This is part 1 of a 3-part series featuring Mason Bray, a rising senior from the University of Tampa. Mason will be working with the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) International Builders’ Show® marketing team during NAHB’s 9 week internship program.
My first week as a marketing intern is officially in the books! It went by faster than expected and so far that’s becoming a bad thing because the time I’ve spent here has been great. At first, I was not quite sure what to expect of my daily routine because I’ve never worked in such a professional environment. However, after a brief orientation week, I feel comfortable with how the remaining eight weeks of my internship will pan out.
At first, it was a bit dreadful having to wake up early on a summer morning, but since then it’s been a nice introduction into the professional work world. Also, waking up early is a great experience because it allows me to take the metro into Downtown DC. I live in Maryland and take the Metro’s red line route and walk the remaining distance to the office building. It has been a pleasure taking the train ride in the morning because I can listen to my music, look out the window and have some quiet time to myself. It is also cool that I get to walk by a pretty well-known house, The White House, every day on my way to the office.
The other eight interns (from different departments) and I had a smooth orientation on our first day. It was a pleasure meeting people from across the country and getting to know the office culture, layout and overall vibe. I received a temporary access card, filled out necessary paperwork, adjusted to new software and technology and constantly introduced myself throughout the office, from the elevator, kitchen and sometimes those awkward bathroom moments.
The best introductions however, came from my new team! Sanetra, Damaris, Jen, Denise and Melissa extended warm welcomes and even provided me with a cute welcome basket fully equipped with office essentials such as a coffee mug, mints, notebooks and an official name tag. Later that day, Jen, Damaris, and Sanetra took me to a local lunch spot called Rice Bar where we enjoyed custom Asian fusion rice and noodle bowls. After lighthearted conversion, I quickly realized that I am surrounded by a bunch of talented individuals with unique and personable skillsets that I can definitely learn from and expand upon in regards to digital and print marketing.
I have always been fascinated by the world of marketing and how it can be used to generate exposure, awareness and ultimately action. Particularly, it’s very interesting how organizations use a variety of media and techniques to achieve such goals. While I’m working with the National Association of Home Builders, I expect to learn more about how organizations and businesses plan strategy, draft content and finally execute marketing campaigns. Moreover, I’m eager to learn about how social media and media collaborations are used in regards to the business world and not just personal spheres. From what I have been doing thus far, I can already tell that this will be a fruitful learning experience!
In all, it has been a memorable first week. I adjusted to a new routine, familiarized myself with a new office environment, attended a sincere farewell retirement celebration and even witnessed the Washington Capitals take home the coveted Stanley Cup. Now, I only have to decide whether or not I will become an avid morning coffee drinker!
Continue following Mason’s marketing journey with part 2 of this 3-part series, releasing in July.