Q&A with Kaitlyn Dickson: Interning via a hybrid work model

by Taylor Rouse

Taylor Rouse sat down with marketing intern Kaitlyn Dickson to discuss her hybrid internship experience at the Charles Aris Washington, D.C. office. Kaitlyn describes what she’s learned from working both in-person and remotely, as well as the relationships and connections she has built.

–

Taylor: What did you do in preparation for your internship?

Kaitlyn: Since this was my first time working in person, I explored how to get to the office before the first day. This helped me become familiar with the area and get more comfortable commuting in D.C. I also made sure that I had the correct dress attire by discussing with my mentor about what to expect. Asking questions to both the human capital coordinator and the marketing team helped clear up any confusion and made me feel more prepared for the work I would be taking on.

Taylor: What skills have you learned working remotely versus working in the office?

Kaitlyn: When I was working remotely, I learned the importance of self discipline and time management. I was able to work at any time and it was up to me to make sure that I did everything to the best of my ability and handed it in before it was needed. By working in the office, I was able to strengthen all of my interpersonal skills by communicating face-to-face.

Taylor: What was your experience like relocating for an internship?

Kaitlyn: It was eye opening to see what life after college would look like for me. This was the first time I was completely living on my own and I was able to discover what I liked and didn’t like both personally and professionally. It also helped that everyone in the office lived in the area so I could ask them questions about where to go and about their experiences with Charles Aris.

Taylor: How has this internship experience differed from your past experience?

Kaitlyn: One of my favorite things about working in person is forming a deeper connection to the other team members in the office. We were able to grab lunch together and get to know each other. I also loved going into the office as it allowed me to separate my work and home.

Taylor: What goals did you set before starting your internship?

Kaitlyn: Upon working at Charles Aris, I didn’t have much experience with writing blogs and wanted to expand in that area. I also wanted to be able to express my creative side by creating content for social media platforms. Another goal I set for myself was to make connections within the firm. I really wanted to know more about the people who made Charles Aris what it is today and to be able to learn from them.

Taylor: What areas have you had the most growth in since the start of your internship?

Kaitlyn: I was able to dive into software platforms that I had not used before my internship. I quickly became familiar with common marketing automation platforms like HubSpot. Being able to understand and utilize these platforms helped me grow in terms of putting out content and understanding marketing.

Taylor: How do you plan to utilize what you have learned from your internship in your future endeavors?

Kaitlyn: As I continue to grow in my professional career, I want to use all the skills and creative mindsets I gained while working here in future endeavors. Charles Aris helped fuel my interest in marketing and also let me know that asking questions and diving into opportunities always leads to more knowledge and hidden passions.

To learn more about how to intern with Charles Aris, visit charlesaris.com/intern-at-charles-aris.