- Graduation Year: May 2014
- Major: Advertising
- Minor: Business; Environmental Fellows Program
- Hometown: Arlington Heights
Current Campus Activities
- Phi Chi Theta Professional Business Fraternity
- Enactus
- Illinois Leadership Center
- Concert Band
Past Campus Activities
- National Student Advertising Competition
- Illini Media: Buzz Magazine
Internship | Digital Media Intern at DraftFCB, New York
Duties
Over this past summer, I was a Digital Media intern for the DraftFCB Healthcare Media team. In this role, I was able to learn more about media planning and buying for Merck brand products targeted towards Health Care Professionals. More specifically, I analyzed monthly competitive reports, implemented digital media plans and wrote a weekly newsletter about relevant events, which was sent out to the whole media team. It was a great experience!
What did you most enjoy about your internship?
Besides my daily tasks, I extremely enjoyed that I was also exposed to many departments at DraftFCB in our anticipated Lunch and Learns (which always included very tasty food). Through these meetings with Account Management, New Business, Broadcast, etc. and even just run-ins on the elevator, one of the main themes that I discovered that tied all of the departments together was the people. Every single person I talked to was welcoming and would not hesitate to discuss their personal stories with me. After the creation of the intern “superhero” website to introduce ourselves to the agency, one employee made a point to hunt down my desk and reach out to tell me he was a previous University of Illinois alum and we discussed his journey to DraftfFCB. It also isn’t everywhere that the Chief Creative Officer is willing to take time out of his very busy day to sit down and give suggestions for the intern project. I enjoyed the quirky environment, which was nothing short of typical agency life, which included things such as a mannequin dressed in a steak costume, long nights finalizing work, and Cannes Lion award winning commercials being played on TV screens throughout the halls.
What was the most difficult aspect of the internship?
At first, the most difficult aspect of my internship was navigating my way through New York City. Though this was my first agency experience as well as first time to New York City, I quickly became acclimated and adjusted to agency life. From navigating the crowded subway to grabbing coffee at the infamous coffee bar, I found myself looking forward to waking up every morning and becoming part of the DraftFCB team and greater Interpublic Group family.
How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your internship?
My experience, classes and activities associated with the Advertising Department and College of Media definitely helped prepare me for my internship. For example, I had participated in a resume and cover letter critique as well as a mock interview to prepare for the internship interview process. I also have held several leadership roles, which was a great experience to bring with me to the internship. Lastly, the College of Media also has many distinguished alumni, which are always willing to give advice and become part of your network.
How has your internship prepared you for a career?
One of the ways that my internship prepared me for a career was the 9-week intern project where we worked in small groups to research, strategize and create a disease state awareness campaign for Hepatitis C. This was a unique opportunity because we utilized each of our group member’s talents to present a multi-channel activation plan and creative campaign. Finally, we were able to present a 30-minute pitch to senior level agency management who were all extremely willing to give feedback, which was very rewarding. Overall, I had an extremely educational experience and memorable summer interning at DraftFCB Healthcare in New York! Returning back to the University of Illinois, I am currently a campus ambassador where I will continue to make other students aware of the talented people and opportunities available at DraftFCB.
What recommendations do you have for other students about doing an internship?
Don’t be afraid to travel or live somewhere new for your internship! 10 weeks over the summer is the perfect amount of time to get out of your comfort zone. Also, when it comes to applying and interviewing for your dream internship, make sure to research the company and reflect on any of your previous experiences which would help you at the company!