:30 PM that evening.

Have you really gone to college if you haven’t visited other colleges? You have to scope out the competition. And most likely you’ll have a friend, that’ll have a friend who will gladly offer their room to you for a night. Although we were only in Athens for a night, literally 5PM-9AM, we got to see a lot of campus, dabbled in some night life, and caught some Z’s before we were on the road again. And, to a place that you know is close to my heart.

Stop 4: Valdese, NC

It’s always good to go home, but I had never brought UNC friends back to my hometown for a night, and there’s a distinct difference of experiencing Athens, and Valdese.

When we arrived in the “big” town of Valdese I gave them my 5 min tour of the “city”, and we headed back for dinner. My parents prepared an awesome dinner of steaks, baked potatoes, and salad, all while Luke (my nephew) interrupted the nice dinner with a, “ I got to poop.” Like Uncle, like nephew I guess.

Update on my family: Luke continues to grow, and has learned new words like poop. Also,  I am going to be an uncle x2! Blessed brother, and uncle. My dad turned 50, and my mom is close to that age, but she’ll never admit it J

During dinner Taylor received notification that his sources would be supplying three basketball tickets to the Buddy’s team. We got a bit hype, and knew it was time for bed, we had a long drive ahead of us.

Stop 5: Louisville, KY   

Its 6.5 hours from Valdese to Louisville, and then another 8 hours from Louisville to Chapel Hill. We had a long day ahead of us, but we forfeit a lot for the Heels.

Traffic held us up a bit, but we arrived at the KFC Yum Center 10 min before tip! The Yum Center is an immaculate arena. There are two levels of box seating, exclusive bars on both sides of the gym, and an even sweeter view from the third row.  

To keep it short, we blew an 18 point lead, but it was a game we will never forget.

The beginning of the end of our trip had begun. 8 hours to Chapel Hill. 

Stop 6: Chapel Hill, NC

On the ride back we had a lot of time to reflect on the trip, we listed top moments, called our other teammate who wasn’t able to make the trip, and Taylor enjoyed that too much. During the extremely, long ride back I got a feeling that Chapel Hill was tugging me back.

Maybe it was me wanting to get out of the car, or missing pick-up at Rams gym, or maybe it was for once, Chapel Hill calling me home. It was a feeling that I had never had before, a feeling that might make my senior year a little harder than I had expected.

As we arrived at 4:30 AM, we all agreed it was time for bed. And for once, at least for a little while, we wouldn’t be leaving tomorrow. In all, we were physically in 7 states, but we saw Indiana across the river in Louisville, so we had to count it.

At the end of our pitch, the EDENS CEO asked if we had anything else to say. I perked up, and I told him, I had been an entrepreneur since I was seven, but nothing excites me as much as the opportunity we have with Buddy’s. Then I said something, that I would learn was the wrong thing to say. I said, “I feel like I am a match, and all I need is a little gasoline.” This quote was challenged during a meeting with the same Adams Advisors that I spoke about last chapter. He said, wait a minute, gasoline is quick, and makes a huge explosion, it doesn’t last. He said, “You need a sustainable source, yeah that’s what you need.”

It’s crazy, in 5 months we (Buddy’s) have grown so much, and it’s just the beginning.

No gasoline, just a sustainable source.

Chapter 37

It’s a small, small world

“Keep Circling”

Jan 2015

In order to begin my “big year” that I spoke about last chapter, it only seems fitting that I have the best, possible class schedule. My friends have even joked and said that I am only a part-time student. Although I only have class on Mondays and Wednesdays, I am still enrolled in 12 hours. My other days are spent living out my “big year,” some days are filled with work, others filled with meetings with Buddy’s (the start-up), and here recently, they have been focused on an internship search.

Before the end of last semester, I was accepted into the inaugural Adams Apprenticeship program through the business school. The program is meant for all-in entrepreneurs (undergrads and MBAs) who want to get a head start in the game. Since the program is in its first year, there are a lot of things that are unknown. However, the purpose of the program is to give undergraduates, like myself an opportunity to connect with business leaders all across the United States. The Adams core team hopes to give us a network equivalent to a professional that is 10 years out of college.

On the kick-off night (Jan 13, 2015) of the Adams Apprenticeship program, the apprentices and I learned of the 120 mentors that would be volunteering to assist us in anything we might need. The goal of the first year of the program was to build a 5-6 person team that would serve as out advisors. This team would be there to give advice, teach, and connect us with other individuals, and it just so happened that we got to meet nearly half of the advisors at a kick-off dinner. And when I say a kick-off dinner, I mean a kick-off dinner that I will never forget.

When we arrived at the house (mansion) of the kick-off dinner, we were greeted with 50 of the Adams advisors. This dinner was beyond anything that I had ever imagined. So many people, and so many business leaders surrounded me. I felt like a kid in a candy shop. This opportunity, yes this opportunity, was THE biggest opportunity of my professional career.

The kick-off began with a ceremonial coin giving. Each apprentice was tasked with giving two advisors a symbolic coin. This coin would be used to remind our advisors of the commitment they made to the program. The two names I received were two men I had never met, seen, or heard of.  One of the advisors, said something after I gave him the coin that I will never forget. He said, “I have received a few of these in my life, one from the presidential office, one from a CIA member, and the last one I received was from a NASA astronaut.” He paused, and then he said something that sent chills up my spine. “I expect big things from you!” I smiled as big as I could smile, and told him I wouldn’t let him down. As the other recipient of my coin listened, he whispered, “Well, this is the first coin I have received…”

 The night was full of networking, laughing, and more importantly planning meetings with a few of the advisors. One of which, hit really close to home.

We met at Suttons, a drug store on Franklin Street that I go to every week. I was thrilled to meet with Brett, one of the youngest advisors in the program. Before moving to Chapel Hill, Brett lived in San Francisco where he sold two successful companies. His background, and business experiences were something I knew I could learn from.

Our lunch meeting went smoothly as I told him about my interests, goals, and background. I told him of my west coast dreams, Buddy’s, and about my childhood. He stopped me when I mentioned “Valdese.” He told me that his wife was from Lenoir, which just happens to be 15 minutes from my house. Small world right? Or maybe, just a really BIG God. I believe that Brett was there for a bigger purpose.

After the moment when he said, “I know where Valdese is,” we had a connection. He began pour out more knowledge, and gave me so much insight about the west coast, and entrepreneurship than I had ever received. He listen to me, and I listened to him. He said his wife had big dreams, and she made them happen. He told me, “I had to get out of my comfort zone, and the West Coast (Silicon Valley) was the perfect place for that.”  As I heard him speak, it became real. What I mean, is a real feeling of faith. He was telling me, in order to be successful in anything, you have to step out in faith. And right now, the west coast is my step in the right direction.

From the moment I met Brett, I felt a connection. Maybe it’s him knowing where Valdese is, or maybe it’s something bigger.

Another step I will be making this summer is that to new lands. Lands that are far beyond driving distance. I will be fulfilling one of my goals, and studying abroad in South Africa for two weeks. In order to be accepted into the program I had an interview. And oddly enough, Holly Wood, my interviewer, interviewed me when I applied to the business school. And yes, Holly Wood. Small world right?

During the interview she asked me how I had grown at UNC/college. My answer was “a lot.” Of course, it was more sophisticated than that, but it’s true. College, no matter what stage is incredible. As I began to share with her the depths of my experience I realized how truly blessed I am. And you, as a reader, can never forget how blessed you are. 

For Christmas my mom bought me a book, I’m not sure if she knows this, but buying me a book is a lot like playing the lottery. You never know if you’re going to succeed with the purchase. Books and I have never been friends, seems ironic right?

However, this book The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson could be compared, in lottery terms, as the Mega Million. The book talks about drawing circles around your prayers, goals, and life. In the book, Mark says,” If you’re prayers aren’t impossible to you, they’re insulting to God.” This book has made a huge impact on my life, and I know it will do the same to you.

No matter the depth of your schedule, the people you meet, the internship you’re searching for, the girl you haven’t met, or anything that you’re passionate about. Keep circling, because you never know, you might meet someone that’ll make it all make sense. It might just so happen they’ll know where your small town is located on the map.