My experience as an intern at Flow Communications started with a phone call to Flow project manager Leanne Pohlmann after hearing about a possible internship at the Cape Town office. My first impressions of her were very favourable. She requested that I send her my CV, which I did immediately, thinking, “Please let me get a positive response.”
I was invited to an interview, where I was met by Leanne and Roy Barford, Flow Cape Town manager, and my journey at Flow Communications began shortly thereafter. I was astounded by the helpfulness, kindness and the general vibe. The open-plan office has a magnificent view of Table Mountain, a large chalkboard with codes scribbled on it, and a bowl of Fizzers on the table – something about all this oozed creativity!
I was given some insight into Flow’s clients, their requirements and some of the work I’d be doing. Online writer and media developer Stuart Buchanan tasked me with “managing” the Instagram account for Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, which was hosting a #SunsetSpecial competition.
He assured me I could handle the task, and that’s exactly what I did – and what a delight it was working on a project for one of the world’s New7Wonders of Nature.
Besides my interactions with Leanne and Stuart, writer Andrea Weiss brought me up to speed about other projects Flow Communications works on.
Another task of mine was to deliver a tender document to Hermanus. With a looming deadline, everyone had to pull together, and I was impressed by the synergy between the Cape Town and Johannesburg offices. The stunning weather and scenic drive when delivering the document allowed me to reflect on my week at Flow Communications – I was honoured that they had entrusted me, a newbie, to deliver such an important document.
The rest of the week I learned a great deal of new and interesting things; I felt exhilarated and comfortable using my own initiative, but I knew that if I stumbled in any way, my Flow colleagues would assist me without hesitation.
Nothing could have prepared me for all I learned in my first week at Flow – an invaluable experience – and yet I have so much more to discover. I cannot wait to make an even bigger contribution, and to continue to learn and grow. Thanks, Flow, for giving me this opportunity.