At Bailey Gardiner, we’ve always found it rewarding to hire, develop, and work with interns. We’ve worked with interns from both ends of the spectrum. In college for class credit, summer interns “vacationing” in San Diego, MBA students, even eager yet recently laid-off professionals. Really, all kinds.

I have always thought of us, the agency, teaching and mentoring the interns. Allowing them to learn from our real world clients and soak in our smarts. Now, after more than ten years of advertising and agency life, it has taken our recent (and amazing) batch of interns to make me realize several things that are re-shaping and re-energizing my work life. Who knew that interns would be teaching me?

Here is some insight from their fresh and unadulterated minds:
1. I have come a really long way. From the early days of learning how to use a fax machine (really), to learning what an insertion order was, to understanding the difference between PMS and CMYK. Working in an agency is truly a lifelong education. I learn something new every single day. Just think, when I first started in advertising, we were sending print ads on FUJI film (I am cringing at the thought of the FedEx bills and carbon footprint we accumulated) and faxing proofs of ads to our clients.

Hearing our interns ask what a v-card is or what our common nicknames, like specs are (short for the specifications of a project/job), or overhearing them wondering to each other about how we go after clients and win business — all reminded me that I started in the same place.

2. I really love what I do. I love being creative and I get to apply creativity to everything that I do. No two days are ever alike.

3.  Perspective. While I am totally in love with what I do, I also love to exercise, go to the beach, walk my dogs, and spend time with my friends. These things are really easy to lose sight of when you bury yourself in a job you also love. I have really enjoyed overhearing our interns talk about their weekend activities or seeing them take off for a lunchtime jog.

4. Attitude, teamwork, drive, and eagerness to learn. Enough said.

5. Sometimes the little perks and successes are the biggest. Pizza and a day at the Del Mar Racetrack go a long way, especially for college students. No longer am I immune to these gestures, thank-you’s and activities, I appreciate all of the wonderful perks that surround my job! The smallest successes are celebrated by our interns with high-fives and happy hour. Busy schedules and high-profile projects have jaded my view of success. Even the smallest successes should be recognized.

6. I didn’t really learn anything in college. Some of the most important things I do come from my life and work experiences. How to deal with different and sometimes difficult personalities, how to manage projects, people, clients, and yes, even your boss.

I am so thankful to our current interns, that, for a very long list of reasons, have helped to re-energize my life in advertising.

Given only the directive to “start their own intern blog,” I am proud to share their new (and quite hilarious) endeavor into the blogosphere. They came up with a concept and content that is really refreshing! Check it out and hopefully you will be as inspired as I am.

Thanks BG Interns!