GMMB News
From the 2018 Summer Interns
August 29, 2018
From the Intern Desk: Summer 2018 at GMMB
Over the past nine weeks, our 18 summer interns came together and learned what it means to create lasting change in the world. They made a positive impact on every department while growing as communicators along the way. At the end of a memorable summer, we asked our interns to share some advice based on their experience. What would they say to the future interns of GMMB?
Our interns came from all across the country, each bringing their knowledge, personality, and passion to the firm. We caught up with them to hear about some of their takeaways from this summer.
Caitlin Reedy | School: University of Michigan | Team: Political
What is the coolest opportunity you’ve had this summer through GMMB?
Having the opportunity to sit down and talk with some of the best minds in the campaign world was invaluable—it was an experience I couldn’t have had anywhere else.
Who at GMMB has influenced you the most? How?
My supervisors, assistant account executives Natasha del Amo and Annie Adair, have been incredible. They both are intelligent, witty, successful young women who have overcome every challenge post-grad life has thrown at them. Working alongside them has made me excited to start my career.
Eric Ascher | School: Goucher College | Team: Education
What’s the last book or podcast you’ve finished?
I just finished reading Yes We (Still) Can by Dan Pfeiffer of Pod Save America fame.
What’s your favorite spot in the office?
The Potomac conference room has such an incredible view of the river that it wins by default.
Emelia Katon | School: University of Arkansas | Team: Research and Planning
Who at GMMB has influenced you the most? How?
Senior account executive Hannah Kurowski—she not only explains the necessary steps that make a project successful, but she also emphasizes why we are doing what we are doing.
What’s your neighborhood like?
I live in South Lake Union, which is in Downtown Seattle. I enjoy being in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the city, especially with the summer weather.
Cristeen Anyanwu | School: Georgetown University | Team: Issue Communications
What is the coolest opportunity you’ve had this summer through GMMB?
The opportunity to work at the intersection of politics, global health, and communications—especially around issues like reproductive health and breastfeeding.
Any particular advice from a fellow GMMBer that has stuck with you?
“Prioritize. Everything that’s important isn’t always urgent, and everything that’s urgent isn’t always important.” –Eric Conrad, Account Supervisor
What is your advice to an intern moving to DC for the first time?
Explore all the free fitness classes in the area. And find time after work to relax and reflect on your time in the nation’s capital!
Ceci Freed | School: Johns Hopkins University | Team: Production
What is the coolest opportunity you’ve had this summer through GMMB?
I got to help shoot the GMMB Pride video! Working on this shoot gave me my first insight into not only the values of the company but also the depth and diversity of the incredible employees here.
Who at GMMB has influenced you the most? How?
Production assistant Jake Van Ollefen—he’s always around to answer my questions and show me how to do something new.
Any particular advice from a fellow GMMBer that has stuck with you?
“The best friendships are made during the times you come in early or stay late. It’s those times where you’re going the extra step that you find those bonding moments.” –Peter Hutchins, Partner
Andy Smithey | School: Washington and Lee University | Team: Education
Who at GMMB has influenced you the most? How?
Account executive Jamaal Strong—he has made my time at GMMB incredibly rewarding while providing me with an authentic guiding voice throughout the entire summer.
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from your fellow interns?
I have learned that there are many talented people my age who are ready and willing to do good work and create real change. My fellow interns have given me hope and encouragement that the world does have a great group of people fighting for humanity.
What’s the last book or podcast you’ve finished?
I have actually been reading more poems than books lately. I have recently enjoyed reading Charles Bukowski’s work.
Maire Sweeney | School: Tulane University | Team: Issue Communications
What is the coolest opportunity you’ve had this summer through GMMB?
One of the best parts of the intern program at GMMB is the summer intern project. I’ve enjoyed gaining experience with several other focus areas outside of my department while also getting to pitch a campaign about current social issues.
Who at GMMB has influenced you the most? How?
Partner and co-founder Annie Burns—she has never wavered in her passion for the work she does, and she plays a big role in creating a strong, welcoming company culture. I hope that I can channel at least a little of her compassion and work ethic in the future.
Annie Fisher | School: University of Wisconsin, Madison | Team: Media Buying
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from your fellow interns?
Be outgoing and speak up. If you want to meet or talk to someone, just walk into their office and introduce yourself; don’t be hesitant or shy!
What has been your biggest challenge in your internship?
Reaching out to different media vendors almost every day was a challenge at first, but I have enjoyed improving as a writer and becoming more comfortable cold-calling.
Rohini Nambiar | School: University of Maryland, College Park | Team: Domestic Health
What is the coolest opportunity you’ve had this summer through GMMB?
When my local representative from Maryland spoke at one of our weekly staff meetings, I was moved by her story and how she has never backed down as a woman in government. After her speech, we spent a few minutes talking and she left me with her phone number. Now, I’ll be her intern in Annapolis next spring when the session starts up again!
Who at GMMB has influenced you the most? How?
Senior vice president Melissa Morales on the domestic health coverage team. Melissa has been working at GMMB since she graduated from my university, and she commands respect as soon as she walks in a room with her goal-oriented yet lighthearted demeanor.
Toni DeGuzman | School: Capitol Technology University | Team: Digital
What is the coolest opportunity you’ve had this summer through GMMB?
We had our company picnic back in June, and it was a great opportunity to get to know the people I work with outside of an office setting.
What has been your biggest challenge in your internship?
The biggest challenge I had during this internship was the learning curve of balancing client work with several different projects going on at once. It’s important to prioritize and work closely with your project managers.
Ben Tribble | School: University of Mississippi | Team: Creative
What is the coolest opportunity you’ve had this summer through GMMB?
Having the opportunity to work alongside such a talented and driven creative team while being able to design and deliver public-facing client work has been unlike any previous experience I have had. It is inspiring to see every member of the agency bring such a strong passion and sense of purpose to work every day.
Any particular advice from a fellow GMMBer that has stuck with you?
The phrase “The glory is in the details” is used all the time around the creative department, especially by my supervisor, Serrin Ransom. It has stuck with me as a daily reminder that no detail is too small to be worth the time it takes to get it right.
Matilda Bress | School: George Washington University | Team: Channel Planning
Who at GMMB has influenced you the most? How?
Creative partner Peter Hutchins. He is a testament to the passion that is so commonplace at GMMB, as well as the power of working hard.
What’s your neighborhood like?
I live in Foggy Bottom and have a glorious 12-minute walking commute through the historic neighborhood, past The Watergate Hotel, and along the waterfront.
Rebecca Francis | School: Rice University | Team: Media Analytics
Who at GMMB has influenced you the most? How?
Media analytics director Pedro Suárez. Aside from being just plain awesome, he has challenged me, helped me grow, and taught me many skills—from technical computer languages to how to network effectively.
What is your advice to an intern moving to DC for the first time?
DC’s coffee scene is super cool, so if you have the time, skip Starbucks and go find a cup somewhere special!
What’s the last book or podcast you’ve finished?
I just finished book four of my annual re-read of the Harry Potter series. Don’t ask me how many times I have read those books (I’ve lost count).
Sonya Bessalel | School: Wesleyan University | Team: Corporate Social Responsibility
What’s the last book or podcast you’ve finished?
My thesis! I wrote a historical fiction novel about three women in medieval Spain, set during the period when Jews, Christians, and Muslims all lived in the country.
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from your fellow interns?
The interns have taught me that any task, from weekly social media brainstorms to intern project brainstorms, can be fun if you’re working with great people.
Cassidy Alla | School: Vanderbilt University | Team: Digital
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from your fellow interns?
Working on a team is often the best way to be creative. I’ve always preferred working solo in the past, but on our summer-long intern project, all our best work has come from meetings where we bounce ideas off each other, joke around, and talk about our lives. I couldn’t have come up with half the amazing work we accomplished this summer on my own.
What is the coolest opportunity you’ve had this summer through GMMB?
Seeing Jennifer Palmieri (former communications director for the Obama White House and the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign) speak at a staff meeting! It was amazing to hear her speak in such a small venue; I was able to shake her hand and ask her questions. She was straightforward, funny, and inspirational.
Emily Harwood | School: College of William & Mary | Team: Brand and Research
Who at GMMB has influenced you the most? How?
My supervisors, Blake Van Fleteren and Margaret Cody. I love observing their interactions with clients. They both ask hard questions that get to the heart of clients’ needs.
What is your advice to an intern moving to DC for the first time?
Visit each and every museum in the city. They’re all equally wonderful in their own way.
What’s your favorite spot in the office?
The Park meeting room. It has comfy couches and a great view overlooking Georgetown Waterfront Park.
Michael Bryan | School: Ballard High School | Team: Research and Planning
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from your fellow interns?
Patience is a virtue. When everyone has ideas they’re passionate about, it’s important to truly listen to what other people say. Then give yourself a minute to wait, internalize, consider, and adjust your idea to compromise and thrive!
Any particular advice from a fellow GMMBer that has stuck with you?
You are here to learn—soak everything in, and see if this is the right thing for you.
Ha Tran | School: University of Pennsylvania | Team: Media Buying
What is the coolest opportunity you’ve had this summer through GMMB?
The guest speakers we’ve had during our staff meetings have given me a whole new perspective on the world of issue communications. I found immigration lawyer Marshall Fitz’s talk especially engaging.
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from your fellow interns?
My fellow interns have taught me that work is better with people who are warm and supportive! I’ve been spoiled at GMMB with some of the nicest people I’ve worked with in my professional career.
Summer 2018 interns—thank you for a great summer, and we can’t wait to see what you do next!
Are you interested in an internship or full-time position at GMMB? We are always looking to add to our team of talented and passionate individuals. Check out our openings.
