In May of 2010, I embarked on the beginning of an exciting career here at Jackson Marketing Group as the Logistics Intern. Affectionately referred to as "Intern Joe" for the next six months, I found that my job was anything but average. My task list included monthly data entry, event preparation, hotel contacts, and the occasional on-site event setup.
At the beginning, all of these tasks fit neatly within the parameters of my title as Logistics Intern. However, as my time here at JMG grew, so did the opportunities. As a full service marketing agency, JMG offers an educational experience unlike any other! With eight distinct departments and nearly one hundred associates, Jackson became a GREAT playground for Intern Joe! Let me guide you through an intern's perspective of South Carolina's second largest full service agency.
First, let me introduce you to my home base, the event and logistics department. It serves as the hub where I receive my daily list of responsibilities and tasks. Whether planning a corporate meeting for NMHG, preparing for a Michelin product launch, producing another demo ride weekend for BMW Motorrad, or making cake pops for the JMG Christmas party, the logistics team confidently and creatively utilizes the "whatever it takes" mentality while purposefully balancing a fun-filled environment. (Don't be fooled though, these business professionals do their fair share of playing around.)
My team leaders not only have demonstrated professional integrity, but also have personally illustrated the GREATness of Jackson Marketing Group. I mean, what other college intern gets to work under the guidance and direction of such an incredible Certified Meeting Professional as Lindsay Hazle? Congrats, you did it!
Next, let me explain a little bit of the JMG philosophy as it applied to my role as an intern. JMG understands the value of cross-training its employees, and consequently my involvement in a diverse array of projects grew over time. During my short but profitable time so far with JMG, I have already been privileged to participate in activities within six of the eight distinct departments that make up our service offering. As I further discuss the opportunities availed here, the rest of our "wheel of wow" will come into focus. I would be severely hard pressed to find any other "whatever it takes" agency with this kind of opportunity!
Getting to be a fly on the wall and examine the people, processes, and products of Jackson Marketing Group has provided an educationally stimulating opportunity far beyond my four collegiate years. I have learned the value of integrity, the importance of detail, the effectiveness of innovation, and the pleasure of fun work. JMG is truly living up to its vision "to be known as the leading integrated marketing communications brand in the Southeast."
Finally, let me expound on the variety of ways in which I have been given opportunities to grow and expand my skills at JMG. My experience just within the last twelve months at JMG contains involvement on projects including domestic meetings and conferences, turn-key events, product launches, media tours, hospitality events and support, and trade show booth design and management. Along with these areas, I have been asked to participate in graphic design projects in-house and for clientele.
Involvement in the creative department has increased my understanding of the creative process as well as the details of the production department. Allowing me to attend client service meetings has opened my eyes to the professionalism and passion that drives our client service department. Utilizing my flexible schedule to fill various needs around the company has allowed me to meet almost every associate, while establishing lasting relationships. The list does not stop here, however my word count does.
More than just a company, JMG has served to provide the ultimate experience to dozens of interns over the years. Fortunately, I too have been able to enjoy this one-of-a-kind training and now I look forward to continuing with JMG as an Account Coordinator. I count it an immense privilege to work with and learn from the GREATs!