Where Do We Eat?
The following is a real conversation that my boss and I had last night.
ME: [Coworker] and I are going out to California Tortilla to get dinner before the game starts. Should I get you something?
BOSS: Really? California Tortilla? I don’t want that.
ME: Well, that’s where we’re going.
BOSS: Can’t you go to Potbelly’s or something instead?
ME: Ew. No. Potbelly’s is gross.
BOSS: No, but it’s right next to CalTor. So you go get your burrito or whatever, and swing by Potbelly’s on the way back.
ME: Oh come on. That’s ridiculous!
BOSS: What, they’re right next to each other!
ME: No! It’s too much work! California Tortilla or nothing!
BOSS: Oh, well look at this. The intern is dropping the hammer, huh? Go eat your California Tortilla. And maybe I won’t get you press credentials for any more games this season.
ME: (stunned silence)
You should be able to learn a couple things from this exchange. First off, my boss and I don’t have the kind of relationship that one would typically call “professional.” And secondly, I was right on the line between “intern who takes initiative” and “intern that pisses off his boss.”
As an unpaid intern, I get two things out of my job. One is professional experience that better prepares me for the job market. This pays off in the long term, since this experience will make me a more attractive and skilled job candidate. The second part is the short-term thrill you get from living in the job of your dreams. I love going to hockey games, and I tell people that my employer compensates me in free hockey tickets. But not only do I get to watch the game from the press box, I get to then go downstairs and talk to the players and coaches. There aren’t many sports fans that can say they’ve had a conversation with the most famous [insert sport here] player in the world. But thanks to this internship, I can.
Last night, I learned how fragile an intern’s relationship can be. You may enjoy your work, and want to keep working there. But if the boss doesn’t want you working there, well, let’s just say you’re the most expendable part of the team.
Now, my boss later admitted that he was completely joking when he said he would pull my credentials. And he acknowledged the value of my hard work. But for a moment, I thought he could be serious. And it was a scary moment.
Oh, and by the way, I ended up getting a salad at Chop’t. Go figure.











Julia Beyer 4:29 pm on December 13, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Nice points, Cole! It is very important to have a meaningful internship experience. I’ll be featuring this in the SOC Spot newsletter.