Every opportunity is a chance to grow, learn new skills, and connect with people. My experience as an Operations Intern under Jake Budler at Tomorrow Bookstore was exactly that. From the moment I first walked into the welcoming store on Mass Ave in Indianapolis, I felt a rush of possibility and a true sense of belonging. The incredible staff helped me hit the ground running, and each task I took on left a lasting impact.
Supporting the daily operations of the bookstore gave me a new perspective on what it takes to run a small business. The knowledge I gained was invaluable there was never a dull moment. Whether it was conducting inventory checks, restocking supplies, or working on social media marketing, I was constantly learning.
And beyond the day-to-day tasks, I had the chance to help plan and execute events ranging from pop-up shops and book clubs to live performances, each of which brought in unique audiences and offered a different kind of challenge. There were plenty of unique and exciting events happening every week at the store and I always looked forward to going to them, not only for the behind-the-scenes work, but also just for how much of a blast they were. It also taught me the creative ways that can help get people to engage with a business, even if it is outside of just books.
Most importantly, this internship gave me the opportunity to meet and work alongside wonderful people. I am especially grateful to Jake and Julia for trusting me to contribute to their wonderful store. Thank you to my manager Bee for making me feel welcome from day one, and to Ratina and Grace for their constant support during events and projects.
The experience also allowed me to build on my strengths while addressing areas I wanted to improve. I was able to pursue work I was passionate about while also pushing myself out of my comfort zone especially in communication and event planning. Overall, this was not only a fun and rewarding opportunity but also a deeply meaningful one. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone considering it.
