Lauren Berger, The Intern Queen

What do Oprah, Mindy Kaling, and Steve Jobs have in common? They all started off as interns.

Meet Lauren Berger,  the female disruptor behind the Intern Queen brand which has been helping students around the world find the internships of their dreams. Dubbed the Intern Queen after completing an astounding 15 internships during her time in college,  she has made it her life’s mission to help students on their career path to success. It all starts with an internship.

Here’s the scoop:

CEO, Intern Queen + Career Queen, Entrepreneur

Home Base?

Los Angeles, California

Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

I had 15 internships in college – these inspired me to help other students connect with real-world experiences.

When did the entrepreneur light bulb go off?

Senior year of college…..wait…I can do this myself? Full time?

What advice would you give other women wanting to start a biz?

Yes, you want to be passionate but unless you have a huge trust fund (which I did not) you also need to be realistic and have a plan. How will you make money and how will you keep the lights on?

How do you bring goodness to the world?

I jump up and down and sing and dance about the power of internships and career-related opportunities!

None of us can achieve success without some adversity along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I’m grateful for my own resilience. Some days are great. Some days aren’t so great. But if you can learn to let go of the bad and embrace the good – you’ll be okay!

What are your “5 Leadership Lessons I Learned From My Experience” and why?

1. You are never above the work. I’m the CEO that sits on the floor and stuff gift bags (if needed). Do it all and never be “above it”
2. You don’t need to hire people that are essentially, you. Hire people that have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. What are your weaknesses? Hire people who have those same skills but as strengths.
3. Focused meetings and calls are key. Try not to be the leader who is in meetings and texting or emailing at the same time. If I’m in a meeting my goal is to be 100% focused on that conversation.
4. Go with your gut. Have a gut feeling that something is wrong? You are probably right. Trust your gut and dig into the issue.
5. Don’t let small problems slide away, they will build up. Press the stop button, have a phone conversation, figure it out, implement a new (written) policy, and then move on.

Bonus: Vacation makes me a better leader. Not being afraid (or ashamed) to take time off is key.

Favorite “Life Lesson Quote”

You miss 100% of the chances you don’t take.

I have to remind myself daily that the best thing I can do is ask and the worst thing they can do is say no.

Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why?

Today it’s Arielle Charnas .. I want to know how she gets it all done.

Secret talent?

Tap dancing

Zodiac sign?

Aries

Currently reading?

Nothing, but I’ve had the Michelle Obama book next to my bed for months

Where will social media in five years

Hopefully gone – let’s do something else – ha!

Favorite drink order?

Dr. Brown’s diet cream soda or a dirty martini – extra dirty

Favorite Instagram Account?

Probably a bachelor fan account – ha!

Must-Have Technology?

Today it’s the Microsoft surface laptop (not sponsored) and my iPhone

Favorite Way to Decompress?

Take a walk, take a nap, watch TV

Twitter handle?

@internqueen

Women You Admire?

I admire women who get rejected and force their way back on top

Linkedin Profile?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenberger/

What are you excited about for this year?

10 years of Intern Queen! Party time!