Chronicles of an Ideal Intern
July 21st, 2009
The Neighborhood…
When I started my marketing internship with Ideal Properties, I decided to first explore the well-publicized neighborhood around the firm’s Seventh Ave office.
I admit. I’m one of those. I’m unfamiliar with Park Slope, and this office is where I’m supposed to start my professional career-to-be – so this haphazard and superficial exploration of my immediate surroundings kind of made sense to me. And besides, if you don’t know where you work, then how do you know where to buy your coffee when the going gets tough?
What I found was a neighborhood filled with very friendly, outgoing people – in complete contrast to its tarnished (stroller mafia? WHAT?) reputation.
As I walked along the streets of Park Slope I passed stranger after stranger, and most of them said hello to me (!)
What is this – Diaries of Ms. Alice in Wonderland!?
I walked from one store to another – and again, people were very friendly and had no problem speaking with me about their little geographic heaven of choice. Everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) I spoke with… loved living and working in Park Slope! Most labeled the neighborhood as a kid-friendly and pet-friendly community, the proof to which I found in countless happy-go-lucky kids and dogs I saw while walking around… sweating in the merciless July sun.
I spoke to many singles – and, in unison, they too all claim to love and take joy in living in the neighborhood. They attributed their love for Park Slope to its many cafes and its proximity to the majestic Prospect Park… Apparently, some of their love lives’ started thriving almost immediately following their move to the area. Okay, I get it. They really, really like living here.
I too start quickly believing that I am going to enjoy interning in Park Slope, not only because of the great community, but also because of where I am interning! Ideal Properties is a great place to work, everyone is surprisingly friendly and helpful. I feel comfortable and at ease the first day I start my internship with them…
Okay – you’re free to think whatever you want. This is Ideal’s blog, and I am writing it to post on their company’s blog. But what the heck, I can still tell the truth, right?
I admit to having expected worse – much worse. Sales environments are known for competitive, aggressive, arrogant people. Somehow this particular one seems immune to the stereotype. From the training I receive I understand why: assimilation into the existing collegial environment and positive, optimistic attitude is part of Ideal’s associates’ JOB description (!)
Who would have thought? Really? Really.
My foot hurts because I kind of broke one of my toes a few weeks ago so I have frequent coffee breaks. This gives me a good excuse, and a chance to slowly take in the ease of the sunny Slopian afternoon.
I quickly learn to love thy Slope.
And I love Ideal. They actually WANT ME to do this.
Jackie, the Intern
Please leave a Comment