Nailing The Interview

Advice From My Intern- Gianna Glover

I'm starting a new series on building a brand. This first story includes building a team, what I look for, and sometimes what just falls into my lap. I'm always open to finding people who fit with both their talent and my personality. Here’s the first part, where I asked a few of my interns to write about their experience—getting the job and keeping the job. First up, Gianna Glover, who is currently my second assistant.

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August 24, 2023—I remember it as if it were yesterday. That morning, I woke up to an email from a professor of mine with an internship application attached. The message read, “Hey, I think you’d really like this. You should definitely apply.'" I clicked on the posting and read the title: “Bobbi Brown x The George x 18 Label Social Media Internship.” The application urged me to apply ASAP. I took a moment to think it over. My senior year of college is coming up—this could be an incredible experience. But could I juggle it all? So many thoughts went through my head. It took me about 10 minutes to decide I wanted to go for it (after asking about everyone I knew if they thought I could do it). I spent about an hour putting together my cover letter, resume, and portfolio before I clicked send. Then, I waited. A few weeks later I heard back from Bobbi’s assistant at the time, inviting me to my first interview. It was on Zoom, but I still knew I had to look my best. I put on my lucky black blazer, touched up my makeup, and hopped on the call.

It wasn’t long before I secured a second interview, and after it went well, I felt even more excited. During the interview, the job position changed—Bobbi no longer had an assistant, and they asked if I would step in temporarily at the Jones Road HQ until the role was filled. I agreed without hesitation. After that, I was invited to the third and final interview, this time in person, to meet Bobbi. The interview was scheduled right after class, and I spent the entire two-hour period thinking about what I would say, not about Sports PR (sorry, Professor Green). As soon as class ended, I put on a pink blazer—professional with a bit of personality—black pants, and black boots, though I had contemplated a million outfit options. Meeting Bobbi was a dream, and the interview felt more like a conversation. When she told me she wanted me on her team, I nearly screamed. Who knew that day would change my life! 

From that point on, I spent every waking moment thinking about this internship. My life practically revolved around it. I’ll admit, I was super nervous at first.  I mean, this is Bobbi Brown we’re talking about. The pressure was real—DON’T mess up. My first day in October was unforgettable. I spent the day shadowing Bobbi, sitting in on all her meetings, and getting a real feel for the company. The behind-the-scenes stuff—from product development to marketing, and even the personal moments—was so cool. From that day forward, I committed myself to being my absolute best in everything I did. Whether it was helping other teams, handling tasks for Bobbi, or tackling any challenge that came my way. Every effort was worthwhile, and the satisfaction of giving my all made it incredibly rewarding. During my time here, I've achieved far more than I ever imagined. I’ve assisted with photoshoots, launched a Substack blog with Bobbi, managed the 18 Label Studios social media, connected with incredible people, gained valuable insights from the PR team (which is totally my thing), mastered time management, and accomplished so much more that I’m truly grateful for. It’s been an incredible learning experience, and it continues to be!

Three months into the internship, Bobbi asked, “What do you want to do when you graduate? Do you want to work here full-time?” Um… yes! I didn’t expect to start that same January while I was in my last semester of college, but I did.  I shifted my classes to after 5 p.m. so I could be in the office from 9 to 5. Was I tired? Totally. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Now, as I’m heading into almost a year with the company since starting the internship, I get to proudly call myself an Assistant to the Founder, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me. If I could pinpoint what stood out to me most, it would be these life lessons. 

Say Yes

On my first day in the office, I had a meeting with the head of HR. During this brief one-on-one, he gave me the best advice: “Say yes to everything.” So, I did. Whenever someone needed help, I said yes. Wherever there was an opportunity, I said yes. To this day, I still say yes. I’m only 22, a recent college graduate with an incredible full-time job, and what I hope is a bright future ahead. I truly believe that saying “yes” has helped me get here. 

Dress to Impress

No matter what your office dress code is, always dress to impress. Not only does it look better, but it also makes you feel better. I really think that wearing a nice outfit and looking put together makes all the difference. You know the saying: “You look good, you feel good.” When I look my best, I feel like I can do anything. Of course, you’ll have your lazy days, but remember, you never know when you might cross paths with someone important!

Fuel yourself

Even though it takes a bit more effort than I’d like, I make sure not to skip meals (at least I try). Eating breakfast, drinking water, and taking care of your body are crucial, no matter how busy you are. Fueling yourself gives you energy and helps you perform at your best. It’s hard to be fully functional when you’re tired. So, eat!

Branch out and meet new people

Sometimes, things happen when you least expect them. That’s why it’s so important to constantly branch out and meet new people. Knowing each team and the people on it is crucial. I try to regularly reach out to different teams—product development, marketing, supply chain, and others. Whether it’s just to say hi or offer help, you never know where it might lead.

A hard day is not a hard life! 

Luckily, I haven’t really had any “bad days.” However, with so much going on, there are definitely moments when I doubt myself. Am I really cut out for this? Do I deserve it? I’m sure you feel the same way sometimes. But remember, it’s just a hard day, not a hard life. Take what went wrong and use it to improve. You’re right where you belong!

Put yourself in uncomfortable positions: 

You’ll never grow as an individual if you don’t step out of your comfort zone. Did I ever think I was cut out to be Bobbi Brown’s assistant? Ha, no. But thankfully, I took the risk. Look at me now!

Be Your Biggest Fan

Really, it is as simple as that. Don’t be afraid to do something because you feel like you can’t. As long as you believe in yourself, you can succeed at anything. 

Never settle 

Even when you think you’re doing all you can, push yourself to do more! There’s always something that can make you better. Learn from others and don’t settle for just being “good.” Strive to be great! Many people on the JRB team have told me that they started as interns and eventually landed various roles in the office. It’s amazing to see where an internship can take you.

At the end of the day, there’s a reason you were chosen for your position. Be yourself and always aim to be better. If you have a goal, do whatever it takes to achieve it. Trust yourself and your team. I’m incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to work full-time for Bobbi and Jones Road, and I’m certain this experience has shaped me and set me on a promising path. But without a little push and self-confidence, I wouldn’t have come this far. So, my advice to anyone looking for an internship: treat it like a full-time job. You never know where it might lead.