Read our Q&A with Hirons’ latest round of interns to hear about their previous experiences, and why they chose Hirons.
EMILY SCHALLER, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT INTERN
How did you become interested in the industry?
My primary major when I came to school was the music industry, and while I still have that major, I ended up adding strategic communication very quickly as I realized how much I enjoyed what we were doing. Originally, I wanted to be a band manager, but I quickly realized that side of the music industry was less for me, and that I was more interested in the public relations and advertising side of things. I am still primarily interested in the entertainment industry, but my horizons have expanded a lot since I was a freshman.
Outside of the office, what are some of your hobbies or passions?
I am such a big concert-goer, I also work at The Vogue in Broad Ripple, so that helps me get live music all the time. I am also really big into travelling; I have been to a few countries, and just found out I get to live in Germany for a month this summer with my mom, and then go all over the UK near the end of the summer.
What is the most meaningful part of your job?
For me, not having much experience in this, the most meaningful part of my job is just getting to positively impact others. I’ve always wanted to actually be involved with the people I am working for, and I like having somewhat personal connections to ensure that.
Did you have any unusual jobs before working at Hirons?
I didn’t get paid for this, but I was an outdoor summer camp worker for many years before I left for college. It isn’t necessarily weird, but I did handle a lot of fish, turtles, salamanders, crawfish and snakes, so that is interesting.
What was your first job?
My first job was as a baker/barista at the brand-new Dunkin’ in my town. I was very lucky to work with many of my friends, and I actually really enjoyed the work. Making coffees and donuts are not difficult things, but it is so satisfying, especially when someone is raving about what you made them.
What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of, personally or professionally?
This may sound cheesy, but I am really proud that I have secured three internships so far during my time at Butler University. When I was trying to get my first one, it took so many cover letters and emails – I wasn’t sure it would happen. But here I am, just two semesters later, with a great internship and the feeling that I might actually be prepared once I graduate.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town?
In Broad Ripple, one of my friends works at a restaurant called Broad Ripple Bagel Deli, and if you like bagels, this is the best place ever. There are so many combinations on the menu, and I could go there every week without being tired of it.
What’s your most memorable vacation?
My most memorable vacation was my ‘senior trip.’ Right after I graduated, myself and my two best friends went on a road trip to Philadelphia, New York City and Washington D.C. to follow one of our favorite bands. We went to so many concerts and went on many hikes, I had so much fun, and would absolutely love to do that again sometime.
Do you have a favorite movie or book?
My favorite movie has to be Mulan or Mulan II (the only good Disney sequel), and my favorite book has probably changed a lot over the years, but at the moment it would have to be Outlander.
What’s your favorite part of working at Hirons?
Aside from the snacks, which are pretty great, I really enjoy the office environment. Though this is my third internship, it is my first in-person internship, so being around a group of people that are always willing to help and are very friendly is great.
MAGGIE MOORE, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT INTERN
How did you become interested in the industry?
I became interested in Public Relations because I liked the idea of solving problems and helping organizations get their names and products out to the public.
Outside of the office, what are some of your hobbies or passions?
I enjoy rock climbing and music! I’ve been climbing on and off for about 14 years and I’ve played various instruments for about 13 years.
When and where do you have your best ideas?
When I’m doing mindless activities like painting my nails or doing a puzzle. It lets my mind wander to other places while I’m still doing something to keep myself entertained.
What’s your favorite time of day?
I’m a night owl. Everything is quiet and dark, and it’s my favorite time to listen to a podcast and do an easy activity.
What is the most meaningful part of your job?
I really like getting to know clients. Seeing their passion for their organization is really exciting for me and it allows me to connect more with that brand.
Did you have any unusual jobs before working at Hirons?
I worked at a YMCA summer camp in western Illinois for 5 years. It was a very fulfilling but tiring job. I made some of my best friends while working there.
What was your first job?
I worked at a candy store in my hometown during high school. I was a cashier, but I also helped with making caramel corn and cheese corn for the shop. I used to come home smelling like caramel corn after work, which I could never smell but my family loved.
What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of, personally or professionally?
I’m proud of myself for becoming the president of the climbing club at Butler. It meant a lot to me that the previous president and club members felt good about leaving the club in my hands.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town?
I really enjoy Half-Liter BBQ. Their brussels sprouts are the best I’ve ever had, and they have interesting beer and cider options.
Do you have a favorite movie or book?
My favorite movie is Coco. I love the colors throughout the movie, and the attention to detail in the story and the animation is amazing. The music is also super catchy.
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!
DOMINIC CONOVER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INTERN
How did you become interested in the industry?
With previous advocacy experience in high school, I loved the idea of shaping a story and keeping its momentum. Media relations are key to this; thus, I became interested in PR!
How did you break into the industry and land your first job?
I attended a Q&A session at the downtown Indianapolis Public Library. It was a last-minute decision, but I’m glad I decided to go and network because that was how I started talking to my first employer!
What would you consider the most important tools of the trade?
Word-smithing and efficient communication are important!
Outside of the office, what are some of your hobbies or passions?
Reading and visiting coffee shops across the city are a couple of my favorite hobbies.
When and where do you have your best ideas?
My best brainstorming sessions happen outside on my patio. I love working outside and I find my creativity and drive increases on the patio.
What has been your favorite project that you’ve worked on at Hirons?
Helping save the Macaws! I enjoyed creating a media list with beats including birdwatching, ornithology, conservation, and environmental issues.
What’s your favorite time of day?
9:30 p.m. because I’m either in my bed reading a good book or hanging out with friends and family!
What was your first job?
My first job was in high school. I was a host at a Mexican restaurant down in Bargersville, IN.
What’s your most memorable vacation?
My trips to Italy! I spend a lot of time with my family in Rieti, a small town east of Rome. Of course, I miss Venice and Rome the most.
Do you have a favorite movie or book?
I’m more of a TV show type of person. American Horror Story, Scandal, and crime documentaries are some of my favs!