Exactly one week ago, I began the internship of my life. I was hired as an intern for Ziba Design – a product/experience/place/everything design firm in Portland. The funny thing about design firms, especially Ziba, is that despite the incredibly innovative and amazing work that is done, no one knows they even exist. And they shouldn’t.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I’m sure almost everyone has heard of a company named Nike. Further, those with the slightest curiosity about the incredible advertising of Nike are aware of Wieden + Kennedy. W+K is one of the largest and most influential creative shops in Portland and its reputation extends internationally. The work of W+K is what inspired me to work towards a career in a creative consultancy.

And thats how I ended up at Ziba. Well, sort of.

Longer than I’ve loved advertising, I’ve been obsessed with gadgets and technology. It just so happens that Ziba has a Digital Lifestyle group that is responsible for bringing some of the most innovative gadgets and technology-ridden products to market. It also just so happens that I have ended up smack dab in the middle of this incredible group in this amazing company. In just a week, I have learned more than an entire term in a ‘marketing’ class at school.

With my tickets for my September Europe trip purchased, an incredible internship just getting rolling, and wakeboarding every weekend – I’m gearing up to have one of the best summers of my life!