Welcome to You, Me, and D.C., Jonah Jackson's weekly blog about his experience being a summer intern for BRAVO! We love our intern blogs and hope you enjoy following Jonah.
Words from the capital: An Intern’s Guide to Performance
Disclaimer: I could not have imagined the amount of wisdom I would be exposed to in the District -- the likes of Plato and Aristotle would be proud (perhaps that is a bit much, but bare with me, dear reader).
After onsite visits and lunch meetings, it is customary to utilize Uber to return to the office. This week after a productive 9:00AM meeting with a BRAVO! client, I opened my Uber app and requested a ride.
As is my nature when in a stranger's vehicle, after the formality of exchanging names, I delved into deeper conversation about each of us and purpose for being in the District. The driver shared stories about his pursuing a musical career all over the country and the recent success of his college bound daughter.
Upon sharing my story and ultimate career aspirations, the driver prophetically said to me, “in your journey remember one thing, eat the meat and spit out the bones. Glean from those who have traveled the road you are embarking on and retool the knowledge they pass on to you. To get where you are going you will need nourishment, but you will have to parse the good meat from the hazardous bones.” (Needless to say- I was floored after he said this).
My rebuttal, I am sure, failed to meet or repay this modicum of wisdom, but I resolved I would heed his advice and thought it was important for other young professionals to hear.
So, to my fellow interns, I have taken what the nice gentleman has said, internalized it, and distilled it down to be even more personal to me when it comes to my life goals and career performance.
So here is what you have been waiting for...
An intern’s guide to performance:
Recognize and appreciate your lack of experience. This is what those in the business world call “growth potential.”
Work on being aware of the sound practices and advice of the good intentioned, but be wary of the ill advised.
Seek out masters of their craft and sit at their feet.
Reader, you can be sure to expect if another one of my Uber drivers drop some wisdom, I will pass it on!
Until next time it is just You, Me, and D.C.
-J