Two years ago I sat down with my freshman college advisor and listed off my plethora of interests. From education to business, journalism and everything in between, I wanted to do it all!

Now, two years later, I am heading into my Junior year of college at Indiana University with a clear sense of what I want to do thanks to my internship at Kocina Marketing Companies.

Wait a minute, maybe I jumped ahead a little too fast. I did make a few important decisions during my first two years of college.

After taking a few courses in each of my many interests, I made the decision to double major in journalism (with a focus in PR) and communications.

With hard work and motivation, I absorbed as much information as possible about these exciting fields, but found myself wanting to learn even more.

I wanted first hand experience.

Luckily, that is exactly what I’ve recieved during my summer-long internship at Kocina Marketing Companies (KMC).

From day one at KMC, it was apparent that I would not be the typical coffee-running, copy-making, often-ignored intern. To my delight, I was assigned to help a specific team, and better yet, an important long-term project.

Although office life was a little overwhelming at first, KMC made me feel comfortable to ask questions, and take on more responsibilities once I was ready.

Because KMC is made up of three companies: Media Relations, Checkerboard Strategic Web Development and Mid-America Events & Expos, I have been fortunate to get a well-rounded experience, something that our clients are able to recieve as well.

KMC’s three unique companies work together to ensure that our clients’ needs are met at all levels by interacting and utilizing the many skill sets throughout the three companies. Because of this, KMC provides a full promotional experience.

Between researching useful information that could be included on a client’s website, organizing clients’ travel schedules and helping with project overviews, KMC has given me the opportunity to understand many facets of marketing. More importantly for me, KMC has shown me that my plethora of interests can all be utilized through the magic of marketing.

Not the Average Intern            Now I know what you’re thinking … this intern seems a little full of herself, but don’t let the title fool you.  The meaning behind the title doesn’t lie within me exactly, but more within Kocina Marketing Companies and the work I do for them.  As of this fall, I will be a senior at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse and I am currently a communications intern for KMC.  For the past two months, which have flown by like two weeks, I have been assisting publicists, making sales calls and working with the marketing intern on an internal contest to boost productivity, and a sense of community among KMC employees.  To the everyday Jim, John or Harry this might not seem like a big deal. To me, it’s huge!           

Kocina Marketing Companies is, in my best efforts to explain it, an umbrella company for Media Relations Inc., Checkerboard Strategic Web Development and Mid-America Events & Expos.  Like gears, all three companies are connected and working together on a daily basis.  For example: if one of our Account Executives brings in a new client, KMC would take this client and/or their product and create publicity through Media Relations Inc. As the publicists are busy getting bookings, we might have Checkerboard working on developing their new web site.  Lastly, as more people become aware of the client/product they may decide they would like to host an event that would celebrate their success, which we could facilitate though Mid-America Events & Expos.  You see where I am going with this right?  KMC is pretty much a one-stop shop for our clients making it not only easier on the client, but also for us because these three companies are housed together, ensuring that they are constantly communicating with one another.  Even Lonny Kocina, CEO and founder of KMC, is currently teaching marketing classes to his employees for free – during business hours – just to make sure that they are communicating more effectively.           

Currently I am making calls to book exhibitors for Mid-America Events & Expos’ Fall Remodeling & Design Expo.  Having only heard about the expo and never attended, it is interesting to get an inside look at how it is put together.  The Mid-America Remodeling & Design Expo, which we have lovingly named MARDE, is being held at the Minneapolis Convention Center on November 1^st and 2^nd.   What I love about this show, compared to other home shows, is that it is a focused show – exclusive to Remodeling & Design.  The show does include landscaping and other home improvement services but you won’t find any jewelers or chiropractors here:  Guaranteeing that the attendees we have coming to the show are there for the purpose of remodeling or design, and giving our exhibitors a quality attendee that they can talk to face-to-face.           

When I was looking for my summer internship I was worried I would be stuck at a place where I would go on coffee runs and make copies all day.  I continue to be pleasantly surprised with KMC and the opportunities they give me.    At KMC I have found that the knowledge held by its employees is staggering.  I have learned so much already and just hope to continue doing so in my last couple of weeks.  I can go on and on, but when you break it down – I am not the average intern because Kocina Marketing Companies is not the average company.