Despite many challenges presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic, students in the journalism and mass communications department were able to secure internships for summer 2021.
“I’m really grateful that several of our students were able to secure internships for the summer,” said Gill Welsch, internship coordinator for the department. “The internship situation for 2020 was absolutely ugly. The spread of the COVID virus and the changing business environment made it hard for companies and organizations to offer internships. Those groups that were able to make offers eventually had to rescind their offers.
“Fortunately, things were much better for 2021,” he said. “It was easier for students to find internships. Also, many of the companies that canceled internships last year were able to give offers to the students who had lost their internship. I am especially grateful for that.”
Welsch said most of the internships were conducted remotely. Those that were in face-to-face settings tended to be in financial institutions or local businesses.
Students who secured internships in 2021 include:
Matthew Anderson, an advertising major from St. Louis, Missouri, who graduated in May 2021, interned virtually with BBDO in New York. He recently became the marketing and communications coordinator for St. John Vianney High School in St. Louis.
Grace Boatright, a journalism major from Benton, Kentucky, interned virtually with 270 Media & Co., in Nashville, Tennessee.
Mackenzie Cato, a senior advertising major from Bethalto, Illinois, interned virtually with OMD in Chicago.
Julia Cwiklowski, an advertising major from St. Louis, interned virtually and in person with Energy BBDO in Chicago.
Alison (Ali) Enax, a senior public relations major, from Sikeston, Missouri, who graduated in May 2021, interned virtually with DDB in New York.
Nick Horstman, graphic communications media major from Wildwood, Missouri, interned virtually with Designory in Nashville.
Brittany Kenner, a public relations major from Murray, interned with CFSB in Benton, Kentucky.
Breanna Kinder, advertising graduate from Benton, Kentucky, interned virtually with GSD&M in Austin, Texas. She recently joined the media department at the Buntin Group in Nashville.
Allison Manning, a mass communication graduate student from Benton, Kentucky, interned with Murray Main Street in Murray.
Abbie Perry, a public relations major from Almo, Kentucky, interned virtually with Crow’s Nest Coffee Roasters of Nashville.
Shannon Riley, an art/graphic design major and graphic communications technology minor from Scott Depot, West Virginia, interned with Murray State Racer Athletics in Murray.
Danielle (Dani) Wright, advertising major from St. Louis, interned virtually with OMD in New York.
Deonte Turnley, a mass communication graduate student from Evansville, Indiana, interned virtually with Merkley & Partners in New York.
