A summer with CW: The interns’ point of view.

Concluding our summer internship here at Crowley Webb is truly a bittersweet moment. The agency has shown us so much during these past eight weeks that has helped us develop and refine many skills to add to our repertoire.

As the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun – and we certainly had fun. From the start of our internship to the end, we felt as though we’d been at the agency for years with the warm welcome we received. Everyone at Crowley emanates positive activity and energy.

Our days were filled with onboardings, trainings, meeting new faces, and collaborating with each department on projects to make our experience even more noteworthy and all-encompassing. Throughout the experience, we completed a capstone project, all with the help and support of the different teams that make up Crowley Webb. The expertise in every department of the agency, in every field of the industry, was on display to us every day. We couldn’t help but learn and grow. (Definitely something to add to the résumé!)

Now, as we near the end of the program, we have a better idea of what we want in our future career endeavors. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.

Best memory at Crowley Webb?

Eman: This is most certainly a difficult task, but if I had to pick one, I’d have to say the Buffalo Futures press conference – being there, in that particular moment, and in that atmosphere! Still today, it’s unfathomable to grasp that I was in a room full of prominent Buffalo figures and the media. Not to mention, the conversations we had, along with the connections we developed from the press conference were invaluable. If I could rate the experience out of 10, I would have to say “BMS.” In other words, “broke my scale.” It was 100% the place to be.

 

Jeza: Choosing the best memory is a major challenge, but I would have to go with the CW Boat Float! Not just because we were on a boat with pizza, but because of the incredible environment the agency exudes. Beyond the educational lessons I learned at CW, I was also able to experience the CW family. It was an awesome experience to talk with everyone about so many different topics. I really value and cherish these types of experiences. The boat ride opened my eyes to really appreciating the company I intern for. It helped me realize just how important it is to be in a positive work environment. Not to mention, the CW family is the best to be on a boat with.

How would you describe your experience at the agency?

Eman: What do you do when you end your workday and find yourself at home? Do you focus on relaxation? Time with your family? Maybe even eating a delicious meal? Well, when I leave Crowley Webb, I’m trying to pass the time to come back the next day. When you walk onto the fourth floor at the Sweeney Building, the energy you feel replicates that of a warm hug that you have yearned for your entire life. A warm hot cocoa on Christmas Day, with the presents under the tree.

Jeza: This is the experience. Any expectation I had for a job, let alone an internship, has gotten dramatically higher. I wasn’t sure just how much I would get out of this experience, but I’ve learned more than I could have anticipated. I expected to learn lessons and shadow throughout my time here so I could leave with the knowledge to look back on. But it’s more than that. I will be leaving with projects to reflect on, connections in and out of the company, skills I thought I’d get in my 30s, and so much more. CW truly delivers the experience that should come from an internship while including you in their family-oriented culture. The people here have a passion for what they do and who they do it for. You can’t experience things like this just anywhere. CW has taken the crown for an outstanding internship program in my book.

Any favorite projects you worked on?

Eman: To be completely honest, every single one of the projects we worked on could have been my favorite. I value each project that we were trusted with to contribute our insight and knowledge. I feel that having a variety of projects from each department has added diversity to our skill sets and has also allowed us to grow through constructive criticism and wisdom from the experts themselves. But if I had to choose, I would say that this blog might be at the top of the list. I have an undeniable passion for writing. Allowing my thoughts to be laid onto paper and then portrayed into a vision is the way I make art. Each word is a brush stroke on a canvas full of possibility. Having a way to articulate words and complex thoughts into a visualization is a skill that is immeasurable. From the press releases to the creative briefs, I feel as if Crowley Webb has aided me in improving my writing even more. I am forever grateful.

Jeza: I enjoyed all my projects for different reasons. Working on a creative brief was something that I was interested in previously and to make one at an agency level was amazing. Completing various audits and research for departments and being included in the meetings was special to me as well. And the video production team even included us on a shoot – that was something I’d love to do all over again. I thoroughly enjoyed completing various projects because I really wanted to learn about each department – not to mention each team was so helpful. However, if I had to pick one, I’d say my favorite project is when I helped develop a mock media strategy. I discovered a passion for strategy and working on this assignment was eye-opening for what I want to do in my career. Media truly changed my career outlook for the better. You may see me in this field in the near future.

How about key takeaways? What did you learn?

Eman: Going into this internship, I feel that I have always had a positive outlook on life, but I could have never guessed what I would take away from the experience of meeting and connecting with everyone at the agency.

1. A smile goes a long way. You never know how someone’s day is going. If their day is not turning out how they would have liked, I guarantee that your smile will be contagious, and the perception of their day will completely change.
2. Show interest in people and their perspectives. Everyone has a story. We also all have a range of different experiences. Those stories and experiences we have, they shape who we are and who we want to be. The fact is that we all live on the same planet and breathe the same air. The English word “spirit” comes from the Latin word “spiritus,” which translates into “breathe.” Every single person who you are blessed to share space and air with, you are also sharing energy and spirit with – meaning that we all meet for a reason, a destined connection. Connections go a long way, and these Crowley connections are lifelong.
3. Life is a simple game. I say that because, previously, I had a tendency to overthink many things. I have since realized, regardless of the situation, good or bad, it’s all just an experience, nonetheless. Only I can deem what is worthy of having meaning in my life. As many great minds have said, don’t sweat the small stuff. Crowley Webb has opened my eyes to the “real world.” Being as I have recently graduated from college, I value the opportunity that I was blessed to have here. I know I have tried, but words truly cannot describe how grateful I am.

Jeza: I have many takeaways from this experience, both personal and professional. Professionally, having the opportunity to sit in on meetings, especially with the higher-ups, showed me what it takes to compose yourself and deliver ideas to a client. As I develop my own brand as a marketer, I plan to take this knowledge with me wherever I go. Secondly, it’s all right to figure your life out as you go. I came here to better structure my career path, and this experience encouraged me to stay on this path because with internship opportunities like this, you will eventually discover where you are best fit. Another takeaway I had (which is also displayed in the office) is that hard work works hard, and it’ll prevail as you climb the ladder of success. And because of it, my view of the world has changed. Being 20 years old, I recognize I have so much ahead of me, and I can more confidently envision a successful future for myself. The confidence I gained is a major takeaway. Thanks to CW, I had a place to gain even more strength and learn the true definition of the industry and the working world.

 

What’s in store for the future? What does the remainder of your year look like?

Eman: A lot of people ask me what I want to do with my life. I want to change the world. I want to express to people how great they are, and how great their life can be. I’m in the process of writing my own book. I love writing, I love thinking, and I love being. Having the ability to put my thoughts, my being, into words is something I am truly blessed to be able to do. I would love to work at Crowley Webb in the future. I can feel the passion that would arise from me every day if I were surrounded by these beautiful individuals. Also, as of right now, a great team of changemakers and I are producing a fashion show for the community. It’s called, “Buffalo Fashion Runway: A Confluence of the Arts,” and it’s happening on Saturday, September 16. You can follow along and stay updated on details on our Instagram: @buffalofashionrunway.

Jeza: After fulfilling a hardworking summer internship at Crowley Webb, I plan on enjoying my senior year at Buffalo State University while putting in the work to prepare myself for my career. I’m currently in the process of earning a digital marketing and e-commerce certificate from Buffalo State’s P.U.L.S.E. organization, and I’ll be working at the university’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) during my last year because I can’t get enough of working!

Anything to add?

Eman: Every day is a new opportunity to chase your goals and dreams. Only you can define your happiness and success.

Jeza: Crowley Webb helped my journey down my career path seem less scary. I see a bright future ahead of me, and I’ll be investing in efforts to help discover and fulfill my passion. Crowley Webb also helped me complete my goal of gaining agency experience, which is ultimately where I see myself someday. Thank you, Crowley Webb, for delivering the absolute most from out of this internship program.

Interested in learning more about the agency world? Get in touch with us to find out more about Crowley Webb’s internship program.