Intern Profile: Phil Reinhardt

Today Intern Memo profiles Phil Reinhardt, a young alcohol manufacturer who fully understands the value of an internship. Like alcohol itself, Phil turned some sour grapes into a vineyard of professional opportunity. For those of you who've seen Cocktail, he's a lot like Tom Cruise's character without the mixologist acumen.

Nevertheless, rising juniors and other people with a keen eye for parody might find Phil's story particularly interesting. After all, this guy got his job by going to the CEO of a major company's house at midnight to discuss career opportunities!?! Phil never made it as a wise man; he probably couldn't cut it as a poor man stealing, but there's a chance he's been to the bottom of every bottle. . .

Intern Phil: When I give advice. I always refer to my scenario...I didn't just get lucky, but I sure do feel lucky. I work for the corporate office of the largest alcohol manufacturer in the world. A company that does NOT hire out of College...they want Masters, they want experience. I have no Masters and little experience...I got a job. Here's my story...

I went to University of Maryland, College Park. A great public school but no Ivy...no "private" profile. Its close to DC and has to compete, intern wise, with GW, Hopkins, GTown, VTech, Catholic, and American. All GREAT schools, all close to DC...all competing for the good internships.

I tell everyone, do well in your classes but do all you can in your internship. It IS the golden ticket. Not just the knowledge, but more importantly...the networking!

I met a friend who got me a job doing alcohol promotions in bars. Cheap gig, good pay, late but little hours...but the PERFECT social setting. While working another job, I met a guy who knew a guy...who happened to be CEO/President of DC's premier PR firm. I befriended him, told him I was looking hard for an internship. He told me his connection and said he'd see what he could do.

The new friend got in touch with the CEO who emailed him back and said, sorry no positions available. I emailed back saying "No problem! BUT...may I steal some of your time and pick your brain on how I can get an internship elsewhere?!" He was more than happy to share his knowledge. Who wouldn't be?

I kept in touch with the CEO, scheduled a time to meet. A week later, CEO emails me and says, "Hey! We just had a staffer up and quit...I need someone and your name first came to mind." He asked when we could meet. He was going out of town next day for a week and when he returned I was leaving for 2 weeks. He said, well I am available tonight at midnight at my home while I pack for the trip...its either now or 3 weeks, your call. I said, tonight it is! I met him on a Wednesday at 12am.

Months later, CEO told me at that moment...I was already hired. I worked for a year part time, staying on past my internship. Graduation came and I needed a job. I had been working for a few clients at the firm. One being the world's largest alcohol manufacturer. I asked CEO if he could put a word in for me. The company does not hire out of college and requires 3-5 years experience for entry level. Because of my internship and word of mouth, I was hired straight out of college and moved to New England.

And that's how you pull an alcohol manufacturing job out of thin air.

Certainly not everyone will have the bravado of Phil and even if you're not looking to get into the alcohol manufacturing industry, there's much to be learned from this small town hustler . In the working world, all you need (among other things) is a bit of opportunism and some moxie. As they say, "in vino very-chach" . . .or something like that.

The Editorial Board

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The purpose of this article is to both provide information and facilitate general dialogue about various employment-related topics. No legal advice is being given and no attorney-client relationship created. Please see the disclaimer for further limitations and conditions.