Our 2019 summer interns describe their challenges, surprises and lessons

At StudioNorth, interns do real work. This past summer, they did real good work.
Annie Brinkman and Guillermo Pizano-Nunez made meaningful contributions to client projects on our Design team, while Rachel Miller performed many of the tasks that now belong to a regular, full-time Social Media Coordinator.
We asked all three about the challenges, surprises and lessons they’re taking away from their summer at StudioNorth. Here’s an edited transcript of their responses.
What was the most challenging part of your internship?



What about your internship surprised you?


Annie: I was surprised by how much SNers value interns and the ideas we’ve brought to the table! Everyone has been willing to let me learn with them, being in meetings and hearing how we talk with clients.
Rachel: My biggest shock (after interning in 2018) was how much processes have changed, platforms have changed, and analytics on social media have changed over just one year.
Guillermo: The culture surprised me. On the Studio’s website there’s an emphasis on a human-to-human approach, and it strikes a chord. Everyone here is very nice and helpful, but with a lot of other internships you work alone, or you don’t have much to do.
What was your favorite project?



What will you take away from your internship?

Guillermo: At school, most of the time you’re on your own, but at the Studio, you work with a team, and you have to be able to communicate properly, know your limitations, know when you’re at capacity and be able to reach out for help.
Rachel: I appreciate the small company culture StudioNorth has. People check in on you and see how you’re doing outside of work, too.
Annie: It’s a learning environment. People have stepped in and said, “Can I walk you through this? Can I teach you?”
Any final thoughts about your summer experience?





Back at college—for now
Our summer interns are all back at college now.

Annie is starting a graduate program in visual communication and social design at the University of Notre Dame.

Guillermo is a senior at Dominican University, where he’s lead designer for the school newspaper.

Rachel is also a senior, at the University of Illinois, pairing up with a graphic design student for their senior project.
Like proud parents, we wish them all the best—while we miss them, just a little.

Jeff Segal
Senior Copywriter
Senior Copywriter Jeff Segal writes blogs and social content for several SN clients, while crusading tirelessly against the words provide, quality, strive and utilize.