If a person asks themselves a series of questions, can it still be considered an interview? What if they do it out loud? In the middle of a Starbucks? Too much information?
In this addition to the Grasshorse intern blog series, I will be answering questions, written by me, to myself. Hopefully the post will provide some insight into how to nail an interview, establish world peace or just become a knowledge-hungry Marketing/Sales/PR intern at Grasshorse.
Name: Josh Krakauer
Age: Twenty-One
School: University of Iowa – Tippie College of Business
Major: Marketing with an Entrepreneurial Management certificate
Hobbies: Googling fancy words for my LinkedIn profile. Scribbling notes, ideas and action plans for the next best start-up business venture since sliced bread. Tuning high-horsepower street and drag cars. Networking. Netflixing.
Why did you choose to apply to Grasshorse? Tell me what that was like and why you think you got the job?
After researching dozens of companies attending an upcoming Job fair, I discovered a hidden gem in the sea of Iowa-based Communication and Technology firms; Grasshorse. Although I don’t recommend going into a job fair with a completely narrow mind, a targeted approach is much more effective than a broad one. I spent hours researching the company’s background and playing the Poke My Voodoo application. The deeper I dug, the more ideas came to mind. By the end of the night, I had compiled a list of things to talk about that would easily surpass the short time I would have to meet with them.
By analyzing their needs for a Marketing intern with the skills I had to offer, I was able to make a valuable first impression that ensured we were a perfect match. That, or they were mesmerized by my Purple ‘P.Diddy’ tie,
which is also awfully hard to forget.
Takeaway advice: Brainstorm list of prospects based on industry or open positions. Research individual companies and narrow down list based on relevance/interest. Modify resume/cover letter. Research DEEPER. Come prepared with a list of ideas, comments and questions. Wear a purple tie.
What projects have you worked on / are you still involved with?
Since beginning at Grasshorse, I have immersed myself in Poke My Voodoo everything. I am responsible for managing its presence in Social Media, which means coming up with witty and engaging Facebook contests and posts on a regular basis. Maintaining a consistent voice is a critical component of a brand’s identity. The tone and sentence structure that we use to communicate with our fans and update Facebook content is an important part of that.
I also contributed to the development of the text and design for the trading card characters we unveiled at the Licensing Expo. Hundreds of these were transported to Las Vegas and distributed to professionals from all over the world. I still keep a couple of my favorites in my wallet, you know, “just in case”
I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to discover and master extremely relevant Marketing tools (ie Google Analytics, MailChimp) that I can adopt to new business and marketing strategies down the road.
Biggest accomplishment so far?
Helping the Fan page grow over 100 fans organically in a short period of time was a big one, and watching it hit the 1000 LIKES mark was even bigger.
Being able to put some of my own ideas into action was another rewarding feeling. At the end of the day, I can point to real-life things (both tangible and digital) and say that I had a significant part in creating them.
Toughest/most stressful day?
Besides one particular Monday morning in Mid-June when the coffee maker stopped working, there were very few times where I felt compelled to fold under pressure.
Meeting deadlines can be stressful though, especially when juggling multiple projects. During the same time frame I was tasked to revise the business plan for the semi-final stages of the John Pappajohn Business Plan competition, we were also scrambling to prepare marketing materials for the Licensing Expo. Needless to say, the week was overwhelming. Luckily, I was surrounded by a strong group of creative-minded mentors who encouraged me to “just write”. Once you realize you do not have to complete a perfect draft the first time around, you learn to just let the words flow out. Between my mentor’s advice and the invaluable assistance of another Marketing intern, we cranked out both assignments just in time.
Overall, being presented with a new set of expectations everyday was just as exciting as it was challenging.
Biggest takeaway about Marketing?
With any campaign you create, keep your target market in mind. Sounds simple enough, but it really helps to keep this lodged in your brain when you hit a brick wall and need to reevaluate your message.
After school plans? Future in Marketing?
Call me in a year. I will either be hunting down creative agencies across the Midwest, or pulling all-nighters in my Iowa City apartment trying to launch a new concept into a profitable business.
Recommendations to people looking into internships with Grasshorse, in Marketing or just in general?
At Grasshorse, everyday is a new adventure, as well as a new obstacle.
Be sure to take notes, notes, and more notes. Even if you spend all day on a computer, pencil and paper will be your best friend. Buy a notebook, notepad or 500 neon colored sticky-notes if that’s your thing. Organization is going to be key to surviving a hectic work week with multiple projects going on simultaneously.
What an average Grasshorse work week looks like on paper
Lastly, never dismiss internship opportunities based on short-term satisfactions like close proximity or high pay. I turned down a promising local sales job to drive a 90 mile daily commute and work for free, yet it was the single best decision I have ever made. Instead, consider other factors such as relevance to major, overall experience, company culture and work environment.
I get to create entire Marketing plans for new technology while wearing sandals and playing with a dog.
Selling insurance to your friend’s neighbor’s aunt in a suit and tie during a 10-day heat wave? Pass. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that.”
——–
Big picture: Time-crunching tasks are inevitable, so stay collected. Look at the experience as an opportunity to learn resource management. If you get stuck — stand up, take a lap, sit back down – and “just friggin’ write”. Don’t be afraid to ask mentors for help or guidance. If you want to dive into the industry, prepare for a full-time (and a half) commitment.
Grasshorse Marketing internships in summation:
Creative control. Applied marketing strategies. Sandals on the reg. Dogs in the office > Your summer job.
————
Creep on Josh to learn a little more about him and his obsession with purple ties.
