Non-Traditional Internships: Interning at Upstarts

This fortnight, Intern Memo brings you advice on pursuing non-conventional career paths. For part one of the series, the Memo sits down with Mya Riemer, Director of Categorization for Inform, an innovative technology company in the business of structuring and organizing massive amounts of unstructured content. Mya's interview and her company's approach to hiring interns is a very insightful look into what is required for working at nascent and semi-nascent upstarts.

Intern Memo: What are the kind of things that Inform looks for in hiring an intern?

Mya Riemer: First of all, enthusiasm to learn something. We want our interns to benefit from the experience as much as we do. We also want someone who can focus on details -- resumes are automatically removed from consideration if they contain typos or misspellings. We also want people who know how to conduct themselves in a professional manner, from clothing (a suit is not necessary, but you should never wear jeans or sneakers to an interview), to observing more formal email conventions. Also, this may seem obvious, but write down the address (including floor) of the company! We had someone who we were very interested in who never showed up for his interview because he didn't write down the address and couldn't find our office.

IM: Calling Inform a startup is a bit of a misnomer at this point, but what are some advantages for an intern who wants to work at Inform?

MR: First of all, the small size of Inform means that interns can make vital contributions and not just be a cog in the wheel. The small staff size means you can meet and work with the top people in the company.

IM: Do interns at Inform and like-minded startups often attain full-time positions? If so, what are some ways an intern can distinguish himself or herself at Inform?

MR: There are occasions when we have hired interns. The best way to distinguish yourself is by completing the work you're assigned, making suggestions where you feel they can, asking questions to find out more about the context of the work you're doing, and always conducting yourself professionally. Don't be shy -- if you feel you have a great idea, bring it up. But don't assume that the people you're working with haven't already thought of it, either.

IM: How does the blend of new technology with old media affect young people entering the workforce?

MR: More information is available than ever before, from social media to Inform's services. This means that it's easier to find out about a company, an industry, a career that interests you, but it also means that the sheer amount can be overwhelming. It makes having smart research skills essential to almost every conceivable niche.

If you think a place like Inform is up your alley, stay tuned for the rest of the series. We're back with more intern advice this Thursday for start-ups.

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