This week, I began my marketing internship at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.  Although I had met with my supervisor, Erin, earlier this April, I was quite unsure of what to expect when I walked in on Tuesday morning.  After finding my way to Erin’s office, she introduced me to all the staff members working in the building, gave me an indoor/outdoor tour of the Gardens and different greenhouses (there’s 12 and they’re all so beautiful!), and very shortly after, sat me down to work.

For my first assignment, I was responsible for inputting information about each of the Gardens’ fall and winter events into local news and media outlets and websites.  Erin apologized for the tedious assignment and said it may take me a few days to finish.  After working on this for two days, I understood how time-consuming these assignments are. However, I realize how important news and media outlets are for marketing and advertising. Organizations like the Gardens rely on these free local news outlets for much of their success and despite the task being somewhat monotonous, I’m glad I could help.

In-between working on the news and media outlets assignment and meeting the other marketing intern, Julia, I went to a board meeting with Erin.  In late November through early January, the Gardens has a giant train/Christmas display set up throughout the 12 houses.  Each year, it draws in thousands of visitors from all over New York.  The meeting was held to decide on a final theme and last minute details for the event.  There is so much to think of when planning a big event such as this so it was interesting to listen to everyone discuss their thoughts and ideas.  I was especially excited when asked what I had thought of everything they were planning.

I have a special interest in event planning so, I can only hope that throughout the semester with all the different events the Gardens has scheduled, I’ll get the chance to experience it first-hand.  I was also informed today that the annual ‘Gala at the Gardens’ would be held on the 26th of this month and I’ll be responsible for making an iMovie to present to the marketing team.  I’ve never made an iMovie before, but I’m excited to see how things will go.  I finish up my first week at the Gardens tomorrow and after my first two days, I can honestly say I think I will learn a lot from Erin and her team.  Here’s to hoping this internship will blossom into a wonderful experience.