Kelley Lane '13 Kelley Lane '13 is interning this summer at Thoma Thoma, a brand marketing firm in Little Rock, Ark. The firm has worked on campaigns and design for restaurants and hotels and events in Little Rock and central Arkansas.
Q: What are your responsibilities as an intern? What have you been doing?
A: As an intern, I have had the opportunity to really put my design skills to the test. Immediately I was given projects to work on, such as designing ads for magazines, creating and editing PR booklets, creating logos for well-known Little Rock restaurants who are rebranding, designing for social media marketing, and helping with other design projects.
Q: Why did you decide to do an internship?
A: This is my third internship. After two summers of doing internships, this just seemed like the natural thing to do. Internships are a great way to get a feel for what a job will really be like. Not only that, but by doing internships you learn skills that you can't find in the classroom… it's a new environment with different expectations. Everyone should do one.
Q: How did you find out about your internship?
A: I knew I wanted to find an internship as a designer in Little Rock this summer. I asked Frank Cox, who is the chief communications officer at Hendrix and who is my boss in Hendrix's marketing communications office. He has worked in the advertising business in Arkansas for years, so I knew he would be a great resource at suggesting agencies.
Q: How does your internship fit with your possible plans for life after Hendrix, or with your current interests?
A: At Hendrix, I am majoring in international relations and studio art: printmaking. But what I am passionate about is graphic design, something not offered at Hendrix. Since I want to pursue a career in design, finding an internship was essential for me to learn skills I haven't already picked up, to make connections for the future, and to have real experience doing design. Having this internship will open up a lot of opportunities that would not otherwise be available.
Q: What's been the greatest (or most eye-opening) part of your internship so far?
A: Initially, I was astounded by how much freedom I have been given. After having two internships, I was used to sort of being checked up on or at least monitored peripherally. At Thoma Thoma, I am given a task and expected to complete it flawlessly, quickly and creatively. I have worked on major projects like Race for the Cure and the rebranding of [Little Rock restaurant] 1620. I am even getting the chance to meet with clients. It has been great to be allowed so much creative freedom.