AD+PR Student Uses Creativity to Promote MSU Dining Experience
Maria Murphy, marketing assistant with MSU Culinary Services, applies coursework to campus internship
By: Cara Pellegrino
Piece of cake! Maria Murphy, a creative advertising junior found her dream internship through MSU’s career posting website Handshake. Gaining valuable internship experience, she has worked with MSU Culinary Services for almost two years.
On-campus internships are a great way to get involved on MSU’s campus. They offer students the unique chance to apply their coursework and boost resumes, while still focusing on student life. These internships are flexible, convenient and most often paid.
Murphy spends her time creating graphics and social media content for various dining halls and clients like MSU Bakers. Coming up with ideas like “Sweet Treat O’clock” and “Starbucks Mixology Competitions,” Murphy’s goal is to get students involved and attending dining hall events.
“I really like to see the events that I do, like advertising and promotions, actually take place,” said Murphy. “They’re always documented on the social media, so it’s really cool to see some of the stuff I’ve done come to life.”
Murphy credits her MSU education saying she learns most of her skills like InDesign and Photoshop in her classes. She uses these platforms to help create layouts and templates and says the department also helped her learn to meet deadlines.
Working with clients like MSU Bakers, Murphy says that this opportunity has given her confidence when searching for other internships or job opportunities.
“It helped me build my portfolio as well, giving me talking points when I’m in interviews” Murphy said.
She says this internship helped in growing a network of working professionals. Murphy says having this experience has helped her make connections on other job sites such as LinkedIn. She also offers advice for students wanting to gain a similar experience.
“Just apply even if you have no skills,” she said. The department wants to encourage student life and engagement so just apply even if you don’t have experience.”
Having an internship can help with gaining experience, building a network and refining skills for future opportunities. They are a great way to show employers dedication and a willingness to take the time to learn the industry you wish to build a career in.
Take advantage of MSU’s career services for similar opportunities, like the career center, located on the first floor of the Communication Arts and Sciences Building. Look on Handshake for similar job postings by searching up AD+PR or other keywords related to your interests.
