Interview From Hell

Ophelia, karma is a bitch and that ex-boss should watch Devil Wears Prada! And remember, she who laughs last laughs longest!  

Did I ever tell you guys how I got my latest gig?  OMG, the interview was a bloody nightmare.  I wore an adorable black dress with a smart red blazer (Ophelia, you would have been proud!).  Little did I know that I would be made to sit on an incredibly low couch!  I mean I was basically sitting on the floor.  Well, seeing as the dress was almost down to my knees, I had decided the morning of to only shave from my knees down (as most women do!).  BIG MISTAKE!  By having me sit on this low couch I swear the assistant that interviewed me could basically see my crotch!  I wanted to dig a hole and crawl into it.  I was mortified.

Then she began to ask me the questions that I dread the most:
"tell me about a time when you were faced with a difficult decision and how you went about it"
"tell me about a time when you had a million and one things to get done and how you performed under pressure"
"tell me about a time when.... F*** OFF!"

Seriously, I was ready to punch the girl in the face if she uttered the words tell me about a time when again!  Plus I was paranoid about the fact that she was staring at the fuzz that I had left on my thighs.  How the hell was I to anticipate any of this?

Well, as luck should have it, I got the job and on my first day I totally cracked a joke about the disastrous interview and she barely even remembered any of it.  To think that one of the most horrifying experiences in my life was just another routine moment in hers!

xxx Rose

An Intern Faster than...a Google Alert!

Ophelia! Chin up, head high! Who cares about that witch! Don't let her intimidate you - she's not worth your time!

Well...as you know, lately I've been having a little trouble with getting people at work to acknowledge my new "non-intern" status, and I've been having my own conundrums with interns in the office... Let's just say that this ex-Eternal Internal was having a little trouble vith zee "interns"...that is...however...until now.

I just started working on a new event (gonna be awesome - linked to Art Basel Miami, but that's another email!), and I've lured a new intern to help me out since yesterday (the duffous that was rude last week is out...well for me!). She has been a pearl and blessing...and today...she alerted me on BIG NEWS! She's quicker than a Google Alert! (Maybe I haven't given her enough work...)

Ophelia you may want to cover your eyes (you may not take this news well!). Rose, listen up!

Prince William is engaged!!! Yes, yes! Prince William has announced his engagement to Kate Middleton!

Ok - Ophelia, I know this is tough...I know you were secretly hoping that...one day...yes one day he would realize you were THE ONE (hehehe) but sorry miss, Middleton is the gal!

My little intern (well she's taller than me...)...was also quite depressed. I reassured her that Harry was still available, but that didn't seem to calm her spirits...what's up with that?! I'd take the little brother any day...

Interestingly enough, the entire office is seeming a little off today. Everyone has tuned into CNN... BBC... people.com... Everyone is gossiping...some almost seemed to be crying (tough to tell if they're sad he's off the market, or happy he's engaged!) It's insane! How can a Royal Engagement so easily paralyze an entire office! I guess it doesn't help that 90% of us are women and the 10% remaining are gay 30 year old men... But still! That's what happens when you work in communications for a feminine mag!! It's a mad-house!

I've sent my little (tall) intern off to run some erands...hopefully a latte can change her mind...

I'll keep you girls posted...but from one 20 something girl to another, Kate Congrats!!

Bisous!

Flora xoxo

The Bullied Intern

Hey girls!
I hope you are both doing well.  Flora, I am right there with you re "Is this it?"!  Although I haven't arrived at "it" yet, I am starting to think I don't ever really want to get there!  Especially if people like NM will be there too.  So who is NM you ask?  Well, I'll explain.  After a rather uneventful week, my Friday evening was completely and utterly ruined by a meaner than mean email from a former boss.  Why?  She had gotten word of a little blog called the Eternal Intern and she was threatening me via email to remove all mention of her!  I was hurt, then scared, then agitated and then irate.  How dare she threaten me!  

I couldn't for the life of me figure out why a woman with so much power and such a fabulous job would go out of her way to intimidate a former intern.  Wouldn't it have been better to just turn off the computer and go home for the weekend?  Perhaps she didn't even consider how much harm one little email would cause this Eternal Intern.  Truth be told, I was choking back tears while reading.  Needless to say my Friday night was ruined.

Don't feel bad for lil' old Ophelia though.  I sent a dignified response clarifying my position, apologizing for the misunderstanding, etc.  Funnily enough, I have never even mentioned her or anyone working for her in my letters.... until now that is!  haha!

Bisous xx Ophelia

PS.  All this has again left me questioning the ways of the fashion world.  I think the three of us should get together and start our own business.  Rose will be the film expert, I'll talk style and Flora, well Flora, ummm... what is that you do again?  haha!  xx

Is this it?

So I’ve finally been able to get a little rest…since the Wednesday night fiesta downstairs that uncovered unwanted bags under my eyes on Thursday, I have finally been able to catch up on sleep! Thank goodness for Zitomers on Mad and their miraculous Guerlain eye cream!!

Last night I caught up with D. who I haven’t seen in soooo long! We went to Peels in the East Village…which was unsurprisingly delicious and really quite sympathique…We celebrated my ‘full-time’ gig, made fun of my head to toe Tory Burch look (ok I overdid it!), and we had a lot of fun (I have a tad bit of a headache today…) It was a sublime evening…until…yes the dreaded until…she asked me:
- Flora, you’ve been dabbling in so many different things for so long…so many internships…in the art world, fashion, jewellery, decor…hell you even have a Master’s in Finance…Where do you see yourself later on? What is it you really want to do? Is this job “it” for you?

Right then and there…I froze…The seemingly  fabulous dinner, had just turned into the interview from hell…

But D. is right…Is this it for me? I’ve always loved so many things…I’ve excelled in each field…and I have a veritable passion for all…But, where do I see myself? Is this really what I want to do? Do I really want to be working at X in communications planning events for the rest of my life…? Am I the only eternally indecisive EI out there?

I didn’t want to admit it, but NO this is not “it” for me…I’ve always been far too ambitious and, I’ve always been a dreamer…I didn’t want to insult D. who has pretty much (yet again) sold her soul to another art gallery…but there is no way I will be doing this forever.

I explained to her that I’ve dabbled in each of these different fields to understand what it is that I really want to do - what I really, truly love….and to one day…get ready, be my own boss! I’ve always admired entrepreneurs…and I don’t believe I could settle for less than a corner office later on (in my own headquarters ;) doing exactly what it is I love…I’d love to find a way to blend my passion for decor, and all that is luxurious, love for communications and business acumen…Ahaaaaa….

Girls, I also didn’t tell D. this…but I actually have begun starting my own side business…it’s related to these passions/loves…I don’t really want to speak much about it yet, as it’s still not totally 100%, but as soon as it is, you 2 will be the first to know!

Ok I must jet…I’m meeting my dad at Via Quadronno for a hot chocolate haha!! Perhaps be can help me with this new little venture ;) Flora never stops!

Besitos!

Flora xoxo

Flora's Dream: Peace & Quiet!

A girl can indeed dream my dearest Ophelia! But you know what: dreams are what make life worthwhile! My mum always used to tell me, how can one live without dreams? Dreaming keeps you moving forward! I love to dream! And, let me tell you, right now I'm dreaming for one thing: quiet!! What do I mean you may ask...well I just want friggin peace and friggin quiet!

New neighbors moved into the apt downstairs a month ago. When I first met them, I was so happy to see that a young couple with a baby and cute little Jack Russel were replacing the old lady who infested the floor downstairs with all her moth balls (she has finally headed to an old age home...). Omg! You can't even imagine how strong it stunk every time I walked past her door...So I considered myself lucky last month as I saw this sweet Yuppy couple take over Ms. Stinky's apt...

Lucky, that is, until I realized these ppl are party animals! They throw parties almost every Monday and Tuesday nights...I've stayed super passive for the past 3 weeks, but last night at about 1am I had it! I was woken up by loud thumping music, loud talking and laughing and a baby crying ever 2 minutes...yes, all this at 1am on a Wednesday night! I couldn't sleep. I couldn't focus. I tried cotton balls in my ears - no luck. A pillow over my head - no luck. And so, I threw a pair of jeans on, stormed down the stairs half asleep and decided to get mad! How dare they! How dare they make so much noise so late and WITH A BABY!!!

Unfortunately, the Yuppy nice couple just isn't so nice after all! The man was rude to me...didn't lower the music .... and they kept partying until 4am!! I decided to try and stick it out and camped out on my kitchen floor, which is a little more insulated from the noise...I am officially a freak! Luckily I was able to get a good 3 hours of sleep, but you girls should see me now...I have the biggest bags under my eyes, I can't focus and ...it's not even TGIF!!!

I swear, if they ever pull a party like that again, I'm calling the cops! I am seriously falling asleep right now...despite the 4 Starbucks double espressos I've downed I still can't focus....and to top it all off I have a mtg with my boss in an hour and I'm so not ready!! F*ck!!!!!!!

Flora xoxo

A Girl Can Dream

Hello my dear girls,
I am so sorry for not writing sooner, but I have been doing a different kind of writing - letter writing!  As you know, I am a huge fan of the Let's Bring Back column on the Huffington Post and it has now been turned into an Encyclopedia!  I can't wait to purchase my copy.  Anyway, I was inspired by a recent round of "Let's Bring Back" and decided to sit down and write notes to people I haven't spoken to in a while (and to reach out to new people, including Lesley MM Blume, the journalist behind the column!).  After spending an ungodly amount of time on my computer last week, it felt so nice to sit down and write.  It is incredible how reliant we have become on backspace and spell-check - writing really is a mental exercise!

Naturally, my throwback to days gone by got me thinking about my current situation.  I look at columns like Let's Bring Back and I wonder why I can't have a job like that!  I have been going to interviews and applying to jobs just for the sake of applying, but I am secretly (ok, not so secretly) jealous of women who get to do exactly what they love!  Take Ms Blume, for example, what a fabulous job to write such a fun, inspiring column!  I was also recently put in touch with a very lovely friend of a friend working at a great UK publication. She also has the dream job.... her dream job!   Is it naive to want to enjoy my job?  I am lucky enough to be raised by parents who do exactly what they have always wanted to do.  Both have unconventional careers that reflect their interests and personalities and they seem truly happy.

I have decided, I will not settle.  I know what I would love to do, so why should I settle for less?  Call me naive, call me what you will, but there are people out there who are truly happy to go to work each day.... so why shouldn't I be one of them?

Bisous xx Ophelia

PS.  It doesn't help that I watched Cinderella yesterday, I am now a permanent resident of Disney dream world!  x

The Eternal Intern's New Home!

The Eternal Intern has moved!  

Click HERE to check out our newly designed homepage! 

xoxo Flora, Ophelia and Rose 

Never Fool an Ex-Intern!

Rose! Congratulations - good for you man!! Money is money, and any money is better than no money!! Good job scoring that paid internship!

I'm writing you girls from sunny FLA...I headed down to the Keys this weekend with the family...it feels good to take a little sun, relax and do simply nada! New York is getting cool and autumn has clearly graced us with her presence... I'll leave MIA tomorrow morning with the first AA flight out to LGA...to get back to...work!

Speaking of work, another crazy 'intern-event' happened last Friday...It seems to me that although 90% of the office is beginning to understand that I am indeed a full-time employee and not an intern...10% is still convinced I am an intern - and funny enough those 10% are interns themselves.

I've been working on a European event...quite a lot of work and coordination...and an intern from the PR team has been working on it too. Friday we had a meeting about what has to be done, info that needs to be retrieved etc.... You will never imagine what happened - I'm running the meeting, I ask her (the intern) to do a certain amount of tasks for me, and she looks at me and says NO! Yes, you heard me right, and so I quote:
-"You know Flora, it's best if you do X and Y, I've got much too much too handle right now, I'm going to be unable to this.".

Yes!!! The intern, flat out refused to carry out the tasks that were assigned to her by a full-time employee!!! Where is the logic?? Shouldn't she be on her knees accepting any work assigned to her?? Shouldn't she be thanking me and assuring me that all with be done on time and in a perfected manner?? I was stunned! Shocked! What has the intern world come to? Who is this intern? How can she think she can just turn me down like that? Little does she know, I've been in her shoes before, and in no way would I ever act like that! On the contrary I worked my little butt off as an intern!! Why are "interns" making my new-found full-time employee title so dang difficult!

So with that, I called the meeting over. Headed straight to my computer....got into my email, and yes... typed an impossibly evil email to her to confirm that she WOULD indeed so and so, and CCd pretty much the whole department.....and ended off with a big "Thank You!" as if nothing had ever happened....Vive la passive aggressiveness!!!

Did she answer? .... Yes... and the work should be done early this week!! Yessssssss!!!!

Haha! Thought that would give you a little laugh!! As a word of advice to all interns hehe...Never fool an ex-intern...

Must run chicas, but besitos!!

Flora xoxo

Ain't No Stoppin Me Now!

Congrats on being awarded with your very own interns, Flora.  I also had the joys of that once and had mixed emotions about it, but such is the circle of life.

I am on cloud 9 this evening.  I found out today that I scored an internship working on a reality TV series!  Cue music: Celebrate good times!  Come on!  

I don't know what to do with myself I am so flippin' excited.  No doubt that I will be celebrating (with money that I don't have) Hollywood style this weekend, since I start work this coming Monday!  My current financial situation is also taking a turn in a positive direction... my new internship is paid! I will be making a whopping 300 a week!   Hallelujah! At this rate, I will be able to pay back my student loans when I am about 50, but that couldn't be less of a worry to me right now.  

I have never worked in TV and I am absolutely thrilled at the new doors this position will open for me.  I think I have a totally disillusioned idea of what it is going to be like, but I am up for the challenge no matter what.  I can feel it, this is going to be it for me, ladies.  Starting next week I am going to devote myself and hope that in the next year I will be a star! 

xxx Rose

An Eternal Intern Conundrum

Hola Chicas!

Ophelia, what a brilliant weekend - so jealous!! I'd love to spend my weekends in Champagne!

As for me girls, big news!! Haha! This is actually kind of funny and you may laugh...but my boss just came up to me and announced that I'm getting an intern! Haha!

It sounds a little crazy at the moment... she literally just came by my desk a few minutes ago... If there's anyone I wanted to announce this to, asap, it's you guys!

When she told me, I just kind of looked at her, in a bit of shock (I def tried to hide the expression on my face...)...I mean how is it, that I, an Eternal Intern.......an intern just a few months ago.....am now getting my own intern? And honestly... having been that 'Eternal Intern' for so long, I don't really know how I feel about having someone work for me 5 days a week for a teeny stipend... no benefits... and no security...

I also know that should I 'get' this intern, there are no hopes that his/her internship will ever become a full-time position. It doesn't matter how amazing he/she is....how fabulous he/she proves to be...The fact is, that this office has once again just frozen employment and any hopes that an internship could eventually lead to a job... are dead!

On the one hand I see this opportunity to finally have 'my own' intern, absolutely amazing and a veritable victory....yet, on the other, I feel like somewhat of a traitor to the 'Eternal Intern' community...I know how hard it is to be an intern, I know the ups and the downs, I know the good and the bad....I also know the reality of this proposed internship and the fact that no concrete job offer can stem from it for a potential candidate....

What do I do?

Back to work....

Flora xoxo