Five months ago, I was ending my internship at Weber Shandwick in the Digital Video department and beginning my journey with AKA MEDIA INC. My time at Weber was a great experience characterized by learning about the industry, growing in my video editing and graphic design skills, and being busier than I ever had before. But as new horizons provide new beginnings, I looked ahead to my employment at AKA and fitting in with a new work environment.
When I was hired in September, I was nervous at the opportunity to start with a smaller company. I was unsure how I would be perceived, if my work would be up to snuff, or if my sense of humor and sarcasm would be taken as offensive. Alas, I can say that I was welcomed into the AKA family with open arms – either that, or they are REALLY good at pretending.
While there have been many good memories made already, the highlight has easily been the Christmas party at Pinstripes in Northbrook, IL. Seeing all of my co-workers conversing, eating, and playing games showed me how long the relationships within AKA have existed and how much fun they have with one another. After that night, I accrued the itch for more events such as these and how necessary they are to the professional environment.
Being the kind of person who would rather relax in sweatpants and watch a movie – and coincidentally a video editor who does essentially the same thing – I am usually tucked away from society in my own bubble. Much of my life is spent staring at computer screens, editing and re-editing, and rendering away. I have to imagine the same can be said for a number of people in the creative industry. We can be enveloped by our projects and the day-to-day, so it’s important to break out and maintain our interpersonal relationships. Monthly events could give opportunities where we get together, enjoy each others company, and create some new memories.
I challenge you to leave your office desk for a moment and get to know the people in your work community. Organize a meet up, lunch, or other function. I know we will be doing so here at AKA. And now I will exit from my World Wide Web soapbox to return to my video-editing bubble. Au revoir, society!
