My quest for internship

This autumn it all has been almost just about looking for an internship.

After I have found a company which I like and felt like wishing to spend my internship period with, I have started to think how can I make my application different from others in order to grab their´s attention. I had to apply for the internship through company´s websites, so I wanted to send handmade booklet with another interesting facts about me which I was not able to mention in the application (CV and motivational letter) few day earlier so it arrives to Netherlands the same day as I was going to send online application. I have chosen the style of the communication and language according to what I felt like it is matching my selected company. It was a risk but I have spent quite lots of time designing my booklet to fit one particular company. I have decided to try this one first and focus on this one application and see how it turns out.

Hours at the printing room trying to make new printer to work properly turned out to be somehow successful and I was holding my handmade and hand stitched booklet in my hands ready to be send out.

The day after I have sent my application I got an email inviting me for and interview via Skype with lovely note that they received an like my booklet. I was thrilled and all played in my favor because suggested interview days were just in the period of my autumn holiday in Amsterdam. So we have agreed on personal meeting at their studio in Amsterdam.

I was really nervous before my interview because I have never been to one of this kind. I did not know what they will ask me. The interview turned out good. We talked about my school, my freelance project and my portfolio. I also got introduced to the company and been showed around to get a glimpse of Tam Tam. I did not expect them to like me, so I was very surprised with their positive feedback about the booklet, my photography work and project I showed them in my portfolio. At the end it was easier and more friendly (with couple of jokes being said :D) than I expected it to be. Although interview ended with them pointing out that I do not have much experience in digital design and they are afraid if I would be able to keep up with them, so we have agreed on test project (design app or web) to see if I am capable of doing it.

At that moment I felt pleased with things I have heard, but I doubt if I would past that test. I was sad but I went home and I started to google everything to learn something before they will send me the task.

Next day I have received email with preliminary offer o internship based on my photography skills and my conceptual ideas and graphic work. That means that if I would agree they would send me brief for social media concept I have to do in order to make the offer 100% valid. I have accepted it and I started to work on my social media concept which has to include my photos for Pickwick Autumn Storm Tea.

I got one week to do two social media concept ideas for Pickwick Autumn storm tea targeting women 30+. So I have spent the whole week researching, brainstorming, photographing and enjoying Amsterdam and getting inspired from exhibitions I have visited during that time. Week after I was back at Tam Tam ready to present my ideas. At my next interview young lady responsible for Pickwick project was presented as well as one designer from my first interview. And again I was surprised and relieved, their reaction was very positive I have got great feedback. They liked my systematic research job and how I have targeted my audience, I have also received tips how to make my next presentation better; not to speak too quickly and not to be afraid to show everything big and not necessary all things standing next to each other. I have left with a good feeling.

After they showed what I have done also to person who was at my first interview I  have been officially offered place for internship!! And I could start filling my intership contract for school as well as the contract for company.

I do understand that I am one big fortunate girl. The process of getting this internship have already teach me a lot and I am looking forward to all the projects and challenges at Tam Tam and being involved not only in photography and graphic design work but also in some digital projects so I will have a chance to learn these things too. 

Tam Tam studio - one of the biggest digital agencies in NL 

beutiful houseboats close to Tam Tam

celebrating ! me a.k.a social media expert :D