As an intern walking into E.B. Lane, I was overloaded with the artifacts of a flourishing agency. There are oversized chairs everywhere, successful campaigns lining the walls, and an endless loop of TV spots running on flat screens. And then, there are the awards that seem to go around the entire building.

I’m 6’7” and I almost asked the receptionist for a couple of phone books to sit on while I waited.

That’s how I felt when I first entered the advertising industry in 2007 as an E.B. Lane Account Services Intern. Since that time, I have successfully completed a grand total of 4 internships, returning for a 2008 EBL stint as a Creative Intern. Both times I was there, I worked on big clients alongside some amazing minds – which I believe is the result of coming into the experience with the right mindset.

So for those interning in the future, here are a few ways I navigated the EBL galaxy (twice) and lived to tell the tale:

BEING ACTIVE.
Did you just get done with an assignment? Great, but this isn’t college, where you’re only judged on the assignments you’re given – and Beer Pong skills. Ask if you could help on other assignments with the person you were assigned to. Then ask people inside the department. If nobody in the department wants something done (which never happens), go to other departments. This translates amazingly well in resumes, interviews and recommendations.

LEARNING FROM EVERYTHING.
Did you just have to make copies, file something, or work the front desk? The copies could include the marketing plan for the biggest client. How are they formatted? What language do they use? What’s being involved in the campaign rollout? That packet summarizes about a year in college and you didn’t even have to load up on Starbucks and Red Bull to study for the final. And at the front desk, you see, hear and smell the living, breathing organism that is an ad agency. Every vendor, client and applicant comes through those doors and into your view. How did they act? What was their job? Were they successful in applying for a job – and why?

THAT'S ME IN _YEARS!
Watch all those people in the department you want to be in. If you see most of the Creatives with iPhones, tweeting away when you walk by, then you better at least be following them on Twitter. Watch how they work and what they do. Get your Advertising IQ up by subscribing to Ad Age, Creativity, etc. If you look hard enough, there’s a hidden library of Communication Arts annuals at E.B. Lane, so find out who the gatekeeper is. Then join advertising clubs such as Ad 2 Phoenix and read blogs done by local agencies (The Inside Lane is a good start).

ASKING QUESTIONS.
Thoughtful ones, anyway. How can I do this better? How did you figure out what you wanted to do? What’s a day in the life of someone in your position? How do you keep from eating Pei Wei every day? These questions start conversations that result in you finding out how amazing these people are. This, in turn, also leads to the most important question you’ll ask at the end of your time: “Would you write a letter of recommendation for me?”

WHO ARE YOU?
Tell people what you want to get involved in, what your passions are, what you could see yourself doing. Love all things Apple? You got more then a few friends for life at E.B. Lane. Like ninjas, pirates, and arguing the merits/detriments of wearing shoes indoors? Chances are you’ve found a home in Creative. But even if you have nothing in common or figure out you want to do something completely different after your time at E.B. Lane, let them know. Most likely, you’ll get some amazing advice while they help point you in the right direction.

Got any additional advice? Feedback? Some intern stories of success and glory? Share them below.