Working 9 to 5: What a Way to End Senior Year Strong
The iconic Dolly Parton song that trended on TikTok has lyrics that say, “working 9 to 5 what a way to make a living” which resonates with everyone. In my past work experiences, I never really paid attention to what a nine-to-five could entail. As an Office Assistant at Urgent Care, I only worked two hours a day; at Aerie, I worked just under five hours; and at my internships, I worked either remotely or two days a week. Even as a Digital Marketing Staff Assistant at Grand Valley’s Promotions Office, I have never experienced working a typical nine-to-five.
Starting the second semester of senior year, I was given the opportunity to add a Marketing and Social Media internship to my schedule through the Grand Rapids Symphony. Established in 1930, it has received national recognition for its concerts and educational programs. Although I have only worked there one day, I know this experience will be super fulfilling and a chance for me to gain more insight into a possible career.
I am super grateful and excited to continue my internship at the Grand Rapids Symphony and I know that I will learn valuable lessons of figuring out a work-life balance, having fun during my last semester, and gaining insight into what a nine-to-five looks like.
How Are You Going to Balance It All?
Great question- but one I am still figuring it out just like everyone else. On my first day at the symphony, I asked a few of the employees, “How do you handle the work-life balance?”
Their answer: “I’m still figuring it out.”
Even professionals are sharing that one person’s typical nine-to-five may look a little different than the next. Between classes, part-time jobs, and committing to amazing clubs like Grand Valley’s Public Relations Student Society of America (GVPRSSA), this 9 to 5 internship really is just one day a week. It gives me a glance into what my future 9 to 5 might look like or if there is another route I should take.
Senior Year of College = Busiest Year?
I feel like this year has been the busiest, from worrying about finding a job post-graduation, juggling four classes, being part of the National Student Advertising Competition(NSAC), serving on the executive board for GVPRSSA, being the Digital Marketing Staff Assistant for the Promotions Office, and trying to have fun.
In some ways, maybe I am keeping myself busy to avoid the fact that I graduate in April and that my routine that I have grown accustomed to might change to look like a 9 to 5. However, I believe that my senior year is busy because I am wanting to soak up every moment and opportunity I have, including the symphony internship.
Alexa, Play the Song 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton
This song is fitting and I do relate to the tumbling out of bed and stumbling to the kitchen part for my Marketing internship, yet once I actually got to downtown Grand Rapids, parked, walked inside, and sat at my desk, I realized that it wasn’t all that bad.
Currently, I am learning more about what goes on behind the scenes to put on an amazing show; from developing social media strategies, updating their website, and networking with co-workers. Only having one day in the office has taught me how dedicated other people are to their jobs and that sometimes work doesn’t stay at work. You may see other co-workers coming in at 10:00 a.m. and staying until 3:00 p.m., but you don’t realize that they go pick up their kids from school and go back to working remotely.
I’m not barely getting by(okay, maybe that is a bit of a stretch), but I am in the same boat as all my friends as we apply for jobs in the face of graduation. While this happens I am hustling and absorbing as much information and experience as many possible industries as I can to figure out what I want to do.
Madi Reifler is a senior studying Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Digital Studies. She is VP of Funds Development for GVPRSSA. Madi currently works part-time as the Digital Marketing Staff Assistant at the Promotions Office in the Office of Student Life and is a Social Media Marketing Intern at the Grand Rapids Symphony. She has had three past experiences as a PR intern for PRSA Detroit, a Publicity Intern at The Oriel Company, and an Entertainment Publicity and Promotions Intern at Allied Global Marketing. After graduation, Madi hopes to use her love for writing and PR skills to work in the entertainment industry or for a popular brand.