Advertising major Caleb Smathers is a project management intern for Cox Communications. (Photo:submitted, graphic by Ashley Balsavias)

Grady InternViews: Caleb Smathers

This is part of a series where we ask Grady College students to describe their summer internship experience.

Briefly describe your internship and your responsibilities:

As a project manager, my role consists conducting market research, owning product vision, communicating with customers about their pain points when navigating our platforms, drafting project lifecycle plans, and working with cross-functional teams to bring our product vision into the hands the of our consumer base.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned so far?

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned so far is that I belong. I belong in every space, every room, every job, and every position I occupy. When I first started my internship, I was crippled with imposter syndrome. I felt as if my manager made a mistake in choosing me for the position. I quickly learned that imposter syndrome is a very common feeling and the best way to be free of its grasp is simply to be open and honest. Be open with your trusted team members, and seek mentorship. Although imposter syndrome doesn’t leave overnight, you will notice a shift in your confidence, ability, and workflow as you gain more experience and overcome obstacles.

What advice would you give to students who are looking to pursue similar opportunities?

Take the shot! I absolutely cannot stress this enough. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned while going through the internship recruitment process is that you should always apply for that “dream” role even if you don’t check off every single requirement. Skills can be learned, but you and all that you bring to the table simply can’t. Use your resources and take full advantage of your network.

If you could describe your internship in only three words, what would they be?

Innovating, Rewarding, Supportive

How has this role helped you discover what you are passionate about?

Although I discovered my career “passions” before embarking on my internship journey, this experience has amplified my desire to work in the technological spaces, aiding in developing services and platforms more accessible to the end user.

How have the classes you’ve taken at Grady prepared you for this internship?

The classes I’ve taken at Grady prepared me for this internship by teaching me how to look at problems, specifically in the media space, through an analytical lens. My classes taught me to think beneath the surface problem and instead, identify the root of the issue.

Date: July 19, 2022

Editor: Ashley Balsavias, avb88640@uga.edu