At Hudson Integrated, we pride ourselves on the equal value we place on every employee, from intern to CEO. July 27th, 2017 is National Intern Day, and as we recognize and celebrate our interns today, we want to give you an inside look into interning at Hudson.
We sat down with our Marketing Assistant, Kelsey Foy, to learn more about her experience as an intern at Hudson. Kelsey is a graduate student at Seton Hall University and she began her internship with us in February 2017. Check out our interview with her below!
Why did you apply to our digital marketing internship?
When applying for internships I knew I wanted to experience agency life. One of my career interests is digital marketing, and I am currently conducting research on social media as part of my graduate program. Hudson has a great reputation and was close to home, so I knew it would be the perfect place for me to learn about my interests, both academically and professionally.
What is your favorite part about interning at Hudson Integrated?
I have only been here since February, but so far I love the culture, as well as the responsibilities I have been given. There is never a dull moment at Hudson, and I have already been challenged in more ways than I expected. The team takes into consideration what you enjoy working on and what your strengths are, and then assigns tasks according to both of those factors. There are so many learning opportunities, but I am still able to contribute enough to be a vital part of the team’s efforts.
What has been your biggest challenge while working at Hudson Integrated?
Before Hudson, I interned in-house for a non-profit organization. My biggest challenge here is getting to know multiple clients and adapting to different brand voices, all while working in the fast-paced environment of an agency. It’s doable, but definitely not easy at first. However, the team helped me adapt, and now I easily complete tasks for a variety of clients.
How do you feel this internship has prepared you for a career in your field?
This internship is very hands on, and everyone treats you as if you are a regular, full-time employee. Your work is expected to be used for actual clients; therefore, its quality is required to meet a certain standard of quality, which means it goes through rigorous revisions before it ever gets in front of a client. My graduate program is focused on research, so this internship is providing me with the practical experience I need to stay in tune with my professional goals. Being exposed to the marketing needs of different clients has taught me to think strategically, which is a crucial skill for anyone in the field.
How would you describe our company culture?
The opposite of boring. Hudson is very team oriented, and promotes a relaxed and fun atmosphere throughout the office. The work ethic here is amazing! Everyone knows how to diligently get work done while still letting loose and breaking the silence when things get too serious. There are always ways to get everyone together to talk about random things (think Friday team lunches). Everyone works as a team and finds a reason to laugh every day, which actually improves productivity!
What are some new skills or knowledge obtained during your time as an intern?
Ah, there are so many! To sum it up, I learned about best SEO practices, and the in’s and out’s of maintaining different social media accounts for clients. An important skill that I have sharpened is time management and organization. When working at an agency, it is important to know how to prioritize and how much time to spend on each task. To further the success of your clients, you need to meet your deadlines.
Would you recommend this internship to other students?
Absolutely. In fact, I already have! I always recommend Hudson to undergraduate students at Seton Hall seeking an internship in NJ. This internship is not a joke - you can’t sit around and expect to get school credit at the end. If a student is looking for actual experience, and is ready to challenge themselves, then this internship is for them!
How do you feel about the level of responsibility you were given?
It’s rewarding to know that you are considered a trusted member of the team. My input is valued and I get to see my work make an impact on our clients’ objectives. The tasks you are given are exactly those you would complete in a full-time position, there is no “b*tch work,” so to speak.
As an intern, do you think you were given the opportunity to share new ideas and thoughts and if so, have you seen any of your ideas or thoughts implemented?
My very first task was to share my ideas on new ways we can promote a client on social media. Since then, I have had similar tasks and many have been implemented. The thing about Hudson is that everyone''''''''s input is treated equal. The team will never exclude any ideas based on position title or seniority. Hudson knows that when it comes to creativity and brainstorming, the sky''''''''s the limit. I have always felt comfortable sharing my opinion and it is awesome to see my ideas used in the real world.
What is your most memorable experience at Hudson?
So far, it would have to be our team race at MuckFest MS. Team outings are always a great experience, and doing something together for a cause is even better! Our team got muddy and watched each other complete some pretty crazy obstacles. It was definitely a fun experience that I probably wouldn’t have done without Hudson.
Thank you Kelsey for sharing her experience with us! Hudson’s internship programs offers real-life experience to students interested in digital marketing, web design, web development and business development. Check us out online to learn more about what we do and see if Hudson’s internship program could be the right fit for you. Apply today!