The Rundown: Brook's Design Internship

As a design intern at J2 Marketing, I have gained a wealth of knowledge through hands-on experience that taught skills, lessons, and understanding. With each project I accomplished, I became more confident in design and more impressed with the team at J2.

Throughout the three months I worked at J2 as an intern, I worked on several projects for several companies. Each one came with a new lesson and/or skill, whether that was in technical execution or even client relations. For example, Rise N’ Roll social posts and other media during the holiday season taught me how to set up project files, follow art directions, and export final designs. Rhyme & Reason’s visual identity educated me on the importance of communication with clients and your team, along with the value of proofing projects. Every task, even the occasional quick edit, was fundamental to my growth and beneficial to the team accomplishing their goals. There are three major takeaways I learned from the team here at J2. It is the indispensability of collaboration, communication, and organization. Collaboration amongst different departments and within your own pushes creativity and produces final products that are refined and advanced. Communication between leads, workers, and the agency as a whole keeps the projects moving and everyone on the same page, including the clients. Organization allows efficiency and sanity among departments. It keeps the processes and procedures clean and allows for the best use of time.

The J2 team inspired me to view my career differently. Throughout my college career, I was always warned about agency work and how draining it can be for individuals, but that is not the case here at J2. The best way I can describe the atmosphere is a place of dedicated individuals who love their profession and are committed to building the company with a mindset that is whole and not separate. Different people, Different departments, One goal. This isn’t just a profession for many of the team members, it’s their passion. They all want to better the company and see it grow to its full potential that we all know it can be. Truthfully, I believe this team works so well because the atmosphere allows people to fully be themselves. A space that allows genuity, allows intentional creative work to be done. The design internship at J2 pushed me to think differently, learn efficiently, and create freely. The advice I would leave for any future interns is this:

• Sincere you. Sincere Professionalism.- Be your intentional self. It allows you to get intentional work done, and it makes all of the difference in the world.
• Listen.- The silly conversations and the informational ones. There is always something to take away from the people around you, serious or not.
• Get involved.- Ask questions. Say ‘Good Morning’. Go out and eat lunch. Be with the people around you and get to know them.

Lastly, I want to extend a thank you to the J2 team and to my lead, Ali. Thank you for taking the time to teach patiently and to listen intently. This opportunity has made a world of difference to me, as I know it will to future interns to come. Thank you J2!