My Whirlwind Week with Janis
Margaret Quigley
My first few days in New York City were an absolute whirlwind of frenzied activity, exploration of my new neighborhood, and adjustment to a much different pace than what I was used to. I live on a small farm in Pennsylvania, so Manhattan is definitely a change. But no crash-course in fast-paced city life could ever have prepared me for Janis Spindel.
Sitting next to Janis and my fellow interns, soon to be best friends, I had no idea what to expect. She analyzed our strengths, asked what we hoped to get out of our experience, and debriefed us on her upcoming projects.
I like to be kept busy. I thrive off of a packed schedule. But very few girls my age have the energy that Janis has. With a full social calendar, planned months in advance, Janis knows more about clubs, hot spots, and hot guys than any young socialite in the city. I knew immediately that this internship would benefit me in so many ways: socially, mentally, and emotionally.
As an aspiring dating columnist, Janis’s expertise on all things romantic inspired me beyond words. I attended a “Dating Destination” party – one of Janis’s hallmark soirees – and I was riveted by her ability to effortlessly glide through the party, introducing and experimenting with different matches.
Furthermore, I sat in on one of Janis’s lectures at the 92nd St. Y. A fixture for years, Janis is known for her charismatic speaking skills. Women literally followed her out the door, clamoring for five seconds face-time with the dating expert. She’s just that powerful.
Janis is the real deal, and my experience so far has been positively eye opening. I can’t wait to learn more from America’s #1 Matchmaker.
Getting a Taste of Janis’ World
By Alexis Sadoti
When I started my internship with Janis, I had no idea what was in store for me. As I sat around the table the first day with my fellow interns, I just assumed that this would be your typical internship revolving around long days in an office…boy was I wrong. The other night Janis told us to get dressed up because we were heading out for a night on the town. The night started off by her whisking us off to a swanky rooftop bar where the men were 11’s on a scale of 1-10. Watching her in action was an unreal experience. Her confidence level is amazing; she can walk right up to a guy and in an instant she captivates him. Every guy that she spoke to was put under her spell and I found the whole experience fascinating.
When she felt she had exhausted our first destination she ushered us all into a cab and we headed to a popular bar downtown. As we worked the room with Janis, I noticed that once again every time she spoke to a man he was intrigued by her… and us by association. I have never seen a woman with so much charisma and I just hope that her level of self-assurance will rub off on me by the end of my time here. I ended up leaving the venue a little bit after midnight and when I found Janis to say goodbye I found her holding court surrounded by gorgeous men. If that is just one night with the famous matchmaker herself, I can’t even imagine what the rest of the summer holds in store, and I can’t wait to find out.
Internship of a Lifetime
By Veronica Maccia
When I first saw “PR/Event Planning Intern for Matchmaker” on Craig’s List, I laughed and said to my friend sitting at the computer next to me, what does that even mean? What would I even do for a matchmaker? She looked me straight in the eye and said, “Send your resume and cover letter because I bet you this is the internship you’re going to get.”
Low and behold she was absolutely right; Ashley had emailed me less than an hour letter asking for a Skype interview. Here I am 4 months later, sitting in Janis’s office, experiencing what she describes as the “Internship of a Lifetime,” and that is exactly what this internship is. In just 2 weeks, I have learned and experienced more than I could have ever imagined. I’ve gone to events, written blogs and articles, and helped Janis pick up new clients.
Watching Janis in action is one of the most entertaining and shocking things I have ever witnessed. She exudes so much confidence and always gets exactly who and what she wants. Coming out of a long relationship, watching her has helped me build up my confidence and learn how to put myself back out there.
I can only imagine what is in store for the rest of the summer with this upbeat and blunt woman, but I am so excited. It’s not often that you get to talk to your boss about guys and sex.
Summer Learning
by Traci Baydala
I have been interning with Janis and Ashley since March and can describe this opportunity with one word; exciting. Being in the PR industry is something I have been intrigued by since my freshman year of college. Working here has given me the chance to get my hands dirty in the fast pace event and PR industry. Between all of the events we coordinate and keeping up with our social media, there is always something to do and learn from.
Since joining the team, I have learned how to write up a strong press release, deliver pitch ideas for events we want to hold and manage multiple social media accounts. These are all lessons that I will benefit and carry on to my future endeavors. I am looking forward to this summer and all of the great opportunities I will grow from.
Another aspect of this internship that I thoroughly enjoy is the ability to express my creativity. Any idea or opinion I have about one of the many projects we take on, I am able to actually be a part of the idea and give my thoughts. To me, this is one of the most important characteristics of an internship opportunity. I do not want to be just another face of a company; with Janis and Ashley I have a voice and a great learning opportunity.
Janis Spindel in Action
by Niqui Wigley
There is a stark contrast between what goes on in Janis Spindel’s office and what happens when she’s out in her element. My first week working for Janis was a whirlwind of activity. Everyday, from the moment I would walk in to her office until the second I would leave, us interns were always on our toes, whether it be answering phones or hammering out blogs rendered from Janis’ books.
Despite all the hustle and bustle, the office is akin to a well-oiled machine. No matter how chaotic everything may seem by the end of the day, all our tasks are achieved. As amazing as that always seems, nothing compares to watching Janis “pick up” potential clients. As a person that has never had issues striking up a conversation with random people, Janis takes it to a whole other element. Janis will see her target and approach with unparalleled confidence.
Not only is it fun watching Janis make her move, but its even better to see her target’s face as she walks away. As if struck by lightning, they seem unsure about what just hit them. There is a mixture of shock and awe on their faces with a hint of curiosity as they examine the only evidence of what just happened: Janis’ business card in their hand. Watching that sequence of events will never get tiring and I’m so glad that I have the opportunity to witness it over and over again for the rest of the summer.