Let’s Ride!
During my freshman year at Temple, I faced a lot of stress due to being undeclared and having no clue about what I wanted to pursue after college. To explore my options, I took exploratory classes across Klein and Fox. It wasn’t until I took Introduction to Advertising in Spring 2020 that I discovered my passion for advertising. The creativity and versatility behind it immediately drew me in, and I knew that it was something I wanted to pursue in my future.
As a Philadelphia-based agency, Red Tettemer O’Connell + Partners has always been on my radar. I admired their impressive clientele, innovative campaigns, and the “work hard, play hard” reputation. It has been a long-standing goal of mine to intern with RTO+P, so when I was offered the chance to intern with their Account Management team in the spring, I was overjoyed.
My time at RTO+P has been nothing short of amazing. I have had the opportunity to work with brands such as Arbor Mist, Apothic, Bag Balm, Dietz & Watson, Nature’s Bakery, and more. As an intern, my main responsibilities include managing internal affairs, such as coordinating meetings, supporting the development of presentation decks, and drafting work orders. I have also had the opportunity to sit in on client calls and gain insight into the world of client-facing roles.
Being an Account Management intern at RTO+P is such a unique and exciting experience as you get to see projects from start to finish. I’ve worked closely with all departments of the agency, from creative, to production, to social, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of their work. Through the years, I have learned that an Account Manager must be well-versed in all roles, so I was thankful that I got to experience work in departments other than my own.
The best part about interning at RTO+P is the company culture that you get to experience. RTO+P just moved into a new office on Market Street, and it is truly an incredible space. When you walk into the office, you are greeted with an open layout and a bar where coworkers hangout and get work done during the day. The music, the décor, and the overall vibe of the office inspired me immensely and made collaborating with coworkers an unforgettable experience.
While internships can be intimidating, it’s important to remember that you’ll get out of it what you put into it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek advice. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone because it will pay off in the long run.
I couldn’t have asked for a better internship. I would highly recommend RTO+P’s internship program to any Advertising student looking to work with big brands in a fun, creative environment… Not to mention that interns get free manicures in exchange for hand modeling during production shoots!