Well, well, well… look what Frank dragged in! Just kidding- Frank would probably just bark at you. Anyway, these past few months, I have had the pleasure of working alongside the lovely people at 8THIRTYFOUR. From day one, I realized this wasn’t going to be your typical “please file these papers” internship. Instead of paper cuts, I got real-world cuts of the PR and marketing cake. And let me tell you, it’s been a slice! (Sorry, couldn’t resist the pun).
I guess I should probably introduce myself. My name is Noelle Hintzke, and I am a recent Grand Valley State University graduate. I majored in marketing with an emphasis in sales and management and a minor in philosophy. You may be wondering what the heck I’m doing in PR… and that’s exactly why I brought you here.
I’m about to take you through the lessons, laughs, and occasional “what am I doing?” moments that transformed me from a wide-eyed intern into a… slightly less wide-eyed, almost professional.
Lesson 1: No One Expects You to Know Everything
As a perfectionist who doesn’t always love asking for help, this lesson was crucial. While it’s widely understood that internships are about learning and growth, I still put pressure on myself to know it all. Yes, I pride myself on being a quick learner, but there’s always an unknown phase before proficiency kicks in.
One of the many reasons I love this agency is how everyone at 8THIRTYFOUR encourages asking for help and being open about workload. When one person is overwhelmed, the whole team jumps in – it’s just how things work here.
Walking into a PR internship with zero PR experience meant I had about a million questions daily for anyone who would listen. Not once did I feel stupid asking these questions. Every inquiry was met without judgment, and if one person didn’t have the answer, someone else on the team did… and that’s why we “know our shit.”
Lesson 2: EOS WORKS
What the heck is EOS? Well, read that book if you really want to find out. The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) is a framework that helps businesses achieve their goals through structure, processes, and accountability. Before 8THIRTYFOUR, I had never encountered EOS – and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.
The impact was clear in every meeting I attended. Each session was structured, organized, and efficient. The system helped us maintain clear communication channels, set measurable goals, and track progress effectively.
Seriously though, this isn’t just corporate jargon – EOS actually made our meetings productive and purposeful. Through the L10 Meetings and other EOS tools, I always knew exactly where we stood and what we were aiming for. And the best part? If something wasn’t clear, I could just ask.
Lesson 3: Cut the corporate bullshit (clients appreciate it)
Throughout my academic career, I learned all about corporate lingo and professional etiquette. Don’t get me wrong – that knowledge is useful… when the time is right. Walking into 8THIRTYFOUR, I was ready to be my most polished self 24/7, because that’s what I thought was expected.
What did Hannah Montana once say? “Nobody’s perfect, you live and you learn it”
Here’s the thing: we’re all human, all experiencing life for the first time. What I’ve discovered is that clients actually appreciate when we own our mistakes and give it to them straight. Why waste time with corporate buzzwords when you can cut to the point? The team at 8THIRTYFOUR’s honesty isn’t just refreshing – it makes us more trustworthy.
Think about it: would you rather have a PR team that passively nods along with “the customer is always right”? Or would you prefer professionals (who know their shit – that’s why you hired them) who’ll call you out on your bullshit and give their expert perspective? I don’t know about you, but I’m choosing the pros who aren’t afraid to tell me when I’m wrong.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
I could share countless other lessons from my time at 8THIRTYFOUR, but this is a blog, not a novel. As I say goodbye to the most badass integrated communications agency in West Michigan, I’m ready to embark on my next wild adventure.
In the coming weeks, I will celebrate my graduation in South America. After that, I’m heading to Dallas, TX, to start a new position and begin the next phase of my journey.
I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead. This isn’t just a new chapter – it’s a whole new book.
With love,
Noelle
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