“Yeah, I’ll do it.” If you asked the people I worked with at Forge Buffalo and 43North, they’d probably tell you it was my catchphrase. Yes, they’ve heard it that many times. My catchphrase made my life and internship a lot of fun and interesting. My name is Honoré Clark, and this is my experience as a Forge Buffalo Marketing Intern.  

Some might call me a startup intern expert. I’ve worked for Forge Buffalo, LenderLogix, and Grit Seed. I have done a lot, learned a lot, met many great people, and gained valuable experiences that have changed how I think about business and life. Most importantly, I learned that startup life is for me. 

Honoré Clark, Forge Buffalo Intern

Some might call me a startup intern expert. I’ve worked for Forge Buffalo, LenderLogix, and Grit Seed. I have done a lot, learned a lot, met many great people, and gained valuable experiences that have changed how I think about business and life. Like what, you ask? Most importantly, I learned that startup life is for me. 

During my time at Forge Buffalo, I was responsible for helping launch its TikTok account. This meant researching trends, learning how to adapt Forge Buffalo’s voice to the channel, developing a content calendar, creating and posting the content. All while also assisting with its other social media channels like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

My most important task was maintaining Forge Buffalo’s Job Board. If candidates land on a job board filled with out-of-date jobs, they’re not going to come back. In addition to making sure the jobs are accurate and up to date, I helped research optimal ways of conducting other marketing functions such as ads, social influencers we could connect with and events we could sponsor or attend.

As a part of 43North, Forge Buffalo works closely with 43North portfolio companies, giving me great opportunities to connect with the founders and employees from 43North’s Y7 cohort at networking events, fireside chats and even have one-on-one meetings in the offices. I also connected with Forge Buffalo’s partners in building a better Buffalo like Viaduct, TechBuffalo, M&T Tech and Be In Buffalo. And working out of the growing tech hub that is Seneca One Tower also allowed me to meet leaders and employees from companies in the building. 

I even joined the team on a day trip to my hometown of Rochester, NY. We connected with NextCorps, Luminate and visited Innovation Square to learn about what they’re doing to build Rochester’s tech and startup community and how they can collaborate with Forge Buffalo and 43North to help grow the city and strengthen our region.

Everything I learned gave me the confidence to know that I have the tools to succeed in the startup or a corporate world, but the most important lesson I learned is exactly why I know startup life is for me. I’m ready for the unexpected, excited to wear multiple hats and know that I can adjust to unexpected opportunities and tasks; hence my catchphrase – “Yeah, I’ll do it.” 

Honoré Clark, Forge Buffalo Intern
Speaking of advice, as Forge Buffalo’s startup internship expert, there are a couple of pieces of advice I want to give anyone looking for an internship:
  1. Look for an internship in an industry/field that interest you (i.e., if you want to be an accountant, try to get an accounting internship.)
  2. Choose an internship that allows you to learn more than just the position. 
  3. Build connections and relationships with the other employees at an internship because they can become a friend or even a mentor. 
  4. Break out of your shell, experience something new and don’t be afraid to ask questions. 

For an internship, it’s all about how you approach it and your attitude towards it. Think of it as an opportunity to learn more about the company, an industry, job, culture, or skills needed to be successful, then use it to improve or determine if it’s something you want to do. It’s okay if you need to find something different. Keep a positive attitude and know that there is always something new to learn and people to meet. And don’t forget to check the Forge Buffalo job board for the latest opportunities or sign up for The Drop and get them delivered right to your inbox every Thursday at 11 am!