Job & Internship

October 2009 Internship Spotlight

Name: Clint Brocka
Major: Advertising
Company: Killian & Company in Chicago

Duties: I was surprised by how much responsibility I was given right away. Each day I was able to work on a variety of design projects including logos, e-mail templates, and Web sites. I was also able to use my photo editing and research skills. I was included in several brainstorming sessions, and I was also regularly asked for my perspective on strategic planning and branding.

Killian & Company is a smaller agency (I'm not supposed to refer to as an advertising agency because they do so much more than that), and I think that definitely helped me to work closely with everyone. I was able to do real work instead of just making coffee. I did learn how to do that too though.

Most Memorable Experience: I was given the assignment of designing stationery and business cards for a client. The creative director told me to “make them boring, but not too boring.” I made a few different business card designs to fit those criteria, but I also made one that was a little more creative. I presented my designs to the creative director and was told that the client wouldn't like my more creative design. When the client came in later that day, they chose my creative design. I was very excited that I was able to design something that helped a conservative client try something a different.

Special Contribution: A few weeks into my internship, I was told that I had already worked on more projects than any other interns in the past. This could be attributed my willingness to learn and my knowledge of the Adobe programs. I always asked if there was anything I could help work on which enabled me to get my hands on a variety of projects. I’ve stayed in contact with several of the people at Killian & Company, and I was told just yesterday how much they missed me. After hearing that, I know that I definitely made a contribution to their team.

Advice to Future Interns: I was chosen for this internship because of my personality and positive attitude. I interviewed over the phone so I made sure that my personality came through during my phone interview. I also told the interviewer how much I wanted to work for Killian & Company after reading through their website. I definitely think that having a positive attitude and doing research about the organizations where you apply are two ways to stand out from other applicants.

Whether or not you are going into creative design, I recommend you take classes that help you learn programs like Photoshop and Illustrator. Knowledge of these programs allowed me to dive right into my internship. It feels good to know that your work is floating around Chicago.

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