Hi everyone, my name is Brooke Barry, and I am writing a blog about my internship and what it’s all about! I am a junior Strategic and Corporate Communication major, with Entrepreneurship as my minor. I am also a member of the sorority Alpha Phi. I am so excited that I received a fall internship with the interior design business Robin Weller Design! I have learned so much.

  I got this internship from a friend in my sorority and communication class who passed it down to me. It is a truly unique experience. My supervisor is Ava, a past Strategic and cooperation communication student from Chapman. At Robin Weller Design, I work in Robin’s shop/office in Newport Beach. I sit in on meetings and do things like help organize the office. This includes going through emails, creating new trade accounts, calling other trade companies, and helping pick out the furniture. I am learning what happens in the interior design business and how stressful but fun it can be. Their firm is currently taking on three projects, one being in Dallas. My experience in my communication courses helped me in my internship because I learned how to be present in meetings, give presentations, and communicate honestly with other companies. Working with Robin and Ava has been so fun, and I’m sad my time at my internship ending. 

     My past communication classes also taught me how important networking and public speaking are. This played a massive role in my internship since we gave presentations, networked with clients, and were highly organized overall. From my BUS 310 class, we also learned how important our LinkedIn and making a great first impression is. Robin and Ava also taught me how this applied to being an interior designer. For example, while networking with current and potential clients, leaving a great first impression is important to build your credibility and brand overall. In my SCC 200 class, I learned about the importance of personal branding and how to create your own brand. Robin brand is what I call luxury linen. All of her designs look simple but different based on the client. People hire her because they love her brand and style. 

    This internship taught me how important it is to be organized and manage your time. I knew that with clients, you have to be on time and meet deadlines. I also learned how organizing everything can help you better manage your time and make everything go smoother. For example, I have binders and folders for everything. A client binder includes contracts, floor plans, pricing, and furniture pieces. I am glad that from this internship, I have learned how to become more time-efficient and organized.