Conclusion

It is so hard to believe that this whole experience has already come to an end, but when I think back I find myself in awe of myself for actually taking the semester to do this experience.  I have always been the timid shy person that would do well in a smaller town.  But as I went through life in Chicago I grew as a person in the fact that I was able to communicate with people I have never met before.  That was a huge step for me because I have always surrounded myself with the same friends I have had since high school; it was always easier that way.  I was always afraid of being rejected, I forgot to actually be myself in front of everyone. 
This experience also allowed me to grow as an educational and future career standpoint.  I have said a few times in my journal entries along the way that I have been second guessing my choice in wanting to do design work for a living.  I know that I have talked with Faye and Andrea about this and Andrea has made many good points about how our skill sets determine what kind of job we are able to get, not necessarily our major choice.  I was so blessed to have Andrea's help along the way, she has taught me so many things and my resume looks a lot better thanks to her.  I was able to add develop skills that I haven't been able to in a classroom because I was never trained in the class for sales, only design work and PR.  I think that I have gained a whole college career of sales information in just one semester. 
I feel so much more prepared for the work force after graduation now that I have this internship under my belt.  I think being in this environment has settled any nervousness about not being able to handle that life, I always thought it was an uptight boring way to go day to day.  But I was completely surprised by how laid back everyone in the business seemed to be.  Despite how demanding the workload was, there was always time to sit around and share some laughs.  I know now that I am going to be able to handle whatever career I end up with and excel at it. 
The best advice I could give anyone would be to take any opportunity to work in an internship.  It is easy to see from any standpoint how much more marketable you can become to future employers.  Like I said throughout the semester, I have gained and expanded upon many skill sets that I wouldn't have working a part-time job serving or in a classroom.  It is one thing to study the business, but it is another to actually gain that knowledge through action.  In doing an internship you also gain contacts which is crucial when going out into the world.  In doing the Chicago Experience I have added four amazing and highly accredited references to my resume.  I think that is the best and most beneficial part that I can take away from this experience.