My Experience as a Balata Intern

First-Day Nerves

When I pulled into the parking garage under Lifetime for my first day at the Buckhead office, I was nervous. Like really nervous. I didn’t know what to expect, and I wasn’t sure if I was prepared enough. A 9-to-5 internship in the IT world? It felt unreal… and honestly, kind of like a dream.

My Background at Ole Miss

As an Integrated Marketing and Communications major at Ole Miss (Hotty Toddy!), I’ve learned a little bit of everything- graphic design, advertising, web design, journalism, and how to really understand an audience. My specialization is visual design, so I’m always drawn to anything creative in the marketing world.

Staying Busy on Campus

On campus, I like to stay busy. I’m on the creative staff for a fashion magazine in Oxford, handle marketing for a campus ministry, and serve as Chi Omega’s New Member Educator. That means I am planning Bid Day for over 750 people and mentored our incoming freshman class. Stressful and busy? Maybe. Worth it? Definitely. I want to be the person I wish I’d had to lean on when I was in a completely new environment.

All of that experience has helped prepare me in so many ways, but my internship at Balata was on a whole new level. It made me more independent, grew both my marketing and tech skills, and pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way.

What I Worked On

Here’s a peek at what I worked on:

• Posted to LinkedIn every weekday to grow Balata’s digital presence
• Maintained the website and published blog content from other team members
• Edited videos and launched our “Where in the World is Balata?” series to spotlight remote staff
• Helped plan a Braves networking event where we hosted over 30 customers in a suite
• Designed graphics in Canva that were both fun and informative (yes, it can be both!)

Lessons Learned

One of the biggest things I learned? When you're uncomfortable or doubting yourself, that’s usually where the growth happens. I came in not knowing much about IT or data centers. I’m leaving with so much more confidence, knowledge, and a better understanding of what it’s like to work in this industry.

Balata truly was the highlight of my summer. I'm so thankful to Olivia Peets for seeing something in me and giving me this opportunity. I’ve gained experience, new skills, and honestly… some of the kindest people I’ve ever met.

Gratitude and Takeaways

So, if you're ever unsure about stepping into something new: go for it. You never know where it’ll lead. For me, it led to incredible mentors, a stronger sense of purpose, and friendships I’ll carry with me long after this summer.