The Intern

I recieved this amazing internship opportunity with Atlanta Motor Speedway this summer.  Anyone that knows me will understand why this is such a huge milestone in my life.  AMS has been a major step in achieving my dream to work for NASCAR.

My first day, I walk in, high heel shoes, cute "business casual" attire and sit down at my very own desk soon to be adorned with photos of my friends and family. I'm so excited I can't even stand it. I imagine days of dealing with sponsors, having meetings with influential people and maybe even meeting some of my favorite NASCAR drivers.

Now a month into my internship, I wonder - what is the point?  Don't get me wrong, I love the people in this office, and I have had some meetings and met with some sponsors. I've also met some of the NASCAR greats. Most of the time however, I'm sitting at my computer and finding contact information for marketing personnel at various companies across America.

Frustration #1: I feel like these small, busywork-like things can be done by the salesmen, by the marketing department, and it would take less time than it does to walk down the hall to my desk, ask me to do it, and then walk back. 

Frustration #2: Free labor.  I am doing everything I do for free.  I could have a paying job this summer - I could be NOT at home living with my parents again.  Hopefully this internship will fast track, or even slow track me on my way towards achieving my dream - but not if I don't get some true, hands-on, sports marketing experiences.

So I wonder - April the intern...is it really worth it?