Today is a Sad Day

… a very sad day.
Today is my last day as an intern at AKQA Shanghai and I can assure you this is a very hard fact for me that suddenly was there. Of course I saw it coming, but since time passed by so incredibly fast, I never really stopped to think about it was coming so close.

I had a blast over here. Not only is this an agency I strongly believe in and is to be watched out for very carefully, this office and this team has welcomed me with open arms into the family and given me the opportunity to explore my own messed-up lunatic ideas. I am proud I got to contribute in bringing in new business, show what I am capable of and more importantly: do what I’ve always known of myself I wanted to do: advertising planning in the traditional meaning of what it luckily still is, even in a “digital” agency. Going from business objectives to relevant creative story-telling that has meaning. Getting paid to explore and dig into life around you. Is there any better job (except for being a rock or a porn star)?

I go back to school now for one last final semester, only to get back in 5 months where I am right now. Oh, the irony of doing (successful) internships in between your studies and before you actually graduate. It made me realize a few things I’ve already known for a long time about myself and the world – but this wonderful experience has confirmed it without any doubt: for doing what I’ve been doing here and what I’d love to continue doing, I don’t need a degree. Everything that has helped me getting from point A to point B in the projects for the past months, were things I did not learn in school. Sure, university has given me the time and the opportunity to explore other fields, arts, books and everything else that made me passing an exam with 10/20 instead of 15/20. I know my family is reading this as well, but I also know they’ve always supported me on this one – thank you so much.

I will miss this place. I will miss feeling like an appreciated employee that contributes to something bigger and better, rather than feeling like a tool of an education system again. I rather spend the rest of my days saying I’m “the f*cking intern” than saying I’m a student. The next 5 months will be hard for me – tremendously hard. I feel obligated towards my family that has been investing in my education for the past 5 years (!!) already and probably also towards myself: once you start something, you finish it. I am determined to bring this to a good end, but I already know lots of sweat, swearing and stress will come along the way.

A big thanks goes out to my boss Gavin who did not only approved for having me over without knowing how I would drag him into breakcore music, hangover days, email spamming and lots of swearing; but also for creating this freedom and environment for me here where I hang out with my own thoughts and ideas and developed my thinking towards liberating clients and businesses. Also, for giving me many responsibilities I hope I didn’t screw up. Thank you so much man.

The biggest thing that keeps me positive today is the fact I know this story has not come to an end yet. This story is to be continued.

AKQA Shanghai, thank you so much for the opportunity, the experience, and the free Heineken.