So the new Intern asked, "Is this o.k. to wear?"

NEW INTERN from Cal (GO BEARS!) ... Well, we have a new Intern, Amabelle, who started today. She did intern for us last winter, so I suppose she is the "not-so-new Intern" or maybe the "re-Intern". (She'll get a nickname soon enough.) Amabelle recently graduated and will be with us for the next 10-12 weeks while she also is looking for a permanent job. And hopefully we will help her with her professional development goals.

So, this morning, when I called Amabelle to let her know I would be a little late (status quo) getting back to the office from my almost-daily morning jaunt to Influx (which I will TOTALLY MISS when I move), she asked, "I have black pants, a nice shirt and a pink cardigan. Is this o.k. to wear?" I LOVE IT! She understands that there is business-appropriate attire (which is not-so-much college attire). Of course I said a resounding "YES."

(NOTE: We do not require traditional business attire, unless we have field visits, client meetings, or the like. In fact, flip-flops, man clogs, T-shirts with smart-ass designs, Velma shoes, shorts, and baseball caps for bad hair days are definitely acceptable.)

"BOOT CAMP" ... We pride ourselves as a bit of a "Boot Camp Internship" ... the experience can be a bit intense but definitely rewarding. Ask any of our previous interns - Jennifer with the thumbs up (L) or Frederick, Christina, or Margaret, a.k.a. Maggie or SL for Silver Lining. (R) Uh, the older gentleman, Jesse, is a fellow Cal Alum - not a former Intern - so don't ask him. (Actually, I've never been to boot camp, but Frederick has, so I'll ask him if we should have a different moniker.)

Anyway, tasks go beyond "Intern Work" - stapling papers, copying files, organizing supplies, making coffee, licking envelopes, running errands ... you get the picture. Also, we have 4 simple rules (and none of them deal with a dress code):

1. BE CURIOUS - Ask questions.
2. TAKE INITIATIVE - Take the initiative in meeting or talking with me (no matter how afraid you may be).
3. ORGANIZE YOUR FILES - Maintain files so that 5 years from now, someone can readily recreate/trace your steps.
4. BE PUNCTUAL - Be on time (even tho' I'm kinda lame), otherwise let us know if you are going to be late.
   

Actually, there is a 5th rule: Don't lie or come in drunk, unless you want to be known as the intern who lied or came in drunk.

AMABELLE DAY 1, the FASHIONISTA ... So far, Amabelle successfully followed the 4 rules (and I'm pretty sure she followed the 5th rule). In return, we gave her "Intern Work" - she stuffed envelopes and boxes - but all for a good cause. (I thought it would be totally cool to show our appreciation to clients, vendors, contractors, friends, family, and interns for all their support. We chose logo apparel. Nifty, eh!?) And while doing "Intern work", she sported our newly purchased corporate logo apparel! Another Cal Alum buddy, Alina of CHI Marketing Group, totally set us up with great apparel. One of our favorites - the beanie!

NoCal INTERNS after the ReLo? ... Yes, that is our intention. We will have a NoCal Intern(s) who can proudly sport one of our beanies and help keep the business going.

Otherwise, what the hell am I going to do with the 12 remaining beanies!?