Interns: How to be the smartest in the room Pt. 1

Starting an internship? Besides making a good impression with your skills, earn some bonus points by showing off some intellect, too. Here's some recommended summer reading that may help you impress the boss and ultimately decide if you want a career in this business.

Confessions of an Advertising Man by David Ogilvy was required reading during my first internship. It should be for every future marketing professional. It's a fast read. It's a classic. And it stands the test of time.

Learn the basics of building an ad business:

• Choose your clients carefully; build long-term relationships

• Relationships are built by being an asset clients can't do without

• Inspire loyalty and excellence in your staff by leading by example

And learn the basics of creating good creative:

• Selling sells more over entertainment

• Facts get attention – use research to your advantage

• Test everything

Start with the basics. Get to know this short story. Knowing a little Ogilvy goes a long way.