Barcelona, Spain. That’s where it all started. My search for the perfect internship wasn’t going as planned. Countless applications, countless regretful emails. Being abroad, tweaking my resume wasn’t necessarily on my list of top priorities. It’s a hard life out there for someone who has no idea what they want to do. One thing I did know was that I wanted an internship that mattered. Something that challenged me, uplifted me, and taught me skills that I would actually be able to put into action in the future.
I stumbled across Mabbly’s website, and it immediately struck a chord with me. I sent in my application, and the next step was to send in a video showcasing my creative background, that’s where it went wrong. I wanted to impress the team, but my nerves got the best of me. After sending in the most awkward video ever, another rejection. I can’t say I was that surprised when I rewatched myself sitting in front of the camera, soft spoken and nervous. I knew even before I was turned down, that the video wasn’t the best representation of who I was. I was disappointed, but not discouraged. I knew Mabbly was where I wanted to be, and I wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip by this easy.
When I returned to the States, Chicago was my first stop. I had another interview lined up in the area, but I had a gut feeling that this place was no Mabbly. I decided right then and there to take a chance on something I truly believed in and knew was right for me. I made copies of my resume, picked up a box of Glazed and Infused donuts and headed to the Mabbly office (very risky). When I walked in, I told them my name, that they turned me down, but to keep me in mind if anything changes.
Two days later I received the chance to redeem myself, with a phone interview. I was even more nervous than before, but I was determined so show them that I would be a great fit for the tribe. An offer to be one of Mabbly’s nine interns for the summer of 2017 followed the next day and I was on my way to the most kick ass internship out there! If this taught me anything, it’s that donuts land you internships? In seriousness, it taught me about perseverance and to always go the extra mile. You know what they say, it’s never crowded there.
The summer was everything I had hoped for and more. It was truly an internship that mattered. Weekly challenges, meeting new friends, being introduced to amazing business partners and making lots of great memories are only a few of the things you will find at this special place.
As a group we became best friends in less than a week. We grew together during challenges that pushed us out of comfort zones and tested us in ways we never thought were possible. When we walked in every Monday we were anxiously awaiting the new challenge that we would be tackling over the next five days. Each challenge pushed us to think differently, and the best feeling was when you found that special piece of insight that took your team’s pitch to the next level. As the weeks unfold you come to realize your purpose, and where you fit. That was the most significant part for me. I left the summer with so much more than knowledge and confidence then I walked in with, and that’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Never once was I asked to do something that any average intern would be asked. Instead of going on coffee runs, I ran to the cold brew on tap. We were a part of the tribe. We were a part of Mabbly.
To any future intern thinking about Mabbly or those of you have applied or even been hired, welcome to the most Kick Ass Internship Ever. Trust me when I tell you that this is a major step in the direction of greatness. From the application forward, you have opened up a window of opportunities that will elevate your skills, motivate you, inspire you, and enlighten you. I know you will love the work they do, the culture they live and breath and all of the members of this tribe.
It’s a wild ride, I hope you’re down.
-Abby
