- Graduation Year: May 2014
- Major: Advertising
- Minor: Sociology
- Hometown: Crete, Illinois
- Hobbies: Dancing, Dancing, and Dancing!
Campus Activities
- Webmaster & CBSU representative for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
- Administrative Assistant in Hopkins Hall
- President of House Arrest 2 Championship Dance Team
- C.O.R.E Mentor
Internship| Outside Sales and Marketing Internship at University Directories
What were your duties?
For 10 weeks, I focused on making personal relationships with every business in my designated territory. I established leads and met potential clients every day. My main duty was to discuss the needs of each business, and develop marketing plans for all of them. University Directories’ marketing tools are the campus planners, directories, and Around Campus – a website and mobile application. This 4-way marketing mix was guaranteed to bring in more customers and raise awareness for each business that advertised with them.
What did you most enjoy about your internship?
That’s hard to say, because I loved it all, but the signing of contracts had to have been the most enjoyable part. Whenever I was working extremely hard to communicate my products to a business and they said, “Okay, let’s do it,” that was an instant smile on my face! It gave me a feeling of completion and success.
What was the most difficult aspect of the internship?
The most difficult aspect of this internship was hearing the famous, “I’m not interested.” This created a feeling of defeat because businesses did not understand the great marketing tools that I was offering to them, and there was nothing more heartbreaking than when a great lead turned into a “no.”
How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your internship?
Being an Advertising major in the College of Media prepared me to be very persuasive and creative with all of my words. I have been enrolled in many Advertising courses that indeed enhanced my communication abilities.
How has your internship prepared you for a career?
This internship has prepared me for a career in Marketing/Sales because I received that hands-on experience. I know how to interact with different companies and break through different barriers to uncover needs, and provide a successful marketing plan. This internship provided me with many different obstacles that I may run across in any sales position.
What recommendations do you have for other students about doing an internship?
I have one recommendation… do NOT waste your time doing an internship that you cannot see yourself doing as a career. Internships are meant to enhance your skills, so find one in your potential field. Do not wait until your senior year to scope out internships either. Get a head start!