In the last couple of years, I have realized that, with the declining economy, it would be tougher and tougher for people to find quality jobs. As the realization took its toll, I tried to find a job that I thought would fit my interests. However, I wasn’t very successful. In 2007, working as a parking attendant at the Ravinia Music Festival in Highland Park, Ill. was my first job. Being a parking attendant was easy and enjoyable because I got to know the people around me very well. However, what bugged me was that when Ravinia had big concerts, parking attendants would have to stay sometimes until 1 a.m. so that we could help people to their cars. Last summer I worked at the Five Seasons Country Club snack bar in Northbrook, Ill. Yet again, I didn’t really enjoy the job. Both of my previous summer jobs left me exhausted – not how I wanted to feel coming home from work. What I wanted to feel was refreshed, knowing that I did my part to make a difference.
Late last year, I thought about my brother Alex who previously interned at KemperLesnik and raved about his experience. I talked with Alex about it, and he told me about the politeness of the people and the overall relaxed but ready-to-work atmosphere. I felt like this was the type of company in which I could flourish. I’ve always had an interest in marketing and public relations, and I am an avid sports fan. KemperLesnik was everything that I was looking for in a job and more, and I was excited when I was offered an internship position this summer. The challenging aspect of the position as well as the camaraderie that was displayed in the office everyday was just part of what brought me to KemperLesnik.
It has been terrific working at KemperLesnik with established PR professionals such as B.R. Koehnemann and Palmer Moody. Both have helped me feel more and more comfortable in my position while working on Harbor Shores Champions for Change, KemperSports and the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational. To me, this internship has been a success — more than I expected.
At first, because I was an intern, I didn’t expect to have much responsibility. But, I soon realized that there is much more for an intern to do than just sit and listen in meetings. I have been allowed to raise my opinions on subjects and make suggestions. I have supported the team through research, planning and media strategy development. The freedom to express my suggestions on different topics and to help out by developing media lists and working in Excel has made this position really work for me.
I have gained a lot of real world work experience at KemperLesnik – skills I will take with me in my career.
Working with B.R. and Palmer has helped me to understand the public relations side of business, which is a profession I may want to be in down the road.
It makes me feel good knowing that in some way or another I have contributed to the Champions for Change and to KemperLesnik as a whole. And I know that the experience of being a public relations intern at KemperLesnik is only the beginning of a long and fulfilling career.
Written by Zach Prosperi
