Many full-time IZEAns got their start as interns. Today we’re chatting with Maddie Affatato, who is a campaign coordinator and our Q4 “Bee-ing Amazing” Honoree. Maddie began her IZEA internship in January 2021 before joining us as a full-timer later that year.
What made you want to intern at IZEA?
“I really liked the company culture. I really envisioned working here.”
She wanted to intern at IZEA so much that when she wasn’t selected the first time she applied, she tried again.
What did you do as an intern?
“It was a lot of finding creators to work with. I’d say as an intern that is probably one of the most time-consuming things that we do on the campaign management team, but you could say it’s one of the most important parts.”
Maddie says she enjoyed having input on working with specific creators, some of whom she’s followed for years.
“It felt like I was really a part of the campaign process so that was really fun.”
What was the biggest lesson you learned?
“At first I struggled with feedback and I would take it personally … and then I realized, OK, the people that are giving me feedback are people that see potential in me or else they wouldn’t even bother to correct me.”
Do you have any tips for new interns?
“Come in and shadow as much as possible and learn what will be useful. Being proactive would be my biggest tip.”
She recommends asking to help with the next step in the campaign process rather than asking, “What should I do?”
What do you like about your job now?
“I’m building relationships with agencies that represent people that I’m a big fan of and getting to give my opinion on people in these big influencer circles. It’s been really fun. Being able to share my expertise feels really nice. I’ve always been super curious about what influencing looks like from the back end.”
Anything else you want to add?
“Another tip is just kind of being yourself because as much as the work that you’re doing is important, I’d say the biggest thing about IZEA is people want to enjoy working with you, so be yourself, allow room for having fun in your job, and make those connections. At IZEA it is just as important to work on my friendships in the workplace as it is to work on your work itself, because that’s why IZEA has the culture that it has.”
Want to become an IZEA intern? Apply at izea.com/company/careers.
