In one summer, advertising senior Cassandra Jones learned the importance of balance, working with a team in a professional setting, asking questions and the power of a simple thank you.
Jones interned with IPG Mediabrands in Birmingham, Michigan, as a diversified portfolio management intern.
So, what exactly does a diversified portfolio management intern do?
“I was the link between our clients and people that wanted us to advertise with them,” Jones said. “I also got to work on a campaign for Google from the ground up; everything from budget to creative ideas. We got to pitch it to Google at the end of the summer which was an amazing experience.”
Other aspects of her summer internship included helping clients and advertisers establish the creative avenues that were best for them and what they could afford.
“At my internship, I really learned how to balance a 40-hour work week and the rest of my life,” Jones said. “I learned to not be afraid of asking questions when I didn’t understand something.”
One thing Jones really liked about IPG is that everyone was very family-oriented, warm and willing to help, no matter what department they were in.
Jones stressed the importance of sending a personal thank you card and how she believes this made her stand out before she obtained the internship with IPG.
“Always say thank you!” Jones said. “I think that really stood out to them.”
Once obtaining an internship, Jones’ advice is to go above and beyond what your employer is asking of you. She also added that you shouldn’t be afraid of rejection. Sometimes it takes applying for several internships or jobs before you find the right fit for you.
“I worked really hard and ended up with a job offer at the end of the summer and other students who had graduated, were offered jobs too,” Jones said.
Beyond the internship
Jones really enjoyed her experience and likes the idea that public relations and advertising can mold people’s perceptions. However, she is also interested in event planning and doing public relations for a professional sports team.
“I was pretty much the event planner for all of my friends throughout high school,” Jones said. “And so I thought, what could I do for the rest of my life that I loved so much that I wouldn’t care if I got paid? Event planning came to mind.”
Her love of sports came from playing them growing up and being in the Spartan Marching Band for four years.
“Even if I am not playing sports, I still want to be around the atmosphere,” Jones said. “It’s great to be around that dedication and drive.”
ComArtSci connections
Jones recommends that other students attend the ComArtSci Connect Career Fair in the spring for internships, full time positions and also to network with companies and agencies. She added that she obtained her internship with IPG after speaking with them at the career fair.
She is currently working as the student communications assistant for culinary at MSU and attributes her success to the experience she has attained through the help of ComArtSci and the career services office.
By Meg Dedyne
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