Intern Spotlight: Summer 2021

Read our Q&A with Hirons’ latest round of interns to hear about their previous experiences, and why they chose Hirons.

JENNIE BALSANO, TOM HIRONS INTERN

Jennie Balsano

How did you become interested in the industry?

I became interested in this industry from my tour of the Media School at Indiana University. I never fully knew what industry I would end up working in until I was able to find a major with courses that piqued my curiosity. Once I realized Media/Advertising was an industry that filled both of my creative and analytical passions, I knew I would end up working in the field.

 

What personal characteristics do you need to be successful in the industry?

Personal characteristics I feel one would need to be successful in this industry is the ability to always be curious and communicate with others. Curiosity allows individuals to discover ways to solve problems in different or creative ways. Also, this industry requires individuals to communicate with others in different fields, so being able to manage communication between people with different job titles is extremely necessary.

 

Outside of the office, what are some of your hobbies or passions?

Outside of the office, my hobbies and passions include dance, cooking, film, travel and music. I have always been a creative individual, so these hobbies and passions are great examples of how I spend my free time or how I spent my childhood.

 

When and where do you have your best ideas?

I usually have my best ideas in my bed before I go to sleep. It can be hard to stop my thoughts at night, but I usually have great ideas during this time.

 

What has been your favorite project that you’ve worked on at Hirons?

My favorite project that I have worked on at Hirons thus far has been researching consumer behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic for First Merchants Bank. Being able to take this data and brainstorm ideas for marketing efforts tailored to the client has been a way for me to be both analytical and creative.

 

What’s your favorite time of day?

My favorite time of day is the evening/night because I am a definite night-owl.

 

What is the most meaningful part of your job?

The most meaningful part of my job is being able to learn from other professionals in the industry and provide them with nuanced ideas.

 

Describe yourself in three words.

In three words, I would describe myself as empathetic, curious and driven. I have always felt that empathy is the greatest connection someone can make with another individual. My curiosity has allowed me to learn many different skills while avoiding boredom. Lastly, I am an extremely driven person that will not stop working until I have completed a task to my desired liking.

 

What’s your most memorable vacation?

My most memorable vacation was on a cruise. As a competitive dancer in my younger years, I had the privilege of performing for passengers on a Carnival cruise ship while traveling around the Caribbean with some of my best friends.

 

Do you have a favorite movie or book?

My favorite movies include Sixteen Candles, Sleeping Beauty and The Great Gatsby. As for books, I love to read Catcher in the Rye.

ZAKARA DURGANS, AMOS BROWN INTERN

Zakara Durgans

Describe yourself in three words.

Three words I would use to describe myself are: ambitious, charismatic and resilient.

 

What’s your most memorable vacation?

My most memorable vacation was a few years ago when I went to Toronto with two of my best friends. It was my first (and only time so far) out of the country and I fell in love! It was around New Year’s, so it was quite cold however there were so many fun things to do here and the area we stayed in close to downtown was beautiful. Only downside to the trip was I didn’t see Drake anywhere but overall, 10/10.

 

What’s your favorite part of working at Hirons?

My favorite part of working at Hirons thus far is the learning opportunities I’ve had. On my first day, I was extremely nervous because I didn’t know what to expect having never had professional experience in this industry and being the new person is always a little scary. My fears quickly washed away as I met the employees who have been nothing but welcoming and have given me many chances to learn and explore the many opportunities this field has to offer. I think this internship has already shown me what route I think I would like to take in terms of my career and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow and learn here!

 

What’s your favorite restaurant in town?

My favorite restaurant right now is definitely Bakersfield on Mass Ave. Their drinks and tacos are absolutely amazing!

 

What’s one quote that defines you?

A quote that defines me is “You may face many defeats in life, but you must never let yourself become defeated” by Maya Angelou. I’ve endured many obstacles and hardships, however, I’ve continued to rise up and not become defeated. This has been a quote that has always stuck with me and kept me pushing even through the darkest times.

 

What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of, personally or professionally?

An accomplishment I am extremely proud of is my recent graduation from Ball State University with my Bachelor of Science and my admission to Ball State’s Communication and Information Sciences Master’s program with a graduate assistantship that’s paying all of my tuition!

 

What was your first job?

My first job was as a host at Red Lobster when I was a junior in high school. I actually worked there for five years solely because I loved the people I worked with and left last year to focus on my senior year. I still get my discount there, so I visit quite often to grab some biscuits and say hey!

 

Outside of the office, what are some of your hobbies or passions?

Some of my hobbies consist of playing violin, learning new skills (I just learned how to crochet), trying new Pinterest recipes and online shopping. I also love spending time with my friends and family.

 

How did you become interested in the industry?

I went into college thinking I knew what I wanted to do, I started as a computer science major and after two years finally realized it was not what I wanted to do. I knew I loved to talk to people, write, present and I wanted to be able to do something closely related to businesses and brands without being strictly in a business/management type of role. I also knew I didn’t want to be confined to just one thing and this field has allowed me to have a wide range of opportunities and has given me the chance to create a path for myself the way I want to. My passion for the industry has continued to grow as I’ve learned new skills and knowledge to help me be successful in my future endeavors within the realm of PR/ Communications.

 

When and where do you have your best ideas?

I always have my best ideas when I’m lying in bed right before I’m about to fall asleep. I feel like this is prime time for my mind to wander and I’ve started keeping a section in my notes labeled “future ideas” so that maybe one day they’ll really come in handy.

SHELBY NOVITSKI, CREATIVE INTERN

Shelby Novitski

How did you become interested in the industry?

It started back in high school when I joined yearbook. At first, I was only interested in photography, but as I became an editor on staff, I found a new interest in designing and it all just went from there.

 

What personal characteristics do you need to be successful in the industry?

Being organized, open-minded and having good communication skills.

 

Outside of the office, what are some of your hobbies or passions?

Outside of the office I love to hike, paint, play sports and spend as much time as I can outside.

 

When and where do you have your best ideas?

I get my best ideas when I take time to sit down, put on some music and start researching and sketching out ideas.

 

What’s your favorite time of day?

My favorite time of day is the evening during golden hour. I’m a big fan of watching sunsets.

 

What’s one quote that defines you?

“What is done with love is done well.”

 

What’s your favorite restaurant in town?

My favorite restaurant is Piada.

 

Describe yourself in three words.

Attentive, Adventurous, Easygoing

 

What’s your most memorable vacation?

Junior year of high school, I took a school trip to Europe. We visited three countries within the span of two weeks.

 

What’s one thing you every day and can’t live without?

Going for a walk. It helps me clear my head, get good exercise and keeps me feeling energized.