Internship Ethics: The Cheshire Cat.

Hello there, my precious internees!
SO. I ran into quite an issue the other day that I want to share.
It involves ETHICS.
(We all remember the classic scene from Billy Madison regarding, business-ethics.)

So first, what is ethics?
Well. According to the dictionary there is a fabulous and lengthy definition for ethic(s).
However, in addition to giving you the smart definition, I'm going to give you the Alice definition.
GOOD VS. EVIL. YOUR MORALS.
It is how you deal with right vs. wrongs in situations.

Classic example: What do you do when you find a wallet on the road?

DO YOU:

A. Call the police

B. Keep the money and call the police

C. Keep the money

How you answer this gives people an insight your own ethical thought process.
Now you're probably thinking, "Alice, WTF? What does this have to do with internships?"
And I say, EVERYTHING, MY DEAR INTERNEES, EVERYTHING.
(It certainly ties into office behavior!)

Intern Alice Story:
The company I intern for also is closely associated to my actual "paying job". So close, I often have the big-time business guys coming in to tell me about something they need me to look into or they have something for me to do the next time I'm at my internship. A few days ago, one of the big-wigs strolled in and gave me the usual speech. "I need you to email me...", "Can you look into...", "What ever happened with..." but rather than be the polite, professional business man he is, he did something that caught me totally off-guard. He began to bad-mouth my company. No, there was no f'bombs or name calling, but he said enough to put me in a really uncomfortable position. What do I do now?

What I wanted to say: "HEY! I'm part of that team you are talking about and you shouldn't be such a (for lack of a better word) turdburger!"

An ethical predicament. A place I am getting paid to wait tables at versus my possible future job. AND. You have two, count 'em TWO, members of authority in this situation: boss lady from the PR firm and part owner of my paying job.

Here are the problems:

• You can't be a taddle-tale. Running back to the PR Firm and telling on him makes you look...like a taddle-tale.
• You can't say something to the owner, because he'll fire your ass quicker than you can say money. (Plus, what ever would you say to him? He has the upper hand.)
• You can't demand. You're an unpaid intern, so going into the internship and demanding he treat you better will do absolutely nothing.
• You can't throw the owner under the bus. Again, like being a taddle-tale.

Ahh, the grey area where right and wrong are blurred.

It's like the Cheshire Cat, laughing at you because you have no idea which way to go. There is up and down and right and left, so many ways to go! But only one will lead you home. And, it is the same for making ethical decisions. I could have yelled at him, I could have told him he was wrong, I could have cried to my boss at my internship.

How I ended up handling the situation received recognition from my boss at the PR Firm.

I simply explained to her that I was having an issue with ethics and I need to ask her how to take care of it, because I have never been in that situation before. When I explained to her what happened, she told me that she was glad I told her and would make sure something like this didn't happen again.

End of Story.

This is the advice I'm going to give you my dear internees! When it comes to problems, situations, anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or could jeopardize one (or more) opporunities/jobs, you must do the RIGHT THING.

Yes. Go back to when your mother and father were teaching you between right and wrong.

Yelling at either of my bosses would have accomplished nothing. Demanding would have irritated my PR boss lady and crying about it would have made me look like a big baby.

And, damn it, I'm an adult. I'm Alice!

Dare I say, when you have issues and you think of ethics, do unto others as they would do unto you. How would you want someone to handle a situation if the tables were turned, etc?

Still not too sure about internship ethics? Check out KPMGGo's Channel on YouTube. They have some great videos on internship, ethics, and internship ethics!

Remember, internees, DO THE RIGHT THING! Being in the grey area is a sticky situation, but if you use your head, you'll be well on your way!

Happy Interning,
Love, Alice

Internship Tweedle DO(S) and Tweedle DUMB(S).

My lovely internees!

Now that you have mastered dressing the part for your internship (see below),

you are ready for your first day!

NOT!

This calls for a pep-talk.

Office behavior.
Ohhh that's right, I'm going there.

Many internees can get through the interview.

They land their perfect internship.

They have their notepads ready and their attire all pressed.

But when it comes to playing the part of a professional intern,

they have no clue.

And how you conduct yourself at your internship is more important than how you dress.

Actually,

IT IS THEE MOST IMPORTANT
thing.

INTERN ALICE STORY:

While I was working at a local TV station, one of my mentors filled me in about a previous intern who came in on the weekend to work on his audition tape. The station wasn't really keen on interns coming in over the weekend, but he did it anyway. The intern ended up being involved in a series of pranks, including cling-wrapping a couple of the employees cars. ENTIRELY. From every angle. They had to cut through the wrap to get in their cars. Let's do the math.

Intern + TV (when he's not supposed to be there) + Cling-Wrap + Cars + Nightshift workers

(We're talking 1 a.m./2 a.m. until 9 a.m.)

=

YOU'RE FIRED.

So. Although, I enjoy a good rousing round of pranks. Pranks at an office are a no, as you have just learned.

Also, here is another example, (perhaps a tad more violent)!

What the F&%$ was this intern thinking?

Please. No.

No, no, no, no, no.

I don't want THIS to happen to YOU.
So, to help you become the most perfect, successful little intern you can be, I have created:

THE TWEEDLE DO'S AND TWEEDLE DUMB'S

OF

OFFICE BEHAVIOR

A cornucopia of do's and dumb's (or don'ts) to help you NOT GET FIRED.

1. No cursing, even if everyone in the office does. Swearing is not classy and a potty mouth doesn't give your boss the greatest impression of you. They may not allow you on the phone if you're constantly dropping the f-bomb. Or...they may just drop you. Definitely, at your internship, watch your mouth.
2. My Mom always told me, "Keep your nose clean." Don't get caught up in the "office gossip". Take it from THE OFFICE! It's not a good idea.

3. ABSOLUTELY NO INTER-OFFICE DATING! Yes, the older women are hot! Yes, the cute account executive was flirting with you! STOP, before you get yourself into a whirlwind of trouble! Seriously. IT IS A BAD IDEA.

4. Since Social Media is extremely rampid, there are a couple of tips for this:

• Adding your boss as a Facebook friend is up to you. Intern Alice's suggestion? No. Why? Because it allows your boss into your personal life. For instance, a colleague of mine at the PR Firm added our boss as a friend and then the boss began to poke around in her personal life. Plus, things like THIS can happen. Yet, this is completely up to your disgression.
• BEING ON FACEBOOK AT WORK. Fortunately, my internship entails working on Facebook, so for me, being on Facebook is a constant thing. However, when I was at the radio station and the TV station, I never was on it. It's just not proper internship etiquette. You're there to learn, not to be on Facebook.

5. Do ask questions! Never be afraid to ask your boss (or co-worker) what to do in a certain situation. Of course, gauge the question first in order to decide who it's appropriate to ask. Normally, I stick to asking my co-workers! (Like I did when it came to my blog-ski!)

6. A few friends never hurt anyone! Some will argue that making friends at an internship is inapproprate, but I disagree! Making friends will not only be beneficial to you as an individual, but also, these lovely new peeps may be able to offer you connections when your internship comes to a close. This can also become a sticky situation, such as drinking with co-workers, which I believe is not a smart decision when you are an INTERN.

7. Don't drink and intern. No. Bad, little internee. This is a terrible idea.

8. Use your manners. Please, Thank You, May I, Excuse me, THE WHOLE NINE YARDS. These days, using manners, being genuinely kind, and civility are hard to find. (Cough, cough, Kanye West, cough cough, Joe Wilson, cough, cough.) Businesses and corporations are looking for employees that are NOT ONLY hard workers, but that are good people. And as Flannery O'Connor said, "A good man is hard to find". So use those manners! (Please.)

9. Go above and beyond. Boss-lady wants you to take out her trash, take out everyone's trash! Boss-man wants you to get coffee for him, ask everyone if they want coffee! Perhaps these are silly situations, but when an employee or boss sees you going the extra mile, THEY WILL NOTICE. And they will appreciate it! Being an intern is a privilege, prove to them you deserve it and do a little extra!

10. COMMON SENSE. COMMON SENSE. COMMON SENSE. For heaven's sake, use GOOD JUDGEMENT!

I could list 230434534530239485 things for you to do or not to do at an internship. I can give you my advice, my opinion. But what it boils down to is your own GOOD judgement. If you feel comfortable adding your boss as your friend on Facebook, more power to ya! Want to have drinks with your co-workers? Fine. But use common sense when it comes to the way you act at the office.

Don't be a Tweedle Dee or Tweedle Dum when it comes to your office, act like a professional. Smile! Be kind! Don't get wrapped up in the unwanted gossip or petty arguements. Watch your mouth. Be aware. Don't look at porn on your office computer!

With the help of these tips, you're well on your way to your first day as a fabulous intern!

Stay tuned for more helpful hints from yours truly!

Happy interning!

Love, Alice

P.S!

A short P.S after yesterday's fabulous internship fashion insight.

If you're interested in more fashion/dieting tips please check out

MISS THIN WALLET.

She knows all there is to know about dieting, clothing, and being FAAAAABULOUS.

:)

Happy interning,

Love, Alice

Intern Fashion: "OFF WITH TH....that JACKET!"

Hello, my darling internees!

A few days ago, I sent my fabulous blog link to my Mom for her to take a peeksee at!

Before even discussing my blog-a-roni, she mentions "Did you know you're not supposed to wear necklaces with ruffles? See, if it wasn't for the woman on TV, I never would have known that!"

Ahhh, BINGO!

Gracias, my dearest Mommy, for reminding me of an EXTREMELY IMPORTANT topic!

Professional Attire.

What do you wear to an internship or interview?

I am NOT an expert on fashion.

I am a girl, so I like fashion.

And I sure as hell know when something looks hideous. (Or fabulous!)

But thank goodness for Michael Kors and other peeps who know fashion like the back of their fabulous hands!

Therefore, I am bringing in the experts.

No, not Donatella.

Wardrobe 911 is a helpful site for you fabulous female interns who are in need of some serious FA-Shion advice.

Here are a few of the tips they offer:

Pencil skirts: a must have for the workforce! Make sure to keep it knee-length, any shorter is an absolute no-no. (Unless you're interning at Hooters.)

Jackets or boyfriend jackets will help to dress down any casual khakis. Make sure to accessorize with more colorful necklaces.

Cashmere cardigans in pastel/neutral colors. You never would want to wear neon to an internship. (Unless your internship is for a company that hosts RAVES.)

AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY AN ARM AND A LEG FOR CUTE CLOTHES! Check out XXI, TJ MAXX, and Express!

Gentlemen! I have not forgotten about you! Check out Boardroom Ties for what NOT to wear to an internship.

More Formal = Grab those penguin suits and ties. Less Formal = Khakis and Polos.

Gentlemen, for you: Banana Republic, Macy's, and Kohl's! (Plus, as ZZ Top once said, "Every girl crazy for a sharp dressed man.")

KEEP IN MIND, THIS COULD BE YOUR FUTURE JOB!

So, don't dress like a slob!

A few more tips for you:

• ALWAYS ask your boss about the dress code first!
• It's always better to overdress rather than underdress.
• Think of these words when dressing for your internship: Neat, Classy, Professional.
• Keep the colors neutral.
• Don't over-bling. Clubbing jewelry belongs at the club, not the office.
• And remove the ring in your nose or eyebrow or anywhere else. Sorry. NO.
• For heaven's sake, nothing see-through.

Want more fabulous fashion help? Check out Penn State University's newspaper The Daily Collegian for their article on internship fashion do's and don'ts.

Don't have your boss saying, "OFF WITH YOUR HEAD".

Rather, turn heads with your fantastic internship styling skills!

Happy Interning (& Shopping)!

Love, Alice

TEA TIME with Intern Alice.

Good afternoon, my little internees!

I am excited to introduce to you:

TEA TIME!

A concept developed to give your brain a break.

At an internship, you will (inevitably), have some sort of down time. Maybe.

Time where there is nothing to do!

You will have stared one too many computer screens and your eyes will hurt.

Or you will lick one too many envelopes and your mouth will become SO dry.

Or, dare I say, make one too many coffees that burn your finger tips.

You'll feel as if you're going...

MAD.

Sounds like it's TEA TIME for you my overworked, underpaid friend!

Tea Time = Fun.

Just like in the real Alice in Wonderland:)

I have a few exciting, fun, unboring places for you to wander while you take a break from the daily intern grind.

If you are a TWITTER fan, please enjoy these!

A young man who tweets about the crazy things his dad says

(An office favorite here at my PR firm!)
ShitMyDadSays

and

A crazy celeb stalker who looooves his celebBFFs:
24SevenBFF

Are you a FACEBOOK lover?

Click here for 500+ MindJolt Games!

http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=mindjolt+games&init=quick#/apps/application.php?id=5706713477&ref=search&sid=1476990046.2789559989..1

FREE MUSIC.

Perhaps, you like to keep up with all the hip celeb gossip.

Then these two sites are for you!

The one and only Perez Hilton!

Or try out WWTDD?

I'll keep you updated on hilarious/fun internet findings for TEA TIME.

Feel free to suggest your fabulously fun sites!

SHARE THE WEALTH with those who are dead bored!

Happy Interning!

Love, Alice

YOOOUUU-WHOOO, LITTLE INTERN! IT'S REALITY!

Good afternoon, my little internees!

A quick message from yours truly regarding:

LIFE.

If you're anything like me, when you hear the words life, reality, real world...and you look like this...

I refer to this face as, obviously, the SpongeBob SquarePants. I look EXACTLY like this when I'm stressed.

You've got "Student Stress" - School, part-time job, etc. etc. And you need to find an internship? Pshht! NO TIME.

Luckily enough! There is a reality savior! HELLOOOO MONSTER.COM!

Ask Alice Tip 2

Get an account with www.monster.com, immediately!

Monster is the perfect tool for all your job-searching needs! You can search for internship positions, entry-level positions, from Florida to California to Fiji! (Ah, sunshine!)

Also, you can search any occupation, title, salary. And being a busy college student, it's hard to take time to conduct a serious job/internship hunt.

It's a REAL LIFE MIRACLE!

They help you! Cut time, costs...BRILLIANT!

Make sure to check out Monster.com today to help you make REAL LIFE a little less stressful.

Happy interning!

Love, Alice

To Pay an Intern or Not to Pay an Intern? That is the Question.

Dear Internees,

A topic many will argue, and I will often touch upon, is PAY OR NO PAY.

Let's face it. We're STARVING college students. We work our part-time jobs. We take 12+ credits. Sports, activities, studies, and let's not forget our social lives.

So, when it comes to an internship, what do you do when it comes to getting paid.

Take me, for instance!

I am an unpaid intern, but I face a dilemma.

I drive 3 times a week to my PR Firm that is an 1 hr. and 45 mins. away from my house.

Pshtt. That's a TON of driving.

I have continued this internship through the fall, so now I am taking 17 credits, working a paying part-time job

AND

doing this unpaid internship.

I've been there 6 months.

Do I ask for a stipend or do I continue gaining the experience without the moola?

Let me start by saying you NEED the experience. An internship will teach you more things than any University.

I PROMISE.

So experience always weights out the $$.

SO.

What are your thoughts? I would first love to see how others feel about this situation.

Second, check out this recent article from Forbes and one from the University of Nebraska at Omaha at http://media.www.unogateway.com/media/storage/paper968/news/2009/08/25/News/College.Students.Struggle.To.Gain.Experience.And.Pay.Their.Bills-3756970.shtml about hiring interns. Tell me what you think.

Let's get some comments and discussion going and revisit the subject when we all don't feel so BROKE.

Happy Interning!

Love- Alice

The office is HOT! And so are smart phones!

TGIF! It is FRIDAY!

And what better way to celebrate a Friday than having NO AIR CONDITIONING in the office.

(For the second time this week.)

And since it's cas' (aka - casual) Friday, my jeans are clinging to my legs for dear life!

Who wants to write a press release in an 800 degree office? NOT THIS INTERN!

But even though it is HOT AS BLAZES, this ridiculous escapade with the AC brings me to my first tip:

ASK INTERN ALICE TIP 1

Even though you are an intern and you're probably unpaid, I suggest you get a mobile device that allows emails to come directly to your phone.

Why, you ask, my little internees?

Because then you would have received the email of the broken AC before you arrived at the office, and you would have chosen something different to wear.

At least I would have.

In actuality, receiving emails on your phone keeps you up-to-date with the office on the days you are not there. If you're like me, I only attend my internship 3 days a week. So if a meeting gets scheduled or something happens in the office, I am notified immediately.

ALSO!

Your bosses will be impressed that you're staying in touch with the office at all times!

Say, for instance, you miss a meeting and they send out a recap email. Your boss will be so IMPRESSED when you know everything that happened during that meeting you missed! Because you received that email on your phone.

Your cool points, definitely, just went up.

GO YOU!

I know you want smart phones now, my little interns!

Viola!

Interested in a Blackberry? Click here.

How about an iPhone? You can find them here.

And for the cheapest plan, check this out!

As for me, the office has officially went from hot to sweltering OVEN.

So my cubicle + filling these envelopes with invitations to an event = one sweaty job. Boo.

You think an office with AC is bad? Check out these other funny stories from interns.

WELCOME INTERNS!

Are you interested in an internship?
Wondering what an internship entails?
Want to find or apply for an internship?
Need advice on a situation at your professional internship?
Are you just feeling lost? In need of a place to start?!

Welcome, my friends, you have stumbled on to your rabbit hole...into InternshipLand!

I'm Alice and I'm an intern.
Currently, I work at a Public Relations Firm.
But I've also worked at radio and television stations.
I have done everything from make copies to writing press releases.
AND I WANT TO HELP YOU!
Ask me, Alice the Intern, and directly you'll be directed in the right direction for all your internship needs!