This semester, our interns immersed themselves in the world of advertising, tackling creative challenges, mastering new skills, and embracing collaboration. Their unique perspectives and growth have been inspiring, and we’re sharing the lessons they’ve learned and the moments that made their experience unforgettable.

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The focus on learning and professional growth at CP has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my experience here. My leaders consistently challenged me to explore new technologies and elevate my thinking. As a result, I’m leaving CP with a deeper understanding of how to uncover an audience’s motivations and interpret them effectively.

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the creativity that comes with being a strategist. It’s not just about gathering research—it’s about translating insights into relatable, human terms that illuminate what drives an audience. CP’s approach of thinking like a cultural anthropologist, rather than just a strategist, has completely reshaped how I approach consumer research and insight development.

Ella Schroeder, Strategy Intern
Boston University

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I believe that we grow through challenges, and learning to use Adobe Premiere was no exception. At first, editing with this tool felt difficult and frustrating, but I didn’t let that hold me back. Through hard work and persistence, I was able to overcome the obstacles it presented. Now, I’m both proud of my progress and confident in my ability to tackle similar challenges in the future.

This internship also gave me a deeper understanding of how complex launching an ad campaign truly is. With so many moving parts and people involved at different stages, I’ve gained a new appreciation for the process. While I initially focused on the creation of materials, I now have a greater respect for the importance of pre-production.

Abby Rhodes, Maker/Video Production Intern
Clark University ’24

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My time at CP taught me more than just technical skills—it nurtured a sense of curiosity that pushed me to dig deeper, question the numbers, and approach problems with a “how can I improve this?” mindset. I also honed my ability to communicate data insights clearly, making them accessible to anyone, no matter their familiarity with data.

One of the most rewarding experiences was a team sharing session where we learned from each other’s journeys. Hearing how my teammates tackled challenges and grew through their experiences was truly inspiring. These sessions weren’t just about exchanging knowledge—they were about building connections, growing together, and understanding how collaboration elevates us all.

Mia Park, Analytics Intern
Boston College

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The most valuable lesson I’ve learned at Connelly Partners is the importance of simply starting creative projects, even when the direction isn’t fully clear. Some of my projects came with vague or limited guidance, and I realized that taking those first steps, instead of getting “stuck” at the beginning, is essential. Now, I feel more confident starting projects with minimal direction, knowing I can refine and adjust as I go.

This internship also showed me just how collaborative this industry is. While I knew creative production required teamwork, I discovered that advertising-specific production involves even more moving parts than I had imagined. Working alongside my fellow interns gave me a firsthand look at how every department plays a unique and vital role in bringing advertising projects to life. This experience has illuminated aspects of the industry I hadn’t fully understood before.

Shayna Smith, Creative Production Intern
Boston University

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Although I studied advertising in school, there’s so much they don’t teach you about how an agency operates or the many roles and people that make it all come together. During my internship, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how agencies run and how they collaborate with clients. I’ve also had the chance to discover more about my own design style while exploring different approaches. Designing for a wide range of clients has challenged me to adapt my style to fit their unique needs, which has been both exciting and rewarding.

One of the things I love most about what I do is concepting and brainstorming ideas. There’s something so energizing about sitting down and coming up with countless ways to tackle a brief or meet a client’s goals. I also enjoy expanding on those ideas and figuring out how to bring them to life. On top of that, working with others has been incredibly rewarding. I love connecting with people, and I truly believe that collaborating can take ideas to a whole new level.

Juliana LaPorta, Art & Design Intern
The University of Alabama

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During my internship at CP, I thoroughly enjoyed getting hands-on experience with influencer partnerships, managing social media accounts, and content creation. Collaborating with my team, seeking their advice, and learning from their expertise made the experience even more rewarding. It allowed me to dive deeper into the strategic and dynamic elements of the industry.

The most valuable lesson I learned was the power of strategic thinking—how thoughtful, well-planned decisions can drive both creativity and results in campaigns. I also came to appreciate the importance of networking within the agency, building relationships, and asking questions. These connections and insights have been instrumental in helping me grow both personally and professionally.

Chloe Jackson, PR, Social Media, and Influencer Intern
College of Charleston

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During my internship, I developed valuable relationship-building skills, including the importance of being transparent, staying optimistic, and offering support to clients without assigning blame for challenges. These lessons have strengthened my ability to foster trust and collaboration in a professional setting.

My time at the agency also highlighted just how team-oriented the advertising industry can—and should—be. It was inspiring to see people from different offices, departments, and even countries come together to create meaningful results for clients. One of my career goals is to work within a team of like-minded individuals who view teamwork, empathy, and enthusiasm not as optional, but as essential elements of impactful advertising.

Ryan Long, Digital Intern
Loyola University Maryland 

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These past three months have been an incredible immersion into the advertising industry. Working across a variety of clients has helped me refine my copywriting skills and taught me how to adapt my writing style to fit campaigns ranging from shrimp to kitchen tiles.

At Connelly Partners, I’ve had the opportunity to not only contribute to diverse campaigns but also collaborate with a team of talented creatives. Seeing how seasoned professionals bring campaigns to life has been a rewarding and eye-opening experience. Beyond the work itself, the agency’s positive and open culture has made a significant impact on my time here. From the people to the company-wide events, the supportive environment has been a highlight of my internship.

Overall, this experience has strengthened my passion for copywriting and made me even more excited about the possibilities of a future in the field.

Clem Mark, Copywriting Intern/Creative
Boston University ’24 

 

With summer wrapping up, we can’t help but reflect on the impact our interns have had over the past few months. From creative thinking to hands-on projects, they brought energy and enthusiasm to everything they touched. Let’s take a look at the highlights of their experience and the lessons they’re taking with them as they move forward.

Build Bonds and Grow Together

This semester, I was able to play a part in seeing two campaigns come to life from start to finish. I was involved in creating tasks and action forms, proofreading decks and prints, and ensuring all timelines and client feedback were followed. It was such a great learning experience, being able to witness the complete campaign process, and how the CP team interacts with clients throughout. 

My most valuable takeaway from this internship is to start connecting and networking with people in the office right away. There are so many different and unique people in our community that have amazing stories to share! As I move forward in my professional career, I’m committed to being persistent in building connections with everyone I meet!

Wylie MacDougall, Brand Leadership Intern
University of New Hampshire 

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Discovering the Power of Culture

Being a part of CP has definitely impacted both my career and personal growth. I have had the unique opportunity to work and learn from the CP production department’s best. Working so closely and being mentored by experienced producers is a learning experience I could never gain in the classroom.

I discovered a few surprising things during my internship – the first being that the infamous CP culture truly does exist. Working here has been one of the most refreshing and inspiring experiences I’ve had when it comes to work culture. Experiencing CP’s culture firsthand has given me a new perspective on what is possible when you bring community to the workplace.

Emma Brady, Production Intern
Emerson College

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Collaboration Is Key

These past few months at Connelly Partners has definitely confirmed my goal of pursuing a career in creative copywriting. I’ve had the privilege of shadowing some really talented writers and I’m thankful to be walking away with the insights and experience I gained at CP.

Collaboration is so important and there was plenty of it to be found at CP. As someone who always dreaded group projects in school, a surprising realization I had was how much I love and thrive on collaboration. I learned how valuable it is to bounce ideas off of other people, and how much it helps promote creativity. Something you think is goofy might spark something insightful in someone else. 

Shruthi Krishnan, Copywriting Intern
Emerson College

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Find Your Voice

During the course of my internship, I believe that I made an impact on the teams and projects I worked on. Connelly Partners provides such a safe space to comfortably share ideas and be heard. Because of this, I was never afraid to state my opinion and help solve problems to drive projects forward. 

While at CP, I realized how much I love art directing and concepting. I have had a few projects during this internship where I was given the freedom to come up with ideas and I’ve noticed how happy and satisfied it makes me. Especially the pride I feel when I see it all coming together.

This internship has shown me what goes on behind the scenes when creating an ad. I’ve learned how many different people and roles come together to create a campaign. 

Juliana LaPorta, Art & Design Intern
The University of Alabama

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The Value of Hands-on Experience

Working at Connelly Partners has helped me sharpen my career focus by providing hands-on experience in creative strategy and video production. It helped build my confidence and clarify my passion for the industry. I am grateful for all the advice I received from my manager, particularly the importance of networking.

Getting so much hands-on experience during this semester was incredible. I feel fortunate to have been able to work as the second camera on a client shoot. I am especially proud that quite a bit of footage that I shot was actually used in the final product. I also have some hands-on experience in some production projects. I was able to participate in a virtual production project, which was a thrilling experience.

Edison Gao, Video & Editing Intern
Emerson College

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Learn From Your Peers

Going into college, I knew I was interested in marketing, but I wasn’t sure where in the field I fit into. Taking a media planning class in college exposed me to media as a subject, but this internship has proven to me how much media excites me and I want to continue in this field as I advance in my career. I have also gained so much confidence in myself, my ability to do challenging work, and my communication skills. 

I learned that you shouldn’t be afraid to make yourself known. Throughout the summer, I made it my goal to meet with every person on my team and at least one person in each department. At first, it was nerve-wracking to ask to take time out of someone’s busy schedule, but the more meetings I set up, the more comfortable and confident I became. It has been very rewarding to form these connections and there is so much to learn from the people around me.

Rebecca Gaffin, Media Intern
Suffolk University 

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Embrace Every Opportunity 

My experience working with other interns on client projects was incredibly rewarding. We learned a lot from each other by sharing ideas, managing activities, and holding work sessions together to complete projects. 

I am thankful to have had a manager who taught me so much; like how to use some of the hottest technologies, like ChatGPT, to help me work more efficiently. She encouraged me to utilize my talents and because of this, I have been working on improving my coding skills and will be pursuing a computer science program to develop marketing applications in the future.

If I could share one piece of advice, it would be to be open to everything and work hard to achieve your goals.

Rami Huu Nguyen, Strategy Intern
UMass Boston

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Fully Immerse Yourself 

I majored in film in college, so my exposure to the advertising world was limited at the start of my internship. Because of this, I was really like diving headfirst into the deep end and just seeing what happened. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the fast-paced, on-your-toes speed that the advertising industry moves at. Having to jump from project to project so quickly is a thrilling experience. 

It’s important to take in as much as you can. Sit in on more meetings, observe more of the entire process, learn more beyond your role. The more insight you have into every department, the better.

Andrew Powers, Photography & Editing Intern
American University

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Take Charge of Your Experience

Working on clients that involved collaboration across several departments was a key experience during my internship. With each department bringing its own expertise, communication was crucial. Everyone proactively contributed their insights, driven by curiosity to understand the full picture. What made it work was the respect we had for each other’s perspectives, ensuring that every voice was heard. This taught me that effective teamwork hinges on both active participation and empathetic communication, which are essential for aligning diverse teams towards a common goal.

If I could go back to the start of my internship, I would advise myself to be proactive in reaching out to others and not wait for opportunities to come to me. Connelly Partners is full of experienced professionals eager to share their knowledge, and I’d remind myself to tap into that resource from day one. Moving forward, I’ll carry this lesson with me, always seeking out opportunities to learn from those around me and contributing actively.

Mia Park, Analytics Intern
Boston College

The Fall semester has come to a close and it’s time to say goodbye to another class of incredible interns. Before they finished up, we asked them to look back at their accomplishments, learnings, and memorable moments from their time at CP. From forging new connections and collaborating with colleagues to learning about the industry and gaining new skills, here are the reflections of CP’s Fall 2023 interns.

Iseabail Kelley, Data & Analytics Intern
Syracuse University

My biggest weakness has always been my shyness. My confidence in the classroom never seemed to translate to a work setting – until I started at CP. During the second week of my internship, I remember texting my mom, “I feel so comfortable here.” I set up one-on-one meetings with various CPers to learn about their experiences and roles at the agency. In previous internships, the mere thought of setting up a one-on-one with anyone was incredibly daunting, but this was something that I took full advantage of at CP. Post-grad is a strange period of limbo, but the kindness of everyone at CP, and being immersed in the day-to-day environment, have pushed me to learn and grow as a pupil, a professional and a person. 

For incoming interns, I’d share this advice: embrace this as a learning experience! I always strive for perfection, which is unrealistic. Being hard on yourself is not productive, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes. Learning from mistakes is sometimes more valuable than doing something correctly on the first try, so give yourself grace and try not to overthink things.

Andrew Le, Brand Leadership Intern
Syracuse University

This semester, the greatest hurdle I faced was stepping out of my comfort zone. I’m so grateful for the opportunities that I had at CP to challenge myself. Recognizing and actively seeking chances to step forward and push boundaries has become crucial for me. Additionally, everyone I met during my internship was supportive and eager to learn more about me.

During this internship, I had the privilege of collaborating with various departments, which allowed me to learn from other teams while still being an integral part of my own. But if there is one specific thing that has sparked my curiosity, I would say it’s the new business process. I got to be a part of a pitch in a very small way and was able to witness how every single person involved was so invested in it. It was such a motivating feeling.

Arianne Duenas, Creative Intern
Boston University

At CP, I gained new skills in idea generation and content writing, largely thanks to the feedback provided by other copywriters. These fresh perspectives challenged me to think both creatively and adaptively. One-on-one sessions with various departments were also invaluable because they provided me with a comprehensive view of the agency’s operations. Outside of the creative department, I found myself particularly interested in PR, social media, and influencer marketing.

If I could go back to the start of my internship I would tell myself to not be afraid to ask questions. After all, CP’s DNA is to always be curious and get to the bottom of the “why” of things. 

Maya Menon Freeman, Strategy Intern
Emerson College

One of the most memorable achievements from this past semester occurred when I gathered some research for upcoming brand work. I presented my findings to my boss and then the brand team. They were all incredibly supportive and complimentary and helped me hone my presentation skills. I was trusted to present my findings to the client and I ran them through my now well-rehearsed spiel. It wasn’t until we left the meeting that I found out I had just presented to the CMO of one of our clients. It was such a proud moment! 

I think that it’s so important to be present! There’s so much to juggle between school and internships, but these are crucial learning experiences. I always reminded myself that this was my chance to make the most of my time here. It’s easy to get caught up in the bustle of “what’s next,” which is why it’s important to remember to soak it in and connect with the people around you.  That’s what is invaluable.

Nick Maumus, Media Intern
Bentley University 

Throughout my experience as an intern, every place I looked or anyone I turned to was readily available to answer questions, help re-explain a process, or provide advice. You just need the willingness to ask the questions! Like many things in this internship, you get what you put in, and I made it a goal of mine to ask as many questions as possible and never stop learning. To that end, I have expanded my understanding of media planning and buying, other agencies, and the industry in general. The CP culture is unique, rewarding, and invaluable, similarly, the people are non-stop learners and teachers.

I have grown tremendously in my time at CP. The most apparent growth has been in my ability to learn new skills and understand the interconnectedness of how the advertising industry operates. I was able to learn with a more hands-on approach and have honed my problem-solving skills. I’ve mastered the ability to seek answers out proactively as opposed to waiting for an answer to an email. I will carry these skills with me for the rest of my life, and cannot wait to continue growing as I face new projects and learn new processes. 

Anjali Duenwald, Finance/Accounting Intern
Northeastern University

My favorite part of working at CP is how kind and open everyone is. Even though I didn’t work directly with everyone across the company, there were always smiling faces to welcome me to the office each day and people willing to share their experiences. Branching out and chatting with individual people gave me a strong understanding of the agency and how CP works with their clients.

Before this internship, I had only taken two accounting classes and had never worked in an accounting position. As such, I was nervous and wasn’t sure if my knowledge was on par with what I would be doing in the role. Jumping right in and working with my team to get started on tasks that showed me various aspects of the finance department allowed me to start learning immediately.

Clark Shepard, Associate Creative Director

A writer has two jobs: observe and report.

I call it sponge work. You go into the world, you soak in every little insignificant detail, you wring it out onto the page – and little by little you come to understand there are no insignificant details. There are tiny little fragments of brilliance. Each and every one of them, the smoking gun leading us to something true and honest and human and real. Sure, maybe I’m assigning too much academia and empathy to a profession that is ultimately responsible for this Quizno’s ad, but let’s not forget it’s also the same profession that gave us Dr. Rick. And make no mistake: There would be no such Doctor without the sponge work. 

Anyway, here I am burying the lead like a cooking blog you have to scroll through pages of “My husband’s laser tag obsession is ruining my life” just to find the recipe. Hi, I’m Clark Shepard, Associate Creative Director here at Connelly Partners, and I lived in Ireland for September as a part of our CP Abroad program. As I sit here and reflect on that experience – with incredible gratitude I might add – I keep coming back to one word (and yes, it’s a call back from one entire paragraph ago): Observation. 

Is observation paramount to a writer’s success? Yes. Am I awesome at deploying it all the time? No. Why? Well, my therapist refused to be quoted for this blog post, but I think it comes down to this: nothing dulls the sensors quite like a routine. The same breakfast, the same commute, the same conversations with the same people – every day – it’s a restrictor plate on the lawn mower of creativity (weird metaphor, but I just mowed). So the prospect of leaving that routine of creature comforts behind was an utterly stomach-churning, terrifying, world-upending…relief. As I sat on the 7-hour flight from Boston to Dublin, in between viewings of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and a Masterclass on how to appreciate wine (turns out I was doing it wrong), I gave myself a challenge. A challenge to set aside the roles I play in my everyday life (a shameless entertainer with a need for validation in any and all forms, for example). Quite simply, I made it my mission to step back and listen up. 

So I sat on barstools across Ireland, listening to people complain, and laugh, and express gratitude, and go on first dates, and also one or two last dates. Strangers taught me rugby on the fly, and let me join in the camaraderie of pain and euphoria and more pain during the World Cup. When I forgot to pack a raincoat on my first weekend trip to Howth, I sought shelter from a storm in a hole-in-the-wall pub. I ended up spending 6 hours there – just listening. 

I hopped a 4am flight to London one morning and watched its city streets wake up. In the afternoon, I took the Underground to Tottenham to see my beloved Hotspurs in action. What I felt, sitting by myself in a stadium of 70,000 fans, was oddly anything but alone. After trailing for 98 minutes, they tied it up in electric fashion. Two minutes later, they scored again – producing from the crowd the single loudest sound I’ve ever heard (and the loudest, highest-pitched sound I’ve ever made). Strangers were grabbing me by the sleeves as I blindly grabbed back. A dad and his teenage son both bear-hugged me. Oh, and a woman, who could not have been a day younger than a full century, open-mouth kissed me. I called home to my wife, explaining in great detail that my mouth had remained shut for the duration. It was the latest winning comeback in Premier League history – she understood. 

Later on in my trip, I took a tour bus from Galway, full of the most touristy tourists you’ll ever see, to the Cliffs of Moher. Though I spent hours weaving through the foot traffic of the path, and weaving through their conversations as I did, I might have only said three words the entire day. They all happened at the same moment, as I reached the preeminent cliff’s edge. I believe the words were “Holy F****ing Sh*t”. 

For a month straight, I did the sponge work. Consciously at first, but then it just became second nature, as if my primal code was wiped back to its factory settings. When I got back to the States, I felt lighter. Not literally of course – Ireland operates as though potatoes are vegetables and Guinness has electrolytes. I felt lighter with this newfound proof that every second of life is fascinating if only you remember to tune in. I went to Ireland to become a better listener, and I might have accidentally become a better writer in the process. For that I’m grateful. 

*Raises a Guinness*

To doing the sponge work. 

Clióna Gallagher, Client Services Intern

Dear Future CP Intern,

My name is Clióna Gallagher and I am a final-year marketing student at the Technological University of Dublin. As I approach the end of my internship, I wanted to share some advice that I’ve gathered with anyone who is considering pursuing a career in the marketing and advertising field.

Throughout the course of my degree, my professors have consistently emphasized the importance of acquiring authentic industry experience via internships. They stressed that participating would ensure I gain priceless insights and expertise, equipping me to connect my academic learning with real-world scenarios upon my graduation. Engaging in an internship within the dynamic realm of marketing would enable me to discern the specific sector I aim to pursue in the near future.

During my internship at Connelly Partners, I was fortunate to engage in a diverse array of creative activities while also gaining a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics behind nurturing client relationships. Working between the various sectors of the business allowed me to take a hands-on approach to my internship. Whether it be making my cameo debut in a client’s campaign shoot, or conducting exploratory research for a new pitch, I am confident I maximized the opportunities that were presented to me during my tenure here. Given the fiercely competitive and saturated nature of the marketing and advertising industry, it can be daunting to enter. However, the exposure that one gains from working with agencies such as Connelly Partners instills a profound sense of confidence in both oneself and the chosen career path.

Cheers!

Clióna Gallagher
Client Services Intern
She/Her

Anna Grace, New Business Intern

Dear Future CP Intern,

My name is Anna Grace, a recent graduate from Emerson College with a degree in marketing communications. When I was in college, I received advice from a professor about internships, stressing that they are “the cheapest way to fail successfully.” What I took from that is that you should try out an industry that interests you. After your experience, if you don’t like certain aspects of the industry you can pivot. It took me a couple of pivots to realize what skills I had to offer and how I wanted to build upon them.

Working in new business has allowed me to get a glimpse into what the advertising world looks like and how an agency runs. The pitch process is a lot like speed dating because the client meets with various agencies, who present their ideas and what they can offer. After the winning agency is selected, they work with the client to agree on a scope of work and then the team gets to work strategizing, concepting, and physically creating the campaign.  

Getting one’s foot in the door to the advertising industry is a great opportunity and accomplishment, but it can also be stressful. With Fall internship applications coming up, I wanted to write a letter of encouragement with tips for prospective interns from CP’s Summer interns.

Anna Grace
New Business Intern
She/Her

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Seek Out Human Truths

Jackson graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in English creative writing. He shares his experience of being “thrown into the deep end and working in tandem with other copywriters on projects” that challenged and excited him. As he settled into the internship, his goals and expectations were confirmed; he expresses how he “learned to abandon clichés and puns and instead passionately seek out human truths.” He urges those who are interested in copywriting to, “go online or to your local bookstore and buy old One Show annuals, and while you’re reading them, if you get a rush of dopamine that goes straight from the top of your head to the nerve endings in your fingertips, you’re heading in the right direction.”

Jackson Wald
Copywriting Intern
He/Him

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Form Relationships

Maya is a rising senior at Emerson College, studying visual marketing and design. Their passion for marketing bloomed when they took a commercial marketing class. She built a strong relationship with her professor, which turned into a mentorship. Maya acknowledges her mother’s wise words, “don’t ask, don’t get.” College is a space to grow and challenge your curiosity, “be courageous in class, make an effort to speak up and show up as your best self.” Seeking out a professor, mentor, or friend whose guidance you trust is helpful in the career journey. 

Maya Freeman
Strategy Intern
She/They

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Embrace Learning Opportunities

Emma is a rising senior at Boston University, studying Film, Television and Advertising. Prior to her current role at CP she worked in the paid social department in-house for SONY Music. She emphasizes that internships are a perfect way to learn about an industry that interests you. “Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have experience because an internship in advertising is attainable.” For those currently working in a marketing position or at an agency, there are learning opportunities everywhere. Keep an open mind and embrace every experience as an opportunity to grow. 

Emma Provost
Media Planning
She/Her

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Build A Strong Resume

Oceane is a rising senior at Suffolk University, studying Business Economics, Big Data and Business Analytics. She was most proud of presenting on the “deprecation of 3rd party cookies, which was the starting point and guide to creating a company POV on it” at CP this summer.  

Oceane affirms “having a solid resume is important and recommends working with career advisors to showcase skills that match the job description.” The advertising world intrigues her as she likes the “behind the scenes” aspect and appreciates the effort it takes to market a product or service.

Oceane Balya
Data and Analytics Intern
She/Her

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Take It All In

Jenny is a rising senior studying communications at Lasell University. She’s been drawn to production her entire life, as “it has a little bit of everything. I get to see all of the moving pieces come together to help people and collectively make something special and beneficial.” For those interested in production, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of what goes into a successful shoot, and how to edit videos and photos. Her biggest tip for incoming interns is to “take in as much as possible. You may not find your passion in advertising, but be observant and think outside the box and it just might lead you to what you love.”

Jennifer Frechette
Production Intern
She/Her

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An internship or any experience, whether it’s trying a new restaurant or traveling to a new place really is what you make of it. Remember the hardest part is showing up. Feed your inner creativity, lean on people you trust and question everything with intent.

If you’re someone who values empathy, ambition, integrity and curiosity join Connelly Partners and explore what it’s like to work in the advertising world. 

Best,

Anna

At the end of each semester, we ask our interns to reflect on their experiences and learnings at CP. As they begin to wrap up their time here, our fantastic spring interns have left us with so many valuable insights. From networking with coworkers to getting a firsthand look at the industry, and mastering valuable time management skills, they’ve truly been crushing it. Here’s what our interns had to say.

Jasmine Francoeur, PR & Social Media
Suffolk University

I quickly fell in love with CP after meeting my team and getting a tour of our amazing office. Right away, I noticed how CP has such a great sense of community and family that feels very unique from other companies I’ve worked for in the past. While I love the work that I do, which mixed my two passions of PR and social media, it was truly the people who got me excited to come in! 

During my internship, I made it my goal to meet as many CPers as I could. I arranged coffee chats with people from different departments and learned so much about what they do and their experiences. During these chats, I realized how fascinating every department is and how they must all work together to help bring our clients success. It was truly eye-opening!

This internship has pushed me to grow in innumerable ways! It has further developed my critical and strategic thinking skills. I’ve also learned so much about the industry and the people behind it as well as how to use the latest technologies to help aid in our influencer searches. 

Hayes Hollar, People & Operations
Boston University

As someone who loves the idea of “go-go-go” in a professional and business sense and is a busybody to the core, I’ve always been attracted to the advertising industry. CP stood out to me because it’s a global company that touches so many different industries. Also, CP’s emphasis on the human experience, placing that at the core of its values as a company, makes it extremely attractive. With the hustle and bustle of advertising, putting people first is not always the case. 

The first thing I noticed at CP was how friendly and genuine everyone was, before even really getting to know them. This is the first time I’ve ever had an internship experience where a company prioritizes being in the office. I think that was extremely intimidating but I was immediately comforted by the warmth and friendliness of all of the people here. It’s unique to see a work culture where all the employees seem to be good friends rather than just friendly coworkers. I approached the internship and the people I met throughout it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun. 

CP has given me a new perspective on the industry. There is always a way to strike a balance between the chaos of advertising and the well-being of the employees, who keep the company running, which is of the utmost importance. 

Nick Maumus, Media
Bentley University

From my initial conversations with CPers, I knew that this agency aligned strongly with my own personal values. For that reason, this internship was the best part of every day for my last semester of college. On top of having great interactions with coworkers, I worked on a variety of client and internal CP projects.

My greatest learning experience, however, was being given a glimpse into the real world. I had to quickly learn how to juggle a full course load of both undergraduate and graduate classes and the Bentley Honors program, on top of this internship. On a good day, my 90-minute commute to the office spanned driving, walking, and taking the subway. I would lose 6 hours each week on my commute alone, which challenged me to learn the valuable skill of time management. 

I worked hard every day to maximize my time and be as productive as possible, while also managing stress. I used every opportunity to learn, including my commute to the office. One piece of advice that I received from Steve Connelly was to put my phone down on the subway and just watch people because you can learn so much from simply observing. By doing this, I learned a great deal about peoples’ habits, behaviors, group interactions, and stressors. It was a very interesting exercise that I’ll continue to practice moving forward.

Charlie Kennedy, Analytics
Merrimack College

What struck me about CP is just how friendly and understanding everyone is. People know how to act with each other in a professional, fun environment, whether that be providing constructive criticism or celebrating a job well done. 

My internship taught me just how complex and multifaceted the advertising industry is. While working on the analytics team, I was fortunate to be exposed to various departments within the agency, particularly the media team. The role that they play in ensuring that ads reach the intended audience is intriguing to me. Media is definitely another avenue that I’d love to explore more. Additionally, I find the whole process of creating an ad to be quite interesting – from copywriting and art direction through production, it is truly amazing how so many people play a part in the process. 

While at CP, I had so many opportunities to learn. The greatest learning experience I have had, however, is learning to use Google Analytics in an efficient manner with actual clients. I also had the privilege of being able to meet and work alongside CPers from our Dublin office. 

CP’s 2022 Fall Interns  

Catching a glimpse into the world of advertising proved to be an exciting and challenging experience for all eight of CP’s fall interns. From 3D modeling to Influencer campaigns, our interns experienced all CP has to offer. Before we send them off for winter break, we asked some hard-hitting (and some not-so-hard-hitting) questions about their time at CP. 

Andrew Pinard, Finance 
Bridgewater State University

Right off the bat, CP was one of the coolest offices I’d ever been in. The employees and general atmosphere of the company was my favorite part, making me excited to go to work everyday.

Although I worked in finance, I was able to shadow the production team for a shoot in Boston. It was great to experience advertising from another department and sparked my curiosity about what else the advertising industry has to offer. I was surprised at how many clients CP has for being relatively smaller compared to other ad agencies.

Jane Amendolara, PR & Social Media
Boston University 

I knew right off the bat that CP was special! I loved the unique, homey atmosphere at the office. Everyone was professional, yet friendly and approachable. It especially helps that I have such an amazing team to work with. 

The fast-paced nature of the advertising world is probably one of the biggest things that has surprised me, but it keeps things exciting and I have never been bored! My most memorable experience was singing karaoke in front of everyone at CP’s Thanksgiving celebration.

Jared Smith, Media 
Bentley University 

Something about the advertising world that surprised me was just how fast everything moves. Since joining CP in the summer, I had a lot more experience and was more involved than ever before, so I got to see how fast projects and different campaigns move. 

The most interesting thing that I’ve done is learn about the planning process. Using the information and data at our disposal to make informed decisions is very interesting to me. I also loved working so closely on everything with the MFA! 

Jayde Zainc, New Business & CP Marketing 
Emmanuel College 

Going into my first internship, I had no idea how many moving parts there were to create a successful advertising campaign. It was so interesting to not only work with New Business but work with other departments to see how everyone’s work meshes together to create something great. I enjoyed listening to all the pitch opportunities coming into New Business, especially brands I recognized.

I was surprised at how inviting and comfortable the office space was. It makes the day go by a lot faster when there’s a ton of different places to sit and work, away from your desk. 

Lily Ward, Brand Leadership 
Trinity College

CP created a warm and welcoming environment that made the office a great place to work. I was surprised by the open layout. I’ve found that this helped cultivate a more laid-back environment which made it much easier to ask questions and learn more about the agency. 

The most exciting part of my internship was seeing my different research projects and analysis being shared with and appreciated by clients. I loved helping brainstorm the Quarterly Catch presentation for Gorton’s, which focused on drawing parallels between brand loyalty and religion. 

Sophie Jurion, Creative
Boston University 

I worked a lot with CP’s social content, like designing our CP Abroad social posts. I loved using the new branding for CP to create engaging content for our social platforms. Not only did I love the work environment, but everyone was so nice and helpful! You couldn’t go anywhere without being greeted by smiling faces.  

I was surprised by the level of communication needed to stay on top of time management, revision, feedback, and staying on the same page on a project. My biggest takeaway is the importance of communication for everything to run smoothly. 

Toni Baraga, Creative
Boston University 

Being in such an amazing environment here at CP encourages you to be your best self. When you’re not having a good day, your coworkers (and the cold brew!) are there to help pick you back up.

The one aspect of CP that sticks out to me is the scope of ideas that are produced during the concepting stage. I loved how big, blue-sky ideas were encouraged rather than stifled. I learned to not put a lid on yourself before you even start and to let the ideas flow. The practical considerations will come later.

Travis Earp, Creative 
Purdue University 

CP instantly felt like a place I wanted to be. I loved the company atmosphere and energy, it comes from every employee naturally, making the office such a fun place to work. I felt so lucky to have the opportunity to work at such an amazing place. 

Coming from an industrial design background, I didn’t realize how involved ad agencies are with their clients. There is so much more that goes on behind the scenes compared to what people see. I look at every commercial and billboard differently now.

 

CP’s 2022 Summer Interns

This summer, we had a group of rockstar interns at CP. From helping launch a new global agency program to assisting with influencer campaigns and much more, these five new CPers got a taste of the fast-moving world of advertising. Before they head back to school, we asked them a few questions to reflect on their time here. Read all about their experiences below.

Kendall Gilbert, Analytics
Elon University

One thing that continues to surprise me about Connelly Partners is the amazing collaboration that goes on between all departments. I was given the opportunity to meet with many different people and was amazed at how everything connects and comes together to bring Connelly Partners success. I am extremely grateful the CP employees were kind enough with their busy schedules to spend time with me and teach me about their specific roles within the agency.

I think that the most exciting thing about the industry is new business. I was able to see a side of advertising that I never really knew or thought about. I enjoyed seeing the dedication and passion CP employees put into winning clients.  

Rachel Schultz, Brand Leadership
University of Wisconsin-Madison 

My favorite project that I worked on was the launch of CP Abroad. It was fun to be behind the scenes of a new endeavor and help figure out how CP could use an experience like this to benefit the employees and all the offices as a whole.

What excites me the most about the world of advertising is how it is constantly moving and changing. As someone who prefers to work on many different things and switch up the tasks I have, I appreciate how advertising allows me the opportunity to try various things and see what I like the best. Being in the CP office all summer, I have been exposed to the intricacies of different departments, which makes me excited to eventually be able to live and learn through them in my career. 

Jared Smith, Media
Bentley University

During my internship, I was very surprised at how the interns are included in everything. I was allowed to see what life at CP is really like by being involved in all meetings, events, and activities.

The top highlight of my internship was playing on the softball team. I had such a great time getting to know so many CPers, and doing this helped me to truly understand the culture of the company.

I also loved seeing all of the dogs in the office on Waggin’ Wednesdays. This was the best on national hot dog day when the dogs wore the hot dog bandana’s and played with the hot dog toys.

Jane Amendolara, PR & Social Media
Boston University 

I’ve learned more than I ever could’ve hoped – how to build media lists, how to run an influencer campaign from start to finish, community management skills, planning social calendars, influencer scouting, the list goes on! 

My fellow teammates have been nothing but supportive and helpful to me since I started at CP last January. They’re all so smart and creative, and make coming to work fun. I couldn’t think of a better group of people to learn from!

I have loved running influencer campaigns for our clients Gorton’s, Kayem and al fresco. Understanding the behind the scenes and watching campaigns come to life from start to finish has been such an awesome learning experience. Something that excites me most about the world of advertising is the ability for me to use my creativity and experience the reward of my work helping others.

Gideon Baeza, Production
Emerson College

During my time at CP, I learned that it takes hard work and dedication to actualize any idea or project. Things don’t happen with a snap of a finger.

I was given the opportunity to implement my own ideas and concepts into the company. It was amazing to be respected as a creative thinker and to have the chance to collaborate with my other employees was a very immersive and involved experience.

The most exciting element of advertising is that what’s considered good, is always changing. There is never a right way to promote anything and it takes creative thinkers to expand the capabilities of advertising.