As I am writing this blog, I have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that my internship at Isom Global Strategies is over. It was a summer filled with many new experiences and challenging tasks. I have learned far more that I could have ever anticipated at IGS.

I wasn’t grabbing coffee for everyone in the office because I was busy getting real world experience in the event planning industry. I was treated like an equal and given assignments that were meant to challenge me.

After this summer, I am confident that IGS has prepared me beyond what any big name agency could have offered. Here are my top four reasons for kick-starting your career at a small business:

1. Experience and lots of it! It is common for employees at smaller firms to gain experience in multiple different disciplines. This diverse experience will be more impressive than a big name agency will on a resume.
2. Working with a team. At IGS, we work as a team on projects. At smaller businesses, you will typically find a family atmosphere in which team members help where they are needed without question.
3. Mentorship. Typically, at smaller firms you will find senior leadership offering professional advice to the junior team members. They want to see you succeed and they especially want to ensure that you aren’t making the same mistakes that they did.
4. Your voice is heard! Even if you are a junior team member, your creative ideas are welcomed and even encouraged. In addition to having your voice being heard, you will find that your work is frequently recognized and celebrated.

However, working for a small business is not for everyone. It is for those individuals that are driven, hardworking and love their job. If you do not have these characteristics, you will not survive at a small business. The environment is filled with fast-paced and passionate individuals. They work tirelessly to exceed client expectations. At IGS, there was never a dull moment and I am very proud to say I interned at IGS.