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volume 4/ issue 2/ 3.9.05 |
| view from chateau | from the fringe | teeing off | the gallery |
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2005 Summer Communications Intern I’m not going to lie – when I first got the itinerary for the AJGA Intern Recruiting Weekend, I was a little intimidated. Under observation for 48 hours? More than 70 candidates? Waking up when roosters are still having sweet dreams? Not your typical job interview. However, I am pleased to report that any worries were quickly eased and the weekend turned out to be a great experience. The staff members were incredibly friendly and helpful, it was fun to meet and talk to other candidates, and I got an eye-opening look at life in the golf industry. Upon arriving in Georgia on Friday, we were transported to the AJGA headquarters for a tour, introductions and dinner – a Southern-style BBQ with extra special sauce from the Smoke House (an award-winning local BBQ joint), if you knew the right people! No time was wasted in getting down to the nitty-gritty details of the internship – I can still hear Steve Ethun and Ben Kimball saying “80-hour work weeks,” “constant ironing,” and “no sleep.” While the workload description was indeed daunting, the internship presentation only made me want the position more. The skills we’ll develop, the responsibilities we’ll have, the friendships we’ll make and the stories we’ll have to tell are all incredible opportunities in my mind. Saturday, we divided up into teams of six and tackled stations and tasks the AJGA staff had set up for us. Lots of rumors swirled Friday as to what these stations would be and how difficult they may be, but I can honestly say that they all were a lot of fun. Even public speaking, the most dreaded of them all, went well – because let’s face it, who doesn’t like talking about him/herself? Some people had to be warned to wrap it up! Along with the standard interview and test stations, we got to show off our creative sides. One highlight was the egg-drop team building exercise. I never before realized how durable balloons are! I also enjoyed filming the commercials. They may not have been Oscar-worthy (except for my team’s), but were a lot of fun to produce, perform and watch. I would count the Saturday-night trivia contest as another highlight, but I’m still a little bitter about the team that cheated. At least they still lost! Along the way, we were treated to presentations by past interns and staff members who hold amazing jobs and have built impressive resumes. They emphasized how working with the AJGA helped them gain invaluable skills and contacts. The message was clear: interning with the AJGA will get you places, whether it’s within the association or in the outside world. I think all the candidates returned home with a sense of how lucky we were to have this opportunity. I also left Georgia with a better understanding of the AJGA’s mission and how the dedication and determination of its staff has led the association to where it is today. I am proud to help the association grow and I look forward to working with the AJGA over the summer! |
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