Have you ever accounted for every 15 minutes of your life?
Until I arrived at Liggett-Stashower, I hadn’t. I have worked at my school’s student-run agency and have interned at a large corporation, but nothing was quite like the first week here. There were job numbers for everything, and employees keep track of their days by recording every 15 minutes’ worth of work. That’s the process they use to bill clients.
With this system in mind, it’s hard to describe a “typical day.” Each day is broken up into different chunks of time, working on different projects for different clients.
That’s what I love about agency life. It’s no nine-to-five, doing the same tasks for the same people every day. Especially as an intern, you are given the opportunity to work on a variety of different projects and contribute to the overall success of that project. By being tasked with different assignments, you are really able to build a solid skill set and learn things you wouldn’t in a classroom.
In agency life, there is no “small” task. Every element is a part of the final product.
-Stefanie S.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Post Internship
Post Internship…Well, Not Really
At the end of the summer I decided that I wanted to try to keep my internship while I was at school. I was so happy that Liggett was able to extend my internship and was also very flexible with my school schedule. I work a few days a week, which is quite an adjustment from the full-time schedule I was used to in the summer.
My days are very busy and go by really fast. I’ve learned how much of a juggling act it can be—fitting work, school, extracurricular activities and some sort of social life into your week. But by having the balance of school and work at once, it really shows me how practical everything is that I’ve learned here and how I can apply it to my schoolwork. I am in an event planning class, and as part of the PR effort for our event, I decided to create a press kit to send out to local media. Having the knowledge and skills that I’ve acquired here really made the process go smoothly and it makes me feel even more excited and confident to take on more responsibility in this field after I graduate.
Lisa S.
At the end of the summer I decided that I wanted to try to keep my internship while I was at school. I was so happy that Liggett was able to extend my internship and was also very flexible with my school schedule. I work a few days a week, which is quite an adjustment from the full-time schedule I was used to in the summer.
My days are very busy and go by really fast. I’ve learned how much of a juggling act it can be—fitting work, school, extracurricular activities and some sort of social life into your week. But by having the balance of school and work at once, it really shows me how practical everything is that I’ve learned here and how I can apply it to my schoolwork. I am in an event planning class, and as part of the PR effort for our event, I decided to create a press kit to send out to local media. Having the knowledge and skills that I’ve acquired here really made the process go smoothly and it makes me feel even more excited and confident to take on more responsibility in this field after I graduate.
Lisa S.
Life after Liggett
Life after Liggett is part scary, part exhilarating
and part upsetting. It's kind of an odd feeling,
graduating from college and going into the "real"
world. You feel like you've accomplished so much and
all of a sudden you haven't accomplished anything; the
end turns into the beginning. You have to start waking
up early to catch the train, the bills roll in, and
instantly you're transformed into that person you
always dreaded becoming: a working stiff.
I must say though, despite all of this, you do feel
liberated in a way. You're free from being a
dependant, and you enter into a state of
consciousness.
And having completed an internship at a notorious
advertising agency like Liggett-Stashower opened more
than just a few doors for me. After I "graduated" from
Liggett, I packed up the bags and headed for the
streets of New York City. I was extremely surprised to
find myself interviewing at the most prominent shops
in the city (and the world for that matter), like
Ogilvy, Y & R, Ad Age, and McCann Erickson; finally
landing a job at an incredibly creative agency,
TBWA\Chiat\Day. I can safely say that if it weren’t
for my internship at Ligget, I never would have landed
the wonderful position I am in right now.
I would like to formally thank everyone at Liggett for
your guidance and torture (aka: a name that rhymes
with ark), and I wish all of you the very best of
luck.
Brandon LaGanke
Busy, Busy, Busy…
Since my internship at Liggett ended over 2 months ago I have been keeping busy with school, law school and job applications, and my new position as a public relations intern. After returning to Chapel Hill for my senior year at UNC, I applied for various PR positions on and off campus, finally choosing to accept one with UNC’s School of Information and Library Science. Although I am doing the same things that I was involved with at Liggett—writing news releases, monitoring news coverage, creating media lists and coordinating mailings—it has been a completely new experience because I only work for one client, the school. It has shown me a new side of public relations and I have learned more about libraries and information systems than I ever thought I would. My experience at Liggett helped me not only to land the position initially, but to impress my co-workers with my knowledge of various aspects of PR.
As I look back on my internship at Liggett, I have truly come to appreciate all of the people I was able to work with and the lasting relationships that I have formed. I look forward to staying in touch with everyone from the program and bragging to all of them about my basketball team come November…Go Heels!
Kelly M.
As I look back on my internship at Liggett, I have truly come to appreciate all of the people I was able to work with and the lasting relationships that I have formed. I look forward to staying in touch with everyone from the program and bragging to all of them about my basketball team come November…Go Heels!
Kelly M.
Life after Liggett
I’ve been back in classes at Ashland for about 9 weeks now and it’s been such a different semester than usual. Before the internship I felt like I was just going through the motions—class, homework, more class. Now I feel like I am more prepared for class, but even more importantly, I know what I have left to learn. My career goals are much more defined, and I have gained a lot of confidence in myself. I have to say when I turned in my internship portfolio (to gain academic credit for the internship) my advisor loved all the L-S project memorabilia like the t-shirt and our class CD. She said it was definitely unlike anything she’d received before…and I got an A ;).
On another note, I must say that as an intern class, we’ve been doing a pretty good job of keeping in touch with each other. Two of us have already graduated and are working towards full-time jobs, and the other six of us are plugging away at senior year. It’s neat to see what everyone is up to post-Liggett, and I know I’m going to stay in-touch with these guys well into my professional career.
I said it earlier and I’ll say it again—if you don’t apply for this internship, you’re missing out. It’s honestly been one of the (if not the only) neatest and educationally fun experiences of my collegiate career.
Jennifer Maxson
On another note, I must say that as an intern class, we’ve been doing a pretty good job of keeping in touch with each other. Two of us have already graduated and are working towards full-time jobs, and the other six of us are plugging away at senior year. It’s neat to see what everyone is up to post-Liggett, and I know I’m going to stay in-touch with these guys well into my professional career.
I said it earlier and I’ll say it again—if you don’t apply for this internship, you’re missing out. It’s honestly been one of the (if not the only) neatest and educationally fun experiences of my collegiate career.
Jennifer Maxson
Friday, August 12, 2005
Highlight of My Internship
One of the highlights of my internship was a trip I took to Pittsburgh, PA to help with a grand opening event for one of our clients. It was a project I was able to see through—from building the media lists, assembling the press kits and then having the opportunity to see the actual event for myself. I was able to attend a meet and greet with celebrities that came and attend a VIP luncheon. It was definitely a great experience and it reminded me how exciting and rewarding this field really is.
Lisa S.
Lisa S.
This One Tops them All
Of all the projects we’ve been involved with this summer, I must say the L-S Yearbook tops them all. A colleague of mine and I were given the opportunity to head up this project at the beginning of our Internship, and since then we’ve definitely gotten a broad scope of exposure. This includes everything from meeting with top executives for approval of themes and outlines, to photographing events like a retirement party and agency softball games.
The fact that we’re only here for eight weeks of the year makes it hard to develop such a project, but the Yearbook allows us to communicate with people from every different department—people that we might not have talked to otherwise. Next week in fact, I meet with employees to take their individual photos. This kind of work allows me to observe people in various departments and gain a better understanding of the agency as a whole.
The final step before leaving as interns is to find fall-time employees that want to step in and finish the book. The interns will actually be making a formal presentation to an art director, graphic designer, copywriter, and other execs with the work we’ve accomplished. With this presentation we hope to give them an idea of where we were headed, in addition to providing them with everything they need for completion.
The best part about this project is that this is the first “real” yearbook the agency has had. Now each intern class can be part of what we proudly started. I can’t wait to get my copy!
Jennifer M.
The fact that we’re only here for eight weeks of the year makes it hard to develop such a project, but the Yearbook allows us to communicate with people from every different department—people that we might not have talked to otherwise. Next week in fact, I meet with employees to take their individual photos. This kind of work allows me to observe people in various departments and gain a better understanding of the agency as a whole.
The final step before leaving as interns is to find fall-time employees that want to step in and finish the book. The interns will actually be making a formal presentation to an art director, graphic designer, copywriter, and other execs with the work we’ve accomplished. With this presentation we hope to give them an idea of where we were headed, in addition to providing them with everything they need for completion.
The best part about this project is that this is the first “real” yearbook the agency has had. Now each intern class can be part of what we proudly started. I can’t wait to get my copy!
Jennifer M.
Over the past two weeks the other interns and I have been working on designing an intern wall. This has been one of my favorite projects thus far. We were given all the previous projects that the past intern classes have designed (from 2000 through the present). We displayed the projects on two walls with the title and a wave design painted onto the surface. The works are then framed and placed around their year accordingly. It was really awesome to be able to design a wall AND feature our projects for the agency to view.
Lynn J.
Lynn J.
Writing Assignments
One of the most interesting and challenging things I have gotten to do as a PR intern is write news releases for magazines seen both nationally and internationally. I recently completed one about a client’s new television campaign. I researched the background of the campaign and talked to various people within the agency in order to compile enough information to write the story. Although it went through a few editing stages, doing the projected really helped me to get to know the client better and continue to practice my writing.
Kelly M.
Kelly M.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Photo Shoot
This week the other creative intern and I were invited to a client photo shoot. It was a great experience to be able to view the outdoor set, see the talent, and watch the photographer work. The experience also helped me to realize how much work actually goes into creating a print advertisement. I was able to gain a better understanding of what the art director’s responsibilities include. We were at the site almost the entire day and were able to watch the workers build the second set for the photo shoot to be held later on in the week.
The next day after the photo shoot, the art director sent us some on the photographs to view. It was cool to see the pictures before they were put into the advertisements. I am also really excited to see the ad in print when it is complete and be able to say that I was there behind the scenes.
Lynn J.
The next day after the photo shoot, the art director sent us some on the photographs to view. It was cool to see the pictures before they were put into the advertisements. I am also really excited to see the ad in print when it is complete and be able to say that I was there behind the scenes.
Lynn J.
Is Agency Life Forever?
After working here at Liggett-Stashower, I will finally admit that I have fallen “head over heals” in love with the agency lifestyle. The most inspiring characteristic of this business is the people. I have met so many amazing people through this challenging experience, each of which, have contributed to my overall happiness at this agency. It is very rare to find true friends in co-workers or to experience true fun when working. The people you work with make all the difference.
As for what my ideal future looks like, well, I plan to spend much of my career within an agency, but I will not be hasty and will consider all my options. To be honest, I hope I get the opportunity to work on the client side of the advertising industry, just so I can understand a different perspective.
It is impossible to say whether or not I will be working in an agency forever, but what I can say is this experience has opened up various opportunities to explore. My ultimate dream in life is to be able to experience life. The most important advice I can offer to myself and to others is: find a home for yourself.
Stephe H.
As for what my ideal future looks like, well, I plan to spend much of my career within an agency, but I will not be hasty and will consider all my options. To be honest, I hope I get the opportunity to work on the client side of the advertising industry, just so I can understand a different perspective.
It is impossible to say whether or not I will be working in an agency forever, but what I can say is this experience has opened up various opportunities to explore. My ultimate dream in life is to be able to experience life. The most important advice I can offer to myself and to others is: find a home for yourself.
Stephe H.
Press kits
Being able to work on actual client work has allowed me to see how certain projects come together and I definitely feel as though the work I’m doing is making a difference.
Today, for example, was a busy and productive day.
I attended quarterly agency meeting and then an intern meeting
We held our weekly “Take an Executive to Lunch” – a program where the interns can meet with an executive every week and get to know him/her. Then I built media lists for press kits, drafted several press releases for the kits and made media calls. At the end of the day I assembled press kits and organized my time and projects from the day.
Lisa S.
Today, for example, was a busy and productive day.
I attended quarterly agency meeting and then an intern meeting
We held our weekly “Take an Executive to Lunch” – a program where the interns can meet with an executive every week and get to know him/her. Then I built media lists for press kits, drafted several press releases for the kits and made media calls. At the end of the day I assembled press kits and organized my time and projects from the day.
Lisa S.
My Internship Schedule
My schedule varies from day to day. Sometimes we work on one to two things all day, other days we can work on five or more. Here is an “average” day.
Arrive at office. Make hot tea because the office is an ice box, check e-mail and phones, respond to messages. Then I make a TO DO LIST for the day.
It may look a little like this:
Work on intern 2006 Poster
Intern Status meeting
Back to poster
Take a break from poster to cut and mount for client presentation
Work on “Take an Executive to lunch prints”
Remount prints for client presentation (things change quickly around here!)
Put everything away and leave it for the day
Lisa L.
Arrive at office. Make hot tea because the office is an ice box, check e-mail and phones, respond to messages. Then I make a TO DO LIST for the day.
It may look a little like this:
Work on intern 2006 Poster
Intern Status meeting
Back to poster
Take a break from poster to cut and mount for client presentation
Work on “Take an Executive to lunch prints”
Remount prints for client presentation (things change quickly around here!)
Put everything away and leave it for the day
Lisa L.
Typical Day
What’s a day like for me as a copywriting intern? Well, it’s often hectic, a little crazy, but always fun. It’s not really hard to get up in the morning to get to work. Like most jobs, and especially summer jobs, getting up in the morning is the worst part of the day. But I’m actually excited to get to Liggett each day!
Here’s a typical day:
Check my e-mail and write down important dates/meetings in my calendar
Finish working on some copy for a series of b2b prints ads
Start working on copy for digital outdoor boards for a client
Meet with design interns to work on a project for the internship program
Eat Subway. Play some pool.
Help concept for a new television/radio campaign
Go back to working on the b2b print ads—revise and rework
Work on scripts for a series of short movie clips promoting the agency
Talk to my mentor, some other people, work on some final things
Try to get out before traffic gets too bad
BrandonKida
Here’s a typical day:
Check my e-mail and write down important dates/meetings in my calendar
Finish working on some copy for a series of b2b prints ads
Start working on copy for digital outdoor boards for a client
Meet with design interns to work on a project for the internship program
Eat Subway. Play some pool.
Help concept for a new television/radio campaign
Go back to working on the b2b print ads—revise and rework
Work on scripts for a series of short movie clips promoting the agency
Talk to my mentor, some other people, work on some final things
Try to get out before traffic gets too bad
BrandonKida
All in a day's work
Last week I helped set up for the quarterly status meeting, attended the quarterly status meeting. Then I met with the other interns to discuss the intern logo and wall design and attended our weekly intern status meeting. After the meeting, I viewed the intern wall and discussed possible changes. Then the other interns and I had lunch with one of the executives at the agency. After lunch I discussed the intern logo with an art director and president. At the end of the day I helped cut and mount display boards for a client and worked on layout design for the employee yearbook.
Lynn J.
Lynn J.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
What a day!
Talk about an exciting day, I was asked to go to the official meeting of the Addy Awards. How awesome is that! Many students who intern would never get such an opportunity to have such an honor of accompanying four of the board members of the Cleveland Advertising Association, not to mention we were asked for suggestions for this years upcoming Addy Awards. I had the opportunity as president of our Ad Club at Cleveland State University to take on the task of setting up a team to assist with the process of the Addy’s in 2006. Many of the opportunities that we have been able to embark on have given us the tools to be successful in the classroom as well as out of the class.
DigDug
DigDug
Favorite Project
With a week or so remaining, I have been able to touch many different client projects and have had my fair share of concepting ideas for different campaigns. They are all great to be working on, but I would have to say that right now my favorite project is the Liggett-Stashower 2006 Summer Internship Poster.
The poster involved countless hours of brainstorming, combining ideas and trying to think outside of the box. The purpose of the poster is to attract interested students and have them go to the website for more information. Throughout the entire process, the specifics of the poster were changing constantly. We were able to keep up with the changes and come up with a solid concept. I am currently working on the final design layout.
The best part about the poster is that we came up with the idea as a group and it will be sent to a number of colleges so numerous students will be able to see our work. They may not be able to appreciate how much work was put into the poster, but we feel a great sense of accomplishment coming from the final output.
Lisa L.
The poster involved countless hours of brainstorming, combining ideas and trying to think outside of the box. The purpose of the poster is to attract interested students and have them go to the website for more information. Throughout the entire process, the specifics of the poster were changing constantly. We were able to keep up with the changes and come up with a solid concept. I am currently working on the final design layout.
The best part about the poster is that we came up with the idea as a group and it will be sent to a number of colleges so numerous students will be able to see our work. They may not be able to appreciate how much work was put into the poster, but we feel a great sense of accomplishment coming from the final output.
Lisa L.
Tuesday
On Tuesday, I got to spend some time preparing for an all-agency quarterly meeting, and even had the chance to sit and talk with our CEO.
As the program begins to wind down, I also find myself spending most of my time on internal/administrative tasks to wrap-up various projects.
This is what I did on Tuesday July 26:
Arrived and got organized (check email; enter Monday’s timesheet).
I was able to meet with the CEO for approval of 2005 yearbook project ideas.
I wrote Thank You notes to a Client (tour) and an Executive (lunch).
Maintenance arrived; I showed them the space where the Intern Class is designing a Program Display. We discussed the design; they marked the wall studs for us.
I met with a VP to take his order for the Intern “Take an Executive to Lunch” program (once a week).
Internal time (a mix of various small projects and general office time).
Lunch with fellow interns: Halle Building /Food Court
Switchboard
PowerPoint presentation design: “Intern Top 10: What we Learned at L-S”
(for Wednesday’s quarterly agency meeting)
Then I set-up for the big meeting on Wednesday and finalized a PowerPoint presentation.
Gone for the day!
Jennifer M.
As the program begins to wind down, I also find myself spending most of my time on internal/administrative tasks to wrap-up various projects.
This is what I did on Tuesday July 26:
Arrived and got organized (check email; enter Monday’s timesheet).
I was able to meet with the CEO for approval of 2005 yearbook project ideas.
I wrote Thank You notes to a Client (tour) and an Executive (lunch).
Maintenance arrived; I showed them the space where the Intern Class is designing a Program Display. We discussed the design; they marked the wall studs for us.
I met with a VP to take his order for the Intern “Take an Executive to Lunch” program (once a week).
Internal time (a mix of various small projects and general office time).
Lunch with fellow interns: Halle Building /Food Court
Switchboard
PowerPoint presentation design: “Intern Top 10: What we Learned at L-S”
(for Wednesday’s quarterly agency meeting)
Then I set-up for the big meeting on Wednesday and finalized a PowerPoint presentation.
Gone for the day!
Jennifer M.
What I've learned
Looking back on the first three years of college and what I’ve learned through classes, extracurricular activities and other internships, I would recommend anyone looking for an agency internship to keep a few things in mind:
· Even if you think you know exactly what you want to do, do not limit the classes you take and the activities you are involved in. It’s amazing to me some of the connections you make while looking for internships.
· Chances are if you want to work in this field, it is not uncommon to have to take an unpaid internship. Accept it and know that even if it is unpaid, it can be a very valuable and worthwhile experience.
· If you are a freshman or sophomore, try to intern during the summer. That experience will help when you are looking for one after junior year—a time when everyone wants one.
· If you are looking specifically for public relations, be sure to have a portfolio and samples of your writing. Hold onto things that you write for class, but also join your school newspaper. Having samples of your writing that were published will prove to be invaluable.
· Once you’re there, enjoy your internship. It will be challenging and tiring, but it’s the perfect chance to see if this is the career for you. Get to know the people you work with and let them get to know you.
Lisa S.
· Even if you think you know exactly what you want to do, do not limit the classes you take and the activities you are involved in. It’s amazing to me some of the connections you make while looking for internships.
· Chances are if you want to work in this field, it is not uncommon to have to take an unpaid internship. Accept it and know that even if it is unpaid, it can be a very valuable and worthwhile experience.
· If you are a freshman or sophomore, try to intern during the summer. That experience will help when you are looking for one after junior year—a time when everyone wants one.
· If you are looking specifically for public relations, be sure to have a portfolio and samples of your writing. Hold onto things that you write for class, but also join your school newspaper. Having samples of your writing that were published will prove to be invaluable.
· Once you’re there, enjoy your internship. It will be challenging and tiring, but it’s the perfect chance to see if this is the career for you. Get to know the people you work with and let them get to know you.
Lisa S.
It goes a little something like this...
As a Public Relations intern my schedule and the clients I work with vary from day to day, but here is an example of what my “typical” day could be:
Checking e-mail, getting organized for the day
Writing a news release for a media relations kit
Meeting with the interns
Create media list in Bacon’s and continue writing the news release
Lunch
Photocopies for media relations mailing
Putting together media kits/folders and mailing them out
Media calls
Wrap up projects from the day, make corrections to writing
Kelly M.
Checking e-mail, getting organized for the day
Writing a news release for a media relations kit
Meeting with the interns
Create media list in Bacon’s and continue writing the news release
Lunch
Photocopies for media relations mailing
Putting together media kits/folders and mailing them out
Media calls
Wrap up projects from the day, make corrections to writing
Kelly M.
Field Trips
Ever been on a field trip? I remember back in grade school I used to go on field trips to box factories and paper mills—a little boring if you ask me. It sounds a little funny, but we also take field trips here at Liggett. Only, we’re actually having a fun time and learning a great deal about the business at the same time. Let me tell you about just a few of these field trips:
First, I had the privilege of going to a professional recording studio. There, I learned how a radio/television ad is made from start to finish. From the early stages of recording the voice talent to the final stages of editing, I witnessed it all. And what was really neat was after my visit, on my way home one day from work, I heard a radio ad that I helped produce and write. This was cool! I don’t know of many internship programs that let you do that. You’re usually behind the scenes, making coffee or copying documents—not at Liggett.
I went on another field trip to a printing company that handles large national accounts. This… Was… Awesome…They showed me how a print ad, DM piece, or any other print item such as an annual report or folder is printed and cut. We met some of the employees, toured the cutting and binding areas and even received a business card from a new friend…
I hope you love your field-trip experience when you’re here at Liggett. I sure did.
Brandonkida
First, I had the privilege of going to a professional recording studio. There, I learned how a radio/television ad is made from start to finish. From the early stages of recording the voice talent to the final stages of editing, I witnessed it all. And what was really neat was after my visit, on my way home one day from work, I heard a radio ad that I helped produce and write. This was cool! I don’t know of many internship programs that let you do that. You’re usually behind the scenes, making coffee or copying documents—not at Liggett.
I went on another field trip to a printing company that handles large national accounts. This… Was… Awesome…They showed me how a print ad, DM piece, or any other print item such as an annual report or folder is printed and cut. We met some of the employees, toured the cutting and binding areas and even received a business card from a new friend…
I hope you love your field-trip experience when you’re here at Liggett. I sure did.
Brandonkida
Adjectives
Adjectives: To use or not to use
Since starting at Liggett a few months ago, I have come to appreciate and understand the importance of hands-on learning. We can all study from textbooks, listen to lectures from great—and not so great—professors, draft news releases weekly, but until I worked with real clients I did not understand how much more I could learn. Although I was taught never to use adjectives in news releases, all of the sudden I am using them and doing the very thing I was told not to, because that is how the client wants it. While it is important to have a good writing foundation, which school can provide, the ability to manipulate your style for clients is what seems most important. Besides, a few adjectives never hurt anyone!
Kelly M.
Since starting at Liggett a few months ago, I have come to appreciate and understand the importance of hands-on learning. We can all study from textbooks, listen to lectures from great—and not so great—professors, draft news releases weekly, but until I worked with real clients I did not understand how much more I could learn. Although I was taught never to use adjectives in news releases, all of the sudden I am using them and doing the very thing I was told not to, because that is how the client wants it. While it is important to have a good writing foundation, which school can provide, the ability to manipulate your style for clients is what seems most important. Besides, a few adjectives never hurt anyone!
Kelly M.
This is what I do
Every day at Liggett-Stashower is different and unique. Here is just a simple example of one of my days here at Liggett-Stashower.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
First I typed up to do list, organized my thoughts for a meeting with the CEO - met with the CEO to discuss yearbook ideas and to get approval for new internship logo. Then I met with fellow creative interns to make requested logo changes and filed information with client folders and answered phones at reception desk. After that, I met with Financial to get approval for a t-shirt order, reviewed upcoming tasks, set up meetings and emailed team members.
Lunch
After lunch, I wrote client supplements for store grand openings, concepted ideas for the intern recognition wall and prepared a speech for the quarterly Wake-Up meeting. Finally, I worked to finalize the internship logo, helped carry photo boxes into the building and and set up for Wake-up meeting.
Stephe H.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
First I typed up to do list, organized my thoughts for a meeting with the CEO - met with the CEO to discuss yearbook ideas and to get approval for new internship logo. Then I met with fellow creative interns to make requested logo changes and filed information with client folders and answered phones at reception desk. After that, I met with Financial to get approval for a t-shirt order, reviewed upcoming tasks, set up meetings and emailed team members.
Lunch
After lunch, I wrote client supplements for store grand openings, concepted ideas for the intern recognition wall and prepared a speech for the quarterly Wake-Up meeting. Finally, I worked to finalize the internship logo, helped carry photo boxes into the building and and set up for Wake-up meeting.
Stephe H.
Average Day
Do you really want to know what a day is like at Liggett-Stashower? Well having a look at my daily schedule, which changes daily by the way, may give you some insight.
Average Day:
The day started off by checking my emails, voicemails and performing general office duties. Then I brainstormed ideas for print, radio, and television spots and attended meetings discussing upcoming projects.
Then it was time for the all so savory lunchtime.
After lunch I wrote a creative brief for new project, discussed creative briefs with other team members, sketched storyboards for national campaigns and revised creative supplements for clients.
Then I did my reflection of the day and tie up loose ends.
DigDug
Average Day:
The day started off by checking my emails, voicemails and performing general office duties. Then I brainstormed ideas for print, radio, and television spots and attended meetings discussing upcoming projects.
Then it was time for the all so savory lunchtime.
After lunch I wrote a creative brief for new project, discussed creative briefs with other team members, sketched storyboards for national campaigns and revised creative supplements for clients.
Then I did my reflection of the day and tie up loose ends.
DigDug
Friday, July 29, 2005
My Favorite Part...
One of my favorite parts about my internship with Liggett Stashower is that I don’t necessarily have a "typical day." Every day is different and brings with it a new set of projects, people and challenges. I find myself writing press releases, building press kits, making media calls, interviewing and trying to learn as much as I possibly can.
Another part I love is having seven other interns to work with. Being part of this program and working on projects with them allows us to combine our talents and work as a team. I know we learn a lot from each other and we’ll stay in contact after the summer.
I know how lucky I am to be at an agency where I feel comfortable going up to anyone and asking for help. I feel comfortable asking work-related questions, but I know that I could ask personal career questions and get genuine advice. This internship is allowing me to not only build my portfolio, but also build lasting relationships with my fellow interns and employees of L-S. I really couldn’t ask for much more.
Lisa S.
Another part I love is having seven other interns to work with. Being part of this program and working on projects with them allows us to combine our talents and work as a team. I know we learn a lot from each other and we’ll stay in contact after the summer.
I know how lucky I am to be at an agency where I feel comfortable going up to anyone and asking for help. I feel comfortable asking work-related questions, but I know that I could ask personal career questions and get genuine advice. This internship is allowing me to not only build my portfolio, but also build lasting relationships with my fellow interns and employees of L-S. I really couldn’t ask for much more.
Lisa S.
A blog about an internship?
A blog about an internship? It makes perfect sense! At the very least, I can provide personal insight that cannot be found on the company website. With professors constantly reminding us about the importance of gaining "real world" experience while still in school, internships have almost become a requirement for students around the country. When I began my internship search, I knew right away that if I was going to give up my previous summer job as a lifeguard it would have to be with an agency that could give me a great experience. I first heard about Liggett-Stashower Inc. at a career fair in Cleveland; the representatives stressed the importance of giving interns hands-on work with real clients and minimal copying and faxing—I came to find out they were not lying.
A typical day at Liggett as a public relations intern can be described in one simple word: busy. Since starting in May, I have done work for nearly every client that the PR department works with and have increased the size of my portfolio ten-fold. One of the most rewarding, but challenging parts of the program is the writing. I have gotten experience writing news releases, pitch letters, fact sheets, assembling media kits and mailings, pitching stories directly to the media, blogging and yes, some copying and faxing.
Beyond actual work, the best part of the day is interacting with the employees and other interns. It seems impossible, I know, but everyone is willing to help with anything I don’t understand and encourages me to get involved within other departments in the agency. Field trips, lunches and meetings about meetings have given me the chance to really get to know the people who work at Liggett, and as I learn the importance of networking I realize how valuable these relationships will become.
While the program wraps up I look forward to sharing more about the experience as a whole and I hope that you continue to follow along on our new intern blog!
Kelly M.
A typical day at Liggett as a public relations intern can be described in one simple word: busy. Since starting in May, I have done work for nearly every client that the PR department works with and have increased the size of my portfolio ten-fold. One of the most rewarding, but challenging parts of the program is the writing. I have gotten experience writing news releases, pitch letters, fact sheets, assembling media kits and mailings, pitching stories directly to the media, blogging and yes, some copying and faxing.
Beyond actual work, the best part of the day is interacting with the employees and other interns. It seems impossible, I know, but everyone is willing to help with anything I don’t understand and encourages me to get involved within other departments in the agency. Field trips, lunches and meetings about meetings have given me the chance to really get to know the people who work at Liggett, and as I learn the importance of networking I realize how valuable these relationships will become.
While the program wraps up I look forward to sharing more about the experience as a whole and I hope that you continue to follow along on our new intern blog!
Kelly M.
Listen up prospective interns!
Listen up prospective interns! The Liggett-Stashower summer intern program is like no other program that I’ve ever heard of. Before I started this internship, I perfected my coffee-making and photocopying skills to a tee. Fortunately, I haven’t had to use them at all. In fact, my fellow interns and I are actually doing real work that matters.
I’m writing advertisements for real clients, helping record radio and television spots and networking with some of the ‘big cheeses’ of the advertising business here in Cleveland! Also, I’m writing to you from within the confines of my very own office. Yes folks, they give you your own office, phone and computer; and by the end of the first week, you’re not just an intern anymore, you’re part of the Liggett-Stashower team. Good Luck. Cheers!
Brandonkida
I’m writing advertisements for real clients, helping record radio and television spots and networking with some of the ‘big cheeses’ of the advertising business here in Cleveland! Also, I’m writing to you from within the confines of my very own office. Yes folks, they give you your own office, phone and computer; and by the end of the first week, you’re not just an intern anymore, you’re part of the Liggett-Stashower team. Good Luck. Cheers!
Brandonkida
Typical day at the internship
Wow, how can I describe what a typical day as a creative intern here at Liggett Stashower consists of? For starters, I would not describe any of my days as “typical”, each day involves something completely different. As a creative intern for the agency, my responsibilities encompass helping out the creative department with any client projects, creating designs for specific intern projects and concepting new ideas for future assignments. Some of the work that the other creative intern and I have done thus far include, creating an intern class t-shirt, designing a CD (cover, inside booklet, back and CD label), creating an invitation for the executive lunch program, helping to produce the summer edition of the internal newsletter Verge, designing an employee yearbook, producing the internship poster for next year, cutting, mounting and pasting presentation materials, and other help on various projects for clients. What I love most about this internship is that not one day has been the same. There are always new projects and assignments and all the employees here are very approachable and super friendly. The atmosphere is a great mix of fun and professional. When the other interns and I are trying to concept an idea for a project, you can often find us in the Zen room brainstorming. We have weekly meetings as an intern class to catch up on what everyone has been doing and to hear about what projects everyone has been working on. We also have several day trips planned. We toured a local TV station and were introduced to their facilities and daily operations, we are going to the printer this week to get a first hand look at the production of various print materials, in addition we visited Playhouse Square and toured the soon to be open Idea Center. Another perk of the program is the executive lunches. We have a lunch meeting with a top executive at Liggett Stashower each week in which we are able to ask questions to find out how they have gotten to where they are today. In the past five weeks, I have had the opportunity to get to know the other seven interns on a more personal level. We have become good friends and chat each day at lunch about what we are working on. So far, my summer has flown by and I have learned quite a bit about the advertising business. I have been able to work on many different projects and I am excited for the upcoming assignments. I would recommend this internship to anyone who is interested in the advertising business or who is creative and enjoys design. The experience is irreplaceable!
Lynn J.
Lynn J.
Day in the life of a Creative Intern
Day in the life of a Creative Intern:
A typical work day starts around 8:30am, but I prefer to get to the office around 8:00am to take care of any organizing, replying to e-mails and other general office business that is easier to accomplish before the day starts. For a good portion of the morning, I have been working mostly with LS projects. We have been dealing with the creation of the internship T-shirt, the 2006 Summer Internship poster and other fun intern projects. We normally choose to set our meetings for the mornings because they seem to be more productive.
After a lunch downtown or playing pool in the employee lounge, I go back to the most important task I was handling before my break. This is a good time to have creative brainstorming sessions with the other creative interns. Our minds are cleared from the morning and we can go into an office and concept ideas. We have actually been able to concept ideas for product names, radio and television commercials and print ads.
Overall, I have a pretty busy day that seems to go by very fast with all the projects going on. Someone in the department always needs some help with their projects so I am always willing to put whatever it is I am doing on hold for a little while to help them out. I always have something to do and it’s a good feeling to know that you are getting a job done but it doesn’t seem like “work.”
Lisa L.
A typical work day starts around 8:30am, but I prefer to get to the office around 8:00am to take care of any organizing, replying to e-mails and other general office business that is easier to accomplish before the day starts. For a good portion of the morning, I have been working mostly with LS projects. We have been dealing with the creation of the internship T-shirt, the 2006 Summer Internship poster and other fun intern projects. We normally choose to set our meetings for the mornings because they seem to be more productive.
After a lunch downtown or playing pool in the employee lounge, I go back to the most important task I was handling before my break. This is a good time to have creative brainstorming sessions with the other creative interns. Our minds are cleared from the morning and we can go into an office and concept ideas. We have actually been able to concept ideas for product names, radio and television commercials and print ads.
Overall, I have a pretty busy day that seems to go by very fast with all the projects going on. Someone in the department always needs some help with their projects so I am always willing to put whatever it is I am doing on hold for a little while to help them out. I always have something to do and it’s a good feeling to know that you are getting a job done but it doesn’t seem like “work.”
Lisa L.
What’s an average day at Liggett-Stashower for you?
What’s an average day at Liggett-Stashower for you?
I never thought I’d say this about my first “9-5” job experience, but there is not an average day at Liggett-Stashower. I know that’s so cliché, but seriously. On day one I remember thinking that there would be plenty of downtime, and how I could take on so many more projects than I knew were already headed my way. Man was I wrong. In just five weeks, I have worked on projects for over 5 clients (including the preparation for a 2006 campaign presentation and helping to update our own internship site). In other words, it’s Friday afternoon at 4:45 and I can’t help but ask myself, “Where did the time go?”
Each day will differ depending on the size of the project(s) you work on. Today for example, I had to wrap-up a research project for an upcoming website, in addition to completing a different client’s database project. These projects took pretty big chunks of time. Other projects might only take thirty minutes and you’ll feel like you’re running around the agency in circles looking for more work to tackle. Either way, I know this is extremely beneficial experience and I truly enjoy the time I spend at Liggett. I just wish we had more than eight weeks!
Before I go, I must mention one event that does occur on a daily basis. My neighbor/partner-in-crime, Stephe, can’t just yell over her cubicle to talk to me—she insists on calling me on speakerphone. This way I can hear myself talking into the phone, but I can also hear my voice in her speaker, AND I can hear her talking into the speaker to talk to me on the phone! It’s ridiculous, but always provides nice entertainment. If our speakerphone shenanigans don’t prove that we’re learning how to act professionally, I just don’t know what will!
Jen M.
I never thought I’d say this about my first “9-5” job experience, but there is not an average day at Liggett-Stashower. I know that’s so cliché, but seriously. On day one I remember thinking that there would be plenty of downtime, and how I could take on so many more projects than I knew were already headed my way. Man was I wrong. In just five weeks, I have worked on projects for over 5 clients (including the preparation for a 2006 campaign presentation and helping to update our own internship site). In other words, it’s Friday afternoon at 4:45 and I can’t help but ask myself, “Where did the time go?”
Each day will differ depending on the size of the project(s) you work on. Today for example, I had to wrap-up a research project for an upcoming website, in addition to completing a different client’s database project. These projects took pretty big chunks of time. Other projects might only take thirty minutes and you’ll feel like you’re running around the agency in circles looking for more work to tackle. Either way, I know this is extremely beneficial experience and I truly enjoy the time I spend at Liggett. I just wish we had more than eight weeks!
Before I go, I must mention one event that does occur on a daily basis. My neighbor/partner-in-crime, Stephe, can’t just yell over her cubicle to talk to me—she insists on calling me on speakerphone. This way I can hear myself talking into the phone, but I can also hear my voice in her speaker, AND I can hear her talking into the speaker to talk to me on the phone! It’s ridiculous, but always provides nice entertainment. If our speakerphone shenanigans don’t prove that we’re learning how to act professionally, I just don’t know what will!
Jen M.
Q: What is an average day at Liggett-Stashower for you?
Q: What is an average day at Liggett-Stashower for you?
A: An average day at Liggett-Stashower is surprisingly difficult to describe. Every day seems to be different from the next and tends to be continuously exciting. Each morning, I wake up looking forward to what the day might bring. Within my time here I have unexpectedly gained more knowledge and experience than I ever imagined.
A typical day consists of various tasks and accomplishments. Typically, I work along side my peers, on day-to-day intern projects. We have already created a poster, CD, rock band t-shirt, updated the Liggett-Stashower website…etc. Each week we take an executive to lunch and have had numerous field trips to various venues. Currently, we are in the process of creating an agency yearbook. Beyond our L-S internship requirements, I have had the opportunity to get involved in real-world client work. I have been responsible for creating excel charts for presentations, proofing final ads and writing creative supplements
On top of all the work, we have fun. Honestly, where can you get that experience? Every day is a different day, giving me something to look forward to. (giving YOU something to strive for and look forward to in your own experiences)
Stephe H.
A: An average day at Liggett-Stashower is surprisingly difficult to describe. Every day seems to be different from the next and tends to be continuously exciting. Each morning, I wake up looking forward to what the day might bring. Within my time here I have unexpectedly gained more knowledge and experience than I ever imagined.
A typical day consists of various tasks and accomplishments. Typically, I work along side my peers, on day-to-day intern projects. We have already created a poster, CD, rock band t-shirt, updated the Liggett-Stashower website…etc. Each week we take an executive to lunch and have had numerous field trips to various venues. Currently, we are in the process of creating an agency yearbook. Beyond our L-S internship requirements, I have had the opportunity to get involved in real-world client work. I have been responsible for creating excel charts for presentations, proofing final ads and writing creative supplements
On top of all the work, we have fun. Honestly, where can you get that experience? Every day is a different day, giving me something to look forward to. (giving YOU something to strive for and look forward to in your own experiences)
Stephe H.
The real deal
Internship? Liggett-Stashower provides more than just an internship they provide real world experience. College students think of the old tiring internships where you make copies all day and file unimportant papers. That is never the case here - try working on client work that is recognized nationally and locally. How many students get to say that they have worked and “rubbed elbows” with some of our industries best, not many I can tell you that much. Here is the kicker we even get paid to do this what better way to start a summer than to get paid for what you love doing! If you are looking for a way to spend your summer then Liggett-Stashower is the place to be.
- DigDug
- DigDug
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