- Graduation Year: May 2014
- Major: Advertising
- Hometown: Chicago-Beverly, Illinois
- Hobbies: People Watching, Astrology, Quoting “Obscure” Movies, Playing Guitar, Snowboarding and Being a Master at Ellen Degeneres’ game “Heads Up”
Campus Activities
- Account Director for AAF’s student-run agency, OTH (AAF Executive Board)
- Active Mentor in the AAD Mentor/Mentee Program.
- Member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority
- Server at the White Horse Inn
Internship | Account Services Intern at Stevens & Tate Advertising
What were your duties?
I was originally taken on as an Account Services intern, where I would assist in project management, scheduling, and any other tasks needed by the Account Executive I was shadowing. As the summer went on, the Account Director realized I had skill sets outside of project management, and was given an array of assignments. This included writing various press releases for clients, copy for client e-blasts, leading a team on two web re-designs, research and social media assignments.
What did you most enjoy about your internship?
What I enjoyed most was that although I was technically the “Account Services” intern, S&T allowed me to showcase all of my skills and get experience in all areas of advertising. It also opened my eyes to how much more flexible the roles are within a smaller sized agency, and that a small, independent agency might be the best fit for my future career.
What was the most difficult aspect of the internship?
I would have to say the fact that it was unpaid. Summers are usually the time that I make the most money working, and having 3 of my 5 days a week be spent working for no pay was pretty rough, but it was definitely worth the experience.
How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your internship?
Being so involved at U of I has helped me to develop my time management skills, which is key when it comes to an internship. Additionally, I would say that being at such a large university, U of I and the COM has taught me to be more proactive in my education in order to truly experience the benefits that the professors and the College has to offer. Proactivity was key for me in my internship. If I hadn’t made the effort to ask if I could try writing copy or designing, my boss never would have known I had interest or skill in that area. Lastly, I would say, learning to never be afraid to ask a question, but always to do your research before asking a question so you don’t sound stupid.
How has your internship prepared you for a career?
I definitely feel a step ahead of the game. I had real world experience working for an actual advertising agency. The fact that I was able to showcase all of my talents, not just my strength in Account Management, gives me something unique that I can talk about in my interviews for jobs after graduation. Most importantly, my internship helped me to better understand the work environment I want, and that it really is about the people you work with, not just the company.
What recommendations do you have for other students about doing an internship?
Apply to as many as you can! I definitely put all of my eggs in one basket (well not just one, but definitely not enough.) Look into all sorts of agencies–big, small, near, far. Don’t get caught up in just applying to big name agencies. Read AdAge and AdWeek. See what kind of cool stuff agencies are doing. If you like the work, apply for an internship there! Also, don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to internships. Look into client side, or entertainment, anything that interests you. It doesn’t have to just be at an agency. Employers, particularly advertising agencies, want to see diversity of experience and what kind of unique spin you can bring to their company. Oh! One more thing, don’t get discouraged. You’re going to get rejections. It doesn’t mean you aren’t qualified enough. Meet with your professors, ask questions about your applications and resume. They are here to help you!