Loyalty can be overextended. I feel emotionally involved with the woman I drop my laundry off to, the lady who does my nails, and each work relationship I have. I am learning, that this is a flaw – the most important working relationship I have is with myself. To be able to exist and work in a way which benefits my career is my greatest goal through my internship, and it is a lofty one.

I’ve found it difficult to understand which relationships must be maintained, which should be left on the back burner, and when to call in favors. This kind of understanding is deeply ingrained in my worldview, and it all comes down to business ethics. And ethics and personal career goals should never be in conflict. I am learning to take what I have been given, and to never apologize for my strengths.

I am lucky to be at a company that is changing, and the value of the lessons taught to me through my work at BMG is higher than I could have ever anticipated. However, I’m working so hard, every day, and I will not act in a way that demeans my intelligence, just because I am an intern. I have been given the honor to sit in as an assistant a few times during this internship, and I feel as if I cannot do my job as well as I should, because I’m caught in etiquette’s trap.

From this moment forward, I make a pledge to myself to be confident in what I do. Excessive humility, while in Atlanta or Nashville may be appropriate; in the NY office seems not only unimportant, but foolish. Femininity should not equal weakness. Student should not connote inferiority. Musician should not mean irresponsible. I like to think that when opportunities of importance come about, I am deserving of advancement. If we’re deserving, we should take them. If you do away with fear, and what society shows us to be polite, think of how many opportunities exist for the taking. If someone gives you the gift of a compliment, accept it with a “thank you.” Receive it graciously. And if it’s your chance, take it!

Seriously. Take it.

From an intern who knows…

Sara Rachele

Read Sara’s first post “Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me?!”

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Sara Rachele, former vocalist and keyboardist for The Love Willows (Decca), has been studying at Berklee since mid 2009. A songwriting and music business major, Sara is the Creative Intern at music publisher BMG/Chrysalis. She is currently living in the East Village with her dog Hank Williams.

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