Read our Q&A with Hirons’ latest round of interns to hear about their previous experiences, and why they chose Hirons.
BIANCA MATCHAIN, AMOS BROWN INTERN
How did you become interested in the industry?
I became interested in the advertising industry during my sophomore year of college. I found that a career in advertising would fulfill my desire to be both analytical and creative!
What would you consider the most important tools of trade?
I would say an organized calendar is one of the most important tools. Staying organized allows for effective communication and deadlines to be met!
What personal characteristics do you need to be successful in the industry?
From my brief time with Hirons, I have noticed that it is important to easily adapt to change and to truly listen to what others are saying.
Outside of the office, what are some of your hobbies or passions?
Outside of the office, I like to enjoy the outdoors! I would say my biggest hobby at the moment is taking a walk and finding a nice place to read a book.
What has been your favorite project that you’ve worked on at Hirons?
My favorite project that I have worked on at Hirons so far was for the Madam Walker Legacy Center’s Juneteenth Celebration. I got to attend my first press conference where I saw all types of media outlets interview Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds! After I was able to attend their Gala where I saw so much challenging work translate to an unforgettable event.
What was your first job?
My first job was working in the bakery at Panera Bread. I worked there for almost three years, and I still love all their food!
What’s one quote that defines you?
During my high school commencement speech, I was able to pick the quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Describe yourself in three words.
Ambitious, Adventurous and Thoughtful.
What’s your most memorable vacation?
My most memorable vacation was my family trip to Hawaii. My dad made it his mission to take our family to all fifty states and Hawaii was the last one, so we really made the most of it.
What’s your favorite part of working at Hirons?
My favorite part of working at Hirons would have to be the ability to see how various positions work together to make something amazing for the client. There are so many talented people that work at Hirons, and I am so grateful to be able to learn from them.
ELISSA MURPHY, DIGITAL INTERN
How did you become interested in the industry?
I became interested in the tech industry after taking an Informatics 101 class at IU Bloomington. For one of our assignments, we learned how to code a simple website and I’ve been intrigued ever since! The assignment influenced my decision when choosing my specialization, Multi-Device Development. My time as a social media coordinator also sparked interest in advertising and public relations.
Outside of the office, what are some of your hobbies or passions?
Outside of the office, I love spending time supporting small businesses. I often do this by attending local handmade and secondhand thrift events. I also love to attend farmers’ markets in my local area. Downtown Indy always has an event of these natures going on!
What has been your favorite project that you’ve worked on at Hirons?
My favorite type of project to work on at Hirons is web development and web maintenance. It’s very satisfying to see the finished product and receive positive client feedback.
What’s one important tip you would share with anyone looking to go into the agency world?
For web development specifically, a tip I’d share is to prepare to constantly learn. The tech world is constantly changing and advancing, therefore it’s important to stay up to date by prioritizing professional development and personal learning.
What’s your favorite time of day?
My favorite time of day is easily mornings. During this time of day, I feel my most productive and energized!
What is the most meaningful part of your job?
The most meaningful part of my job is seeing the final product after putting in a lot of hard work and dedication. It’s very intriguing to see how long of a process it can be to develop a website.
What was your first job?
My first job was at Plato’s Closet as a cashier and social media coordinator. I really enjoyed being a social media coordinator and continued with the position at my next job.
What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of, personally or professionally?
A personal accomplishment I’m extremely proud of is my academic success. During my time at IU and IUPUI, I’ve received dean’s list recognition 4 separate times and have maintained As and Bs.
What’s your most memorable vacation?
One of my most memorable vacations was a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee a few years ago with friends. My favorite experience from the trip was ziplining through the mountains. The scenery was breathtaking and unforgettable.
What’s your favorite part of working at Hirons?
My favorite part about working at Hirons is the people! It’s clear that everyone enjoys their jobs and have a passion for it. When everyone on my team has such a positive attitude, it’s easy to do my best.
CLAIRE GRAHAM, TOM HIRONS INTERN
How did you become interested in the industry?
My dad is a small business owner in my hometown of Logansport, Indiana. I started working there at 14 and quickly learned how exceptional service and branding can lead to greater success. I started social media accounts for my dad’s business that grew quickly. I suggested selling branded merchandize which led to more sales. Eventually, we branched out further and began franchising the operation to three other states. My dad always encouraged my fresh ideas and creativity.
Outside of the office, what are some of your hobbies or passions?
I love to be outdoors. Hiking, kayaking, skiing, and swimming are a few of my favorite pass times.
When and where do you have your best ideas?
I drive a lot and I feel like my best ideas come to me in the driver’s seat. The peaceful ambiance mixed with a good dose of alone time helps me to get in the right mindset to brainstorm.
What’s your favorite time of day?
My favorite time of day during the summer is dusk. It’s the perfect time to pitch a tent and start a bonfire!
What is the most important part of your job?
The most meaningful part of this internship is the ability I have to create content and marketing materials for organizations with a great cause. It feels good to help those that have a wholesome mission reach their goals and a larger audience.
What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of, personally or professionally?
I am the proud recipient of the Druck Scholarship. I was chosen for this prestigious journalism award after graduating high school and it has motivated me to excel further in my coursework. This scholarship also enables me to attend the IU Media School where I have learned a lot about myself and the industry.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town?
My favorite restaurant in town is the Whole Foods salad bar.
What’s your most memorable vacation?
My most memorable vacation was in Hawaii this past month. My family and I went to Maui and it was so beautiful and full of culture.
Do you have a favorite movie or book?
My favorite movie is Fantastic Mr. Fox directed by Wes Anderson.
What’s your favorite part of working at Hirons?
My favorite part of working at Hirons (aside from all of the kind, hardworking staff) is being exposed to a professional work environment where I can continue to improve my skills and learn more about the industry. I have also had many exciting experiences already such as visiting a TV studio and attending client photoshoots.
CARLEE MCKENZIE, CREATIVE INTERN
How did you become interested in the industry?
My high school digital design teacher opened my eyes to the world of design. I was always really bad and slow with computers, and I was dreading having to take his class. However, I ended up loving graphic design so much that I applied to design schools instead of going the route of traditional illustration! After that, landing the job at the Ball State Digital Corps as a designer lead to my want to intern and eventually work at a full-service agency!
How did you break into the industry and land your first job?
My first job in the industry was a designer at an on-campus agency at Ball State University. I had a pretty solid portfolio but was super nervous for my interview. One of the first questions asked was ‘If you could have any superpower what would you choose?” I asked if they had ever heard of Avatar the Last Airbender and we basically spent the next 30 minutes geeking out about the tv show and comics and by the end of the interview we hadn’t spoken about anything that had to do with the position. I was convinced I hadn’t gotten the job because I wouldn’t stop talking about a cartoon, but I was hired as they said I was a very passionate person (with good taste).
What would you consider the most important tools of the trade?
Be open to critique! A lot of people are going to have their opinions, so being open to learning and trying out new things is the best way to grow. Take critiques as a way to better yourself and your work and don’t take it too personally! You are more than your work.
Outside of the office, what are some of your hobbies or passions?
I love drawing, painting and baking. My lazier hobbies include watching reality dating shows, baking competitions and sci-fi/fantasy movies and shows.
When and where do you have your best ideas?
Almost always as I am falling asleep. I either try and commit it to memory or I will wake myself up to write it down. I also find myself having really good ideas when I am zoning out during a class, but don’t tell my professors.
What’s your favorite time of day?
I love mid-morning, usually around 10-11 a.m. when the coffee has kicked in and I feel fully awake and energized. It still feels like morning and the whole day is ahead of you! However, with classes and work, I usually am forced to get most of my projects done late into the night, which isn’t ideal.
Did you have any unusual jobs before working at Hirons?
In high school, I worked in a warehouse filling and shipping online orders. It was a summer job and I worked from 4pm-1am. Sometimes it would reach over 100 degrees inside, and we would be forced to close and go home. I also worked at a factory another summer soldering motherboards for elevators, and it was so cold inside I had to bring a blanket.
What was your first job?
I got my first job when I was 15 at a brand-new Moe’s Southwest Grill. I actually really enjoyed it and worked there for three years! We went through a lot of kids that I went to high school with, and I was the last of the very first workers when I left.
What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of, personally or professionally?
I am very proud of myself for applying to (and receiving) a promotion at the Ball State Digital Corps! There are so many talented people that work at the Corps and they only promote two or three people a semester. You also have to give a 10-minute presentation to the entire staff to be considered. I’m terrible at public speaking but I made a presentation of my work and practiced in the mirror a hundred times—I totally blacked out during the actual presentation but I guess I did well!
Do you have a favorite movie or book?
I have a long list of favorite books and movies, but I’ve always been a huge Harry Potter fan. My mom read me the books every night until I was old enough to read them myself! Harry Potter World at Universal is the number one spot on my bucket list at the moment!
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