6 Questions…From Intern to Intern (Part 2)
. . .In part two of this series, we’re placing the spotlight on past and current interns, Janelle and Ashley, as part of International Interns’ Day. Find out more about their view on RICE’s culture, and their hottest (editor’s note: lukewarm at best?) food takes!
Tell us a bit about yourself and how long you have been at RICE.
Janelle: I’m Janelle, an Account Executive at RICE, and I’ve been here for over two years.
Ashley: I’m Ashley, and as of July 24, I have been with RICE for a whole month!
What made you apply to RICE?
Janelle: One of my friends referred RICE to me! She had actually applied for the job, realised it wasn’t what she was looking for, but thought the role would suit me. I did in fact like what was outlined in the job description, so I submitted my application, and as they say, the rest is history!
Ashley: In all honesty, I applied for so many internships! Communications wasn’t what I studied in polytechnic so I wanted to get some experience first instead of diving head-first into the comms industry. But what made me decide on RICE was the culture that stood out to me – it sounded like the perfect environment to learn and build a solid foundation with.
What’s something about you that most people don’t know?
Janelle: I’m not sure if it’s something most people don’t know… but I’m a big movie buff! I prefer watching movies in the cinema over streaming them online or on Netflix, so you can probably find me going out for a film at least once a week.
Ashley: I’ve got pretty bad social anxiety (which got worse because of the pandemic), but people have told me in the past that I’m really good at faking it till I make it, which is great for me honestly.
Janelle, what made you convert to a full-time staff after your internship?
The culture at RICE definitely played a big part in my decision. During my internship, I was pleasantly surprised at how welcoming and open everyone was. My managers and mentors were also very approachable, and they were (and still are!) great at sharing feedback and advice about working in PR. I think it’s inevitable that work can be tiring or stressful, so it makes such a difference when you genuinely enjoy your work and the colleagues you work with.
Ashley, what do you most appreciate about your internship?
I’m being treated like an intern and not cheap labour. The people at RICE are willing to guide me through things that I’m unfamiliar with while letting me learn and experience for myself. I’ve heard nightmarish stories from friends about their internships, where they were expected to know everything from day 1, so I’m happy that RICE isn’t like that.
Now for the most important question – what’s your most controversial food-related hot take?
Janelle: I absolutely despise carrots, which people find really funny because I was born in the Year of the Rabbit.
Ashley: I think I’m pretty normal, but as a Filipino (fully Filipino at that), I really don’t like adobo or anything too salty.