Team Wakeboarding (Intern Edition)
There are few things in life that give you that feeling of excitement and nervousness in your gut at the same time. These are the moments that you learn and grow while enjoying each obstacle along the way. This summer, I had the privilege of having many of these experiences, two of which really stand out to me.
One is wakeboarding, and the other is the internship opportunity with Agile Rainmakers. After some reflection, I realize how similar these two processes really are.
One Small Step For Intern...
Standing on the dock on a crisp summer morning staring down at the cold water, I question if jumping into the water to wakeboard is worth it. Do I really want to hop into this cold water and lose the comfort of dry land? After staring at the water a bit more, I finally decide to dive in. Once my body hits the water, I find a new comfort in this underwater environment. The emotions involved in this process are akin to the emotions of starting an internship process. At the beginning, there are a lot of nerves and doubts around what will happen after sending your first networking email or sending your first application. However, once you take that first step, there is a feeling of relief, and you find comfort in the new network that you are creating.
Once in the water, you must find the rope which connects you to the boat that supports you. After finding the rope that disguises most of itself in the water and gripping it firmly, you begin to move as one unit with the boat, all supported by the rope connected to it.
Ropes, Boats, And Hopes
During my experience with Agile Rainmakers, I saw my manager as the rope, and the company, including other interns, clients, and managers, as the “boat." After finding my manager through networking events, I established a relationship with him, and with him as my “rope," I was connected to the community at Agile Rainmakers and we moved together as one.
Wakeboarding is not always the smoothest process, there is chop along the way and you might fall, especially if you are trying new things. However, when you do fall, the boat always comes back to get you.
At Agile Rainmakers, there were times where a project was overwhelming, things were going on personally, or times when a break was needed. Whenever those instances happened, and I fell off my board, the “boat” containing many ambitious and supportive people at Agile Rainmakers came back for me. The team assisted me as I continued to work toward my summer goals.
Team Support Makes All The Difference
Choosing to take the first steps in any process, especially regarding internships, is daunting at times. Nevertheless, it leaves you with great satisfaction, especially when you’re with a nurturing team. By choosing to embark on this journey with Agile Rainmakers, I put myself in a position to try new things and trust different people. My team made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process, and I am grateful for the continued support from everyone at Agile Rainmakers.
- B.H.
Here's to you and your awesome future.
Until then, keep your feet on the board and keep riding your wave!
Robert J. Khoury
CEO Agile Rainmakers