What I liked
During my internship at Cloud9 Advisory, I gained a valuable and enriching experience that went beyond my expectations. Despite being a sophomore, I was entrusted with specific tasks that contributed to the progress of various projects within the company. The intimate setting of a small company allowed me to establish meaningful connections with coworkers spanning diverse areas of the business. One remarkable aspect of my internship was the opportunity to receive mentorship and guidance directly from Cloud9's CEO, Chad. Despite my status as an intern, Chad empowered me to excel and valued my contributions. Stepping into the office, I felt a sense of appreciation that fueled my creativity. In meetings, my voice was not only heard but actively considered as I collaborated with fellow employees on tasks aligned with their work. Connecting with former interns who transitioned into different roles at C9 provided invaluable insights, helping me and my fellow intern navigate our responsibilities effectively.
Throughout the five weeks of my internship, Cloud9 took the initiative to align my interests and strengths with specific tasks. One notable project involved the collaboration between Cloud9 and Pepperdine's capstone course. My responsibilities included reviewing a blog post, crafting a proposal, and creating an abstract aimed at captivating future readers. I actively participated in meetings with Pepperdine's professor and Cloud9's staff, contributing to discussions, providing feedback, and assisting in the planning of the proposal for the next cohort. Additionally, I conducted a comprehensive review of C9's website, offering my insights on the strategic placement of specific services within the service matrix based on their overall focus. This hands-on experience not only enhanced my skills but also allowed me to make a meaningful impact during my time at Cloud9 Advisory.
Overall, interning at Cloud9 Advisory created a compelling experience both in office as well as at home. A key element of Cloud9's approach was the strategic design of a schedule that prioritized work-life balance. While I spent three days a week in the office, this arrangement allowed me to fully immerse myself in the in-office environment, fostering connections with colleagues and engaging in collaborative efforts throughout the day. Shared lunches provided an opportunity to explore different parts of the city and build personal connections with my coworkers. These in-office days emphasized the significance of collaboration and provided the structure to adapt and establish a productive routine. On the days when I worked remotely, Cloud9's hybrid schedule allowed me to concentrate deeply on tasks at hand, fostering a conducive environment for focused and productive work. This flexibility in the work arrangement contributed positively to my overall internship experience, offering a balance that catered to both collaborative in-office dynamics and focused remote workdays. Cloud9 Advisory's thoughtful approach to creating a hybrid schedule enhanced the quality of my internship and showcased a commitment to fostering a flexible and supportive work environment.