P Says: C! It's been impossible to reach you ever since you started interning for Corporate America this term. What's it like working in the real world? Do you feel more independent, knowledgeable, capable, responsible? I'm so curious. Fill me in!
C Says: Well, P, it's very complex. In some ways I feel a lot more responsible and mature, but in other ways, I miss being in the Dartmouth environment that I have grown accustomed to.
P Says: What do you mean, C?
C Says: Well, let me give you an example. Pretend that it's a Wednesday night, and you have a huge exam in your 10A, a paper due in your 2A and a quiz in your 9 on Friday. What would you do?
P Says: I'd go play a few games of ship.
C Says: Of course you would, P.
P Says: Well actually, C, I take that back. It all depends on the specifics of my work load. You categorize me too easily. I'm much more complicated than that. See, if my exam were an in-class essay that required me to utilize my creative side, as opposed to a straight-forward multiple choice test, then of course I would change that "few" games to only a couple. And instead of ship, I might play 2-cup. And ...
C Says: Whatever, P, I get the point. But my point is that in the working world, your options aren't as numerous. If I have to be at work extra early to give a presentation or finish up a project, then I am in bed by 11 the night before so I can wake up bright and early and be on the ball. If I'm late in the morning or I don't finish typing a report, the consequences are much more severe than missing a class or getting a bad grade. I could be fired.
P Says: C, I never thought of that. No pong ... that must be rough. And getting fired would be so devastating, not to mention looking really bad on your resume. At least at school, if I do happen to miss a class or an exam, I can blitz the professor and try to make it up in some way.
C Says: Ahh, yes. And blitzing. You're in for a shock P because, get this, in the real world, people actually talk. You know, like face to face. It's quite a new phenomenon, huh?
P Says: So let me see if I understand this whole no blitzing thing. For example, if you wanted to ask the person who sits in the cubicle next to yours a question you can't blitz him?
C Says: That's right, P. You're quick. In the office you actually have to lean over and ask your neighbor a question all by yourself. It works pretty well. I've become quite the talker since I started working. Actually, I've been talking a lot to this one guy who sits two cubicles over from me. He's another intern, and we get along really well. I think I might ask him to do something this weekend.
P Says: You mean, romance is actually possible without blitzmail, C?
C Says: Yes P, it's very possible. Just because it doesn't originate in your in-box doesn't mean it can't work out. In some ways romance in the workplace is very similar to romance at Dartmouth. Let me give you another example. When you think someone is cute at school, what do you do first?
P Says: I don't know -- find out if he has a girlfriend?
C Says: Right, P. Well, you do the same at work. If there's no ring on that finger, you're good to go. And then what do you do, assuming the guy you like is single?
P Says: Blitz him and ask him to lunch?
C Says: That's exactly what you can't do in the working world. Think about it, P. Blitzmail isn't as accessible in the office as it is at Dartmouth. People don't check their e-mail 20 times a day. Like I said before, if you want to ask someone out, you have to muster up that courage, step out of your safe cubicle into the foreboding hallways of the office, march right over to your love interest's cubicle, peek your head over the divider and say with utter confidence and conviction, "Can you turn on your e-mail for a second?"
P Says: And then what do you do?
C Says: You run right back to your cubicle and blitz him. Come on P, get with the program.
P Says: Right, C. Thanks for all the helpful hints about working. I'm sure they'll come in handy when I start my internship next term.
C Says: You're welcome, P. After all, we're a team. My success is your success.
