As an advertising major, I’ve spent the past couple of years of my degree studying topics from consumer behavior to building campaign decks. I’ve gotten chances to apply my knowledge through pitching ideas and presenting projects to classmates and professors. However, within my first few weeks of starting my time at Front Porch, I realized there are some things college can only teach you so far. Here’s what I’ve learned over my time getting to do real, hands-on work here at Front Porch. 

Deadlines Move Faster Than You’d Expect 

In class, a project might have weeks of draft time and strict update deadlines. Within the industry, however, an idea can transform from brainstorm to published in a single day. Learning to balance priorities, make decisions quickly, and keep moving has been one of the biggest adjustments. I’ve learned that the industry can be fast-moving at times, and adapting to move with it is necessary for success. 

Feedback Is Part of the Process 

In a college classroom, you turn in your work and get a grade. Within a marketing job, your first draft is almost never the final draft. That’s not only normal, but the standard. I used to take edits to heart. I stressed that I wasn’t getting things “right,” as if I didn’t have the sort of instinct needed to do good work. Over time, I began to see feedback as a tool that makes your work stronger. My understanding now is that a multi-perspective view of your work is essential for it to reach its fullest potential and connect with an array of audiences. Now I look forward to receiving feedback. It means the work I’m doing is on the upward slope of improving.

Nobody Expects You to Know Everything 

I came into my role worried about everything I didn’t know. What I found is that people care much more about whether you ask good questions and take initiative than whether you already have all the answers. Asking for help isn’t a weakness, rather, a tool to help you learn and absorb as much information as possible. This can then be added to your skill set, translating into greater confidence and stronger work. 

Collaboration Looks Different Outside of Group Projects in the Classroom 

Group projects prepare you for working with others. But a real team has different roles, different priorities, and different ways of thinking. Working with people across roles, such as collaborating with Sydney to learn new organizational software, or teaming up with another fellow intern, Macy, to tackle different tasks, I’ve learned to appreciate the different strengths each person can bring to a team. With clear goals and communication, it is incredible how much can be accomplished through everyday teamwork. 

The Classroom Gave Me the Tools

College gave me the foundation I needed to walk with confidence. But my time interning with Front Porch so far has shown me the power of how to use it. It is the fast pace, honest feedback, encouraged curiosity, and real teamwork at Front Porch that’s taught me what it truly takes to work in marketing. If you’re an advertising student getting ready for your first internship, take what you’ve learned. Stay open to what you haven’t, and be eager to learn quickly and deeply.