OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS

By Christina Becker
Omaha Performing Arts public relations intern

As a retired high school theater kid, I still am obsessed with all things performing arts. When I went off to college, I decided to get a degree in Business Administration for a more practical approach to my future. I was sad to turn in my time of stage managing, in exchange for developing business plans at school.

Never in a million years would I have imagined that I would be able to combine my business degree with my love of theater. Now, as the Public Relations Intern at Omaha Performing Arts, I have the best job I could ever imagine. Here are a few things I have learned at my internship so far...

1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Seriously. Do not be afraid and refrain from being shy! Don’t get me wrong, it can be intimidating to be the new intern. You want to act like you know everything so you don’t seem unintelligent or naive. However, everybody knows that you (probably) don’t have a ton of experience. That is why you are here in the first place! Your co-workers just want to help you, and they will be there for you no matter how busy they are. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn new things.

2, Make connections and stand out
The best thing about working at Omaha Performing Arts is the people. Since it is a performing arts organization, you can imagine that everyone also shares a similar love for the arts. The office is on the smaller side, so everybody knows each other on a personal level. I have learned that it is so important to make connections with the people you work with, because you never know where those connections will take you in life. It is especially easy to make connections when all your coworkers are friendly, caring and compassionate, even toward the interns.

3. No need to fear the cubicle

It might seem like an insignificant topic to mention, but this was something I was worried about prior to starting. As a naturally outgoing person, I couldn’t survive the thought of having no social interaction during the day. Luckily this was not the case at all! It is nice to have your own personal area to work. I share a cubicle with another intern and we have been able to decorate it to our liking. Which can help make you feel more at home at your desk. I am also lucky to work with such friendly people. Even thought we have our own spaces, there is a huge sense of community in the office.

I am so thankful for all the opportunities and experiences this internship has brought me so far! I have already learned so much that will benefit me for the rest of my life. Plus, the opportunity to see shows within the organization is a big advantage. The best advice I can give to any intern is to enjoy your time and make the most of it because it will fly by faster than you think.

Learn more about Omaha Performing Arts' internship program on our website.