For nearly half a century, All-Ways Advertising has been connecting its clients with targeted promotion, advertising and marketing solutions. For the past five years, it has also connected Montclair State student interns with invaluable real-world job experience.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI have an allegiance to Montclair State and rely on it for capable, enthusiastic, eager and very responsible interns,\u201d says All-Ways Advertising President Rob Lieberman, who has served as a Montclair State University Foundation board member for the past 12 years. \u201cHaving interns is a great experience and definitely benefits my business.\u201d<\/p>\n
Feliciano School of Business Director of Career Services Diane Freedman reports a recent increase in available for-credit and non-credit internships, with 136 internships offered in spring 2017. \u201cThe trend I\u2019ve been seeing is an increase of internships converting to full-time jobs,\u201d she notes. \u201cFor our local businesses, the University consistently develops academically strong students, who also embody a strong work ethic. This combination is something all employers seek.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Tiara Spano \u201916, a post-graduate summer internship with the company led to full-time employment as its digital marketing coordinator. \u201cAs an intern, I was given the responsibility of a new role for the company, which gave me the opportunity to show that having an online presence was beneficial,\u201d she recalls. \u201cNow, I build off of that presence while focusing on specific marketing campaigns.\u201d<\/p>\n
Known to interns and employees alike as \u201cRob,\u201d Lieberman is quick to praise Spano and students Nina Russo and Jesse Diaz, who recently completed semester-long internships, for helping his company develop and maintain a vibrant social media presence. \u201cIn less than a year, because of their efforts, we have been able to participate regularly on numerous social media platforms. They\u2019ve helped us create a buzz that keeps us relevant and fresh on everything from Twitter and Instagram to LinkedIn and Facebook.\u201d<\/p>\n
He notes that the interns have contributed to successful marketing programs that have brought in new business for the company, which is known for its friendly family atmosphere. \u201cThey have also supported our individual clients with both their creative input and their follow-up on complex assignments.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mentored by Spano, junior Russo received both pay and credit towards a Marketing elective for her internship. The experience led her to a surprising benefit. \u201cI discovered my knack for design, beginning with social posts, email templates and customizing promotional products,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Senior Diaz, who worked three days a week at the advertising agency, was able to gain a firsthand understanding of the realities of the working life. \u201cInternships let students balance their school, work and personal lives, which is something that will help them in the long run,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
All-Ways Advertising\u2019s location in Bloomfield, New Jersey, is easily accessible for students who are juggling busy schedules. \u201cSuch proximity lets students go from class to internship without a long \u2013 and sometimes costly \u2013 commute while providing our local businesses with exceptional candidates right in \u2018their back yard,\u2019\u201d says Freedman.<\/p>\n
For Russo, internships are a valuable part of her college experience. \u201cYou could read textbooks until you are blue in the face, but you won\u2019t legitimately learn what you\u2019re in for until you physically experience it. In class, you follow clear directions in order to succeed. But to impress an employer, you need to think beyond the means of what you were hired to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for Lieberman, he is eager to bring new interns on board. \u201cI\u2019ve been reviewing resumes of potential summer interns,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n