More than an
Internship
What happens when curiosity meets opportunity?
An internship is about more than building a résumé. It’s about asking questions, trying new things, making mistakes, and growing through real experience. This summer, our interns stepped into departments across the agency, contributing to meaningful work while learning from the people around them. We asked each of them to reflect on their experience so far, and here’s what they had to say.
New Business – Laina Canary: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far during my internship is that growth comes from being immersed in the work. Through my experience in &Barr’s New Business department, I’ve gained valuable insight into the research, strategy, and effort that go into building relationships with prospective clients and pursuing new opportunities. By supporting the team on RFPs, competitor analyses, and proposals, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of the new business process and the importance of attention to detail in every stage of the work. While those experiences have been incredibly valuable, the most meaningful part of my internship so far has been learning from a team that consistently makes time to teach, mentor, and include me. Their support has not only accelerated my learning but has also shown me the impact of a collaborative team that is invested in one another’s growth. As I continue my internship, I’m excited to build on everything I’ve learned so far and contribute in even more meaningful ways.
Public Relations – Gabriela Perez Abreu Coutino: Over my summer here at &Barr, I’ve developed and honed my PR skills in ways I hadn’t expected. PR at &Barr is equal parts strategy, storytelling, and even stamina. From writing pitches in the moment to attending client calls, PR is immersive and rewarding; when I first started, I felt somewhat uncertain in my skills as a professional. But as the weeks have passed, I’ve built media lists across markets I’d never worked in and researched coverage trends for clients in banking, healthcare, and even tourism. Learning from such a well-developed team is one of my summer highlights, even more so with &Barr’s tangible results. Overall, I know I’ve grown, but I also know there’s always room for more, and I’m excited to continue this upward trajectory day by day.
Public Relations – Jason Mulder: My first month working in the public relations department has been extremely educational. As this is my first time working anywhere in the industry, I’ve really enjoyed getting to learn the ins-and-outs of PR work. My experiences attending department-client meetings have also been educational and enjoyable, with each one having unique situations and goals. I recently got to write my first pitch, which I was very happy about as that was one of the things I wanted to learn about and try most during my time here. I’m super happy to be here and I can’t wait for what’s next in the coming couple of months!
Account Service – Nolan Kelly: As I grew in account services, I learned how much the agency resembled a machine; the entire experience relies on every cog, nut, bolt, and screw being firmly in place and unshakable. Despite my inexperience in this system, I am held to high expectations, which forces me to evolve as a professional. I’m grateful to my supervisors for believing in me, pushing me to meet those standards, and encouraging me to expand my skills through new tools and applications. At &Barr, nothing is “Barr”ing you from becoming the best version of yourself.
Account Service – Mollie Duling: One of the biggest things I have learned so far at &Barr on the Account Services team is the importance of being adaptable and willing to step into unfamiliar situations. Everyday looks a little different, and I continue to learn that growth comes from being willing to fully step into what you are doing even if it is new. Whether I am working on a new project, observing a meeting, or helping someone else with a task, I have taken something away that makes me one more step to being knowledgeable and confident. It has been a privilege to learn besides such an amazing team, and I cannot wait to continue to step into new things this summer.
Social Media – Taylor Stuart: I adored &Barr when I was an account service intern last summer, and I’ve fallen even more in love with it this time around as a social intern. The company culture and office vibes are unbeatable, and I’ve had the opportunity to bring my own post ideas to life from beginning to end for the &Barr social channels. I’ve been a total sponge around the social team, and they’ve found the perfect balance between helping me learn and trusting me to take ownership of projects on my own. Getting to join the social team on shoot days with clients like City Works and seeing everything that goes into bringing a campaign to life has been one of my favorite parts. This experience is exactly what I wanted for my last summer before graduating in August because it’s helping me figure out what I truly enjoy doing while sharpening those skills every day.
At &Barr, we believe the best internships come from doing real work alongside people who are invested in your growth. We’re proud to create an environment where interns can learn, contribute, and build confidence every day. If that sounds like the kind of experience you’re looking for, keep an eye on our careers page. We’d love to hear from you.
