As my marketing and events internship at Kite Hill PR came to a close, I began reflecting on everything I learned throughout the semester. Since it was my first internship, I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of workload, duties, or office atmosphere. Some of my friends had interned at large companies where their only job was to do the work that their boss didn’t want to do, and others were forced to stay late into the evenings because they weren’t allowed to leave until their boss left.
After hearing these horror stories, I was anxious to start an internship; however, the second I walked into the Kite Hill office, all of my nerves were put to ease with the open and inviting atmosphere, not to mention the great decorations and teal blue accents.
I learned on my very first day that I was going to be doing work that was meaningful and important in the grand scheme of things, and also that I was going to be an important part of the team. My mentor and Kite Hill’s Event Manager, Margot Sikorski, took me out to lunch that first day which was a great way to get to know her in a more casual setting.
Because I had applied for the marketing events internship, I knew I would be involved in Communications Week, which was founded by Tiffany Guarnaccia, Founder and CEO of Kite Hill. However, what I didn’t anticipate was doing work that was pretty crucial in the production of the week’s events. Being able to see Communications Week come to life and knowing I played a role in the outcome of it was a really valuable experience.
Through drafting emails and posts for social, I learned a lot about what goes into marketing and event planning, as well as the importance of maintaining a scheduled stream. In addition to the work I did, another part of the internship that I was able to learn a lot from was sitting in on meetings and phone calls. Gaining first-hand experience and understanding business communications through participation is something that I don’t think I would have gotten at a larger company.
I spent much of the semester working alongside the Communications Week team, but I was also able to help out on the PR side of the business. Through this, I learned about the importance of research and keeping up to date on current events and conversations.
One of the most valuable parts of this experience was being able to work directly with all of the members of the Kite Hill team, including Tiffany. I always felt welcome and included and never felt like I was “just an intern.” Each member of the Kite Hill team is valued and appreciated, and it is extremely evident in the way that the team members interact with one another.
I was encouraged to learn, ask questions, and challenge myself throughout the semester and that is all thanks to the incredible Kite Hill team, and my mentor, Margot. I have grown in the sense that I have learned a lot about marketing, but I have also grown as a person and communicator.
I am excited to see where the great things I have learned will take me in the future, but I will certainly miss the Kite Hill team!
- Hannah Crehan, Fordham University