Environment/ Initial Impressions

I essentially had no expectations going into my internship in the Marketing Department at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital. This is mostly because I had no idea how marketing served a purpose in a research hospital that provides inpatient and outpatient care. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the office was constantly buzzing and there are a wide variety of functions the department serves.

            I caught on quickly to the dynamic of the office thanks to the welcoming Marketing team I was working with, as well at the development department that they worked side by side with. My employer, Richard Sgaglio, Ph.D., Director of Marketing and External Relations, creates a very efficient atmosphere. While there is a sense of urgency for many projects, I wouldn’t say the office suffers a sense of high anxiety or tension. Each person serves a role and covers certain territory. Richard is the one to answer to, but he does not set up a intimidating hierarchy.

            The one aspect I did anticipate correctly was the dress code. There is not much judgment in the small Marketing and Development wing, but the typical outfit could be defined by fancier business casual (kind of redundant, I know). Besides Richard, the office is only women, who usually wear dresses, skirts, or blouses with a blazer. I believe this attire speaks more to the kind of work the employees do, organizing events, external communication, and donor relations. If everyone showed up in their pajamas the level of respect from outside the office and within the two departments would be drastically lowered.

            It is easy to forget that even in a hospital there is always a business side. I would say that I was pleasantly surprised and look forward to the rest of my internship.