When I first moved to Atlanta this summer, I felt a little unprepared. Even though it is only three hours from my university, I had not visited Atlanta a lot and had only driven through it a few times.
I love Atlanta, and it is definitely one of my favorite cities in the U.S. This summer, I’ve been interning at Trevelino Keller Communications Group as a Consumer Intern working with B2B and B2C clients in tech, restaurant, financial and other industries. It’s been a great experience overall, and I definitely know a lot more know about the communications industry than when I first moved here.
Here are five tips for moving to another city for your internship:
1. Bring as much with you as you can, and bargain shop.
If you’re moving to another state or across the country, it probably isn’t feasible to bring everything you own with you. First try to get a place that is furnished first. If you can’t find furnished pad, bring with you what you can and buy the rest from a local IKEA, thrift stores or friendly Craigslist people. If you’re moving for an internship, don’t put a lot of money into furniture! Always bargain hunt!
2. Know your roommates and where you are moving.
I partially knew my roommates before I moved. They found me on Craigslist, and one of them is even in PRSSA. After my original place to live fell through when the person decided to stay instead of sub-leasing two and a half weeks before my internship started, I began to panic. I posted everywhere that I was looking for a roommate. Luckily one of my roommates now saw my post, and I agreed to move in with her. Moral = be careful where you move and where you move into. I love my roommates, and we are good friends, but I would definitely suggest visiting and getting to know your roommates before moving in.
3. Research things to do and places to go.
One of the things I had to figure out when I first moved here was where are some good places to eat, and where can I buy groceries? I really was not familiar with Midtown ATL or what was around. Before you move, I recommend looking up where the nearest shopping center and restaurants are located around where you’re living and working. Look up local concerts, fundraisers, events, sales, tradeshows and festivals to enjoy the city on a whole new limit!
4. It’s okay to visit other companies.
You’re an intern! While you’re in a city, it’s a good idea to go visit other companies and set up some informational interviews. As an intern, you’re not a full-time employee and probably should explore other options for a full-time job after your internship ends. During your lunch break, during vacation days [if you have those] or after your internship ends, visit other business to a) see what their company culture and work is like, b) to see if they would be a good fit for you, and c) to see if they are hiring.
5. Network!
I always tell people this, and it’s something everyone should remember all the time: no matter where you are, every place is a great place for networking, and you never know who you will meet.
If you’re in PR or marketing, don’t forget to meet up with your local PRSA Chapter as well and attend their networking events because good things can come from them! There are a ton of organizations out there for every major, organization or profession. Research, join and meet with them.
Moving to a city you’re unfamiliar with can seem like a big task, but once you’re moved and you’re settled in then, the real fun begins! Do not be afraid to take risks, and have fun while you’re in town!
If you need any more advice on moving to a city, please feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @laurenkgray, find me on LinkedIn or the rest of my contact information is on my website.
Author Bio:
Lauren K. Gray currently serves as the PRSSA National President for the 2012-2013 year and as an intern with Trevelino Keller Communications Group in Atlanta, GA. She is a senior public relations major at Western Carolina University and will graduate in December 2012. Other than work, Lauren spends free time with her friends, drinking coffee, attending local events and enjoying Atlanta.