Onboard at Springboard for Summer 2010

Right now, I am writing this blog in my cubicle at Springboard Public Relations, an agency that works with various technology startups,   creating and implementing all types of marketing, PR and social media campaigns.

Prior to my senior year at The Pennsylvania State University ( yep, Penn State the place where students eat blue and white cornflakes for breakfast and camp outside of the stadium for days in honor of Joe Paterno), I wanted to find an internship  close to home and stumbled upon the opportunity to work at Springboard.

In addition to the agency’s portfolio and well-established clients, the people at Springboard seemed to thrive inside a fast-paced and fun work environment.   Additionally, reading Domenick Cilea’s bio, it was evident that he has a life outside of Springboard, coaching youth baseball, football and wrestling.  It is refreshing to see people equally committed to their profession as well as family and community activities. Put me in, coach!

As a college student looking to learn from the best and the brightest, I quickly settled into Springboard’s close-knit, family-oriented culture. Its hands-on environment allows me to roll up my sleeves and participate in a broad range of marketing, public relations and social media activities.

Six weeks into my internship, I can honestly say no two days are ever the same.  Springboard supports my personal mantra:   to become well-rounded in my knowledge base and to step outside of my comfort zone.

Among the myriad of clients and projects I am supporting, the coolest is coordinating the annual NJ Sandcastle Contest, to be held at the Jersey Shore . I could not be more excited about this project. First, I get to go to the beach!  On a serious note, this project is allowing me to draw on my creativity as I engage in various aspects of the public relations, event management, marketing, writing, and sponsorship outreach. I also got a fast track course on social media, and how Springboard is helping clients utilize Twitter, Facebook and foursquare to connect with their customers and prospects.

I still have a month to go before I return to school. I am looking forward to meeting clients and supporting various project initiatives.

I believe it is extremely important to not only capitalize on knowledge and education, but to also open our eyes to the ever-changing world surrounding us. In my opinion, if you trust the phrase “what you don’t know won’t hurt you,” you’ll be the first to get hurt.  Knowledge is the greatest power available to us—what we DO know will only help us succeed. Here, I am working with a small group of intelligent, yet down-to-earth, marketing communications experts, diving into the public relations industry and doggy-paddling my way around the area of technology.

I am glad I decided to join the Springboard team this summer.