This summer marks the 11th annual internship program at Mars United Commerce. The program brings in college students and recent graduates whose studies are applicable to marketing, advertising, business, and related fields. Those with an interest in commerce marketing and translatable internship or project experience were also considered for the program. From a field of 330 applicants, 9 were handpicked based on their academic rigor, eagerness to learn, and willingness to contribute.
The 11-week program allows each intern to partner with mentors on a specific team, which provides a better understanding of the numerous moving parts of Mars United’s work. In addition to collaboration with their mentors, the interns will see the company’s real-world impact come to life during store walks and meetings with clients.
The internship “sponsors” from the company’s People & Culture team, Kim Pawlak and Brandi Bialas, along with multiple cross-functional mentors, assigned group members to support a variety of functions: Client Leadership, Customer Development, Design & Copy, Strategy, Project Management, Marilyn, and Corporate Marketing.
Similar to previous years, the interns will work as a team throughout the summer to propose a marketing campaign based on a real client need. At the end of the program, the interns present their proposals and research during a company-wide meeting, as well as to the client. Previous work done by the interns has been a source of inspiration for actual client programs that reached the marketplace.
“Mars United Commerce could not be more excited to welcome the class of 2024 interns this summer,” said Jen Senerius, VP of Client Leadership, who is overseeing the group’s collaboration on the client project. “We have an amazing group of young adults with varying interests and majors, and we are looking forward to seeing them create impact across the organization.”
This year’s interns are based in Chicago and New York, and are currently enrolled at or are recent graduates of universities across the country. Our summer 2024 class includes:
- Sage Butler, a recent graduate from Howard University with a degree in marketing, on the Customer Development team.
- Aftyn Brenke, a rising senior at Loyola University Chicago pursuing a degree in marketing, on the Client Leadership team.
- Libby Soelberg, a rising senior at Brigham Young University pursuing a degree in strategic advertising, on the Strategy team.
- Claire Oliver, a rising senior at Loyola University Chicago pursuing a degree in marketing, on the Customer Development team.
- Naomi Oshima, a rising senior at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago pursuing a degree in photography and graphic design, on the Creative/Copy team.
- Eleanor Snee, a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota with a degree in strategic communication, on the Creative/Copy team.
- Danielle Cubitt, a rising senior at the University of Michigan pursuing a degree film, television, and media.
- Danny Lansdon, a rising senior at the University of Northern Iowa pursuing a degree in advertising and digital media, on the Marilyn team.
- Lauren McGowan, a rising junior at Loyola University Chicago pursuing a degree in psychology and public relations, on the Corporate Marketing team.
Since the beginning of the program in 2013, Mars United Commerce has brought on 80 interns as full-time employees. Aligning with the company’s focus on growth for our people as core pillar the program has been an incredible opportunity to cultivate young talent within the company itself.
About the Author
Lauren McGowan is an intern on the Corporate Marketing team, with a focus on gaining experience in public relations and social media. She is currently a student at Loyola University Chicago majoring in psychology.
