internship spotlight
Samantha Moriarty
Major
Advertising
Hometown
Glen Ellyn, IL
Campus Activities
President of the Public Relations Student Society of America; Member of AFF; Member of Business Council
Hobbies
Going to concerts and film festivals.
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthamoriarty
Employer
WGN-TV and Viacom Media Networks
Internship Title
Marketing and Promotions Intern, Advertising Sales Intern
What were your duties?
As a Marketing and Promotions Intern I was responsible for putting together on-air contests that coincided with their digital entry platforms. I developed reader copies for news anchors and graphic requests for graphic designers. For red carpet events I communicated with production companies such as Warner Brothers in order to finalize the contest rules. As an Advertising Sales Intern I was exposed to FreeWheel, responsible for capturing advertising campaigns’ Proof of Performance, and creating PowerPoint presentations with the digital content for clients’ records.
What did you most enjoy about your internship?
I enjoyed learning something new every single day, I loved the people I worked with, and I appreciated feeling like part of the team.
What was the most difficult aspect of the internship?
The most difficult aspect of both internships was how fast paced everything was. Sometimes I would have nothing urgent, but when I did it was supposed to be done right then. I'm thankful for that experience though because that's how the industry is.
How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your internship?
Being a student at UIUC and being part of the College of Media prepared me for my internships because I have had amazing teachers who act as my mentors. I go to my teachers for advice and they are always willing to work through things with me.
How has your internship prepared you for a career?
My internships prepared me for a career by not only giving me work that is equivalent to an entry level job, but also through showing me the different roles that exist in the companies. I was not given special treatment as an intern and I felt as though they treated me as an equal.
What recommendations do you have for other students about doing an internship?
My main recommendation is to reach out to your network. This includes your peers, teachers, and LinkedIn connections. Constantly tell people what you are passionate about. Not only will they help you realize your career path, but one of those people will know someone who will help you achieve your goals. Be that person in your group project or organization that goes above and beyond. This will help you build good habits for yourself in the working world and also show those around you that you are capable.
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