B|G prides itself on creating a true launching pad for our interns – an environment that allows them to work hard, be creative and learn as much as they can about agency life so they can determine if it’s a place they want to grow. From translating client work from English to Spanish to drafting social media posts and editing videos, interns have their work cut out for them at B|G, and this year’s Intern Day allows us to celebrate members of the B|G team who made their start at the agency as interns.
B|G Employee Testimonials:
Kate Jolley – “I have certainly had quite the journey – from PR intern to new business development to AE to traffic and now studio manager – but each role taught me something different and helps me tremendously with my job today. I enjoyed working as the intern supervisor for some of the other wonderful interns-turned-employees mentioned here because they each brought such joy and renewed energy to the agency. I’d tell new interns to be open to constructive criticism and always be willing to try new things – you never know where you might unexpectedly excel!”
Leslie Gibson – “Being an intern meant a lot to me, perhaps the most to me, because I wouldn’t be where I am in my career at BG without starting there. Diane has been my rock and support throughout my entire time at BG, from intern to coordinator, and strategist to manager. All of leadership has given me the tools and support to succeed. And Jorge’s little gifts will always have the most special place in my heart. My advice is to give it all you got. Work late or on a Saturday once in a while. Ask how you can help everyone (as time allows ofc). Suggest a new idea. And don’t be afraid to have an opinion.”
Francie Killebrew – “I loved my time as a BG intern. BG really included me in projects, so I was able to learn a lot – from managing client feedback to the importance of timelines. I can’t emphasize this enough – so much of what I do now as an Account Manager, I learned as an intern. Working with so many teams at BG, I’ve learned a lot – paid media, billing, production, and more – but Anna has had the largest impact on my transition and growth at BG. Not only did she introduce me to BG and the internship opportunity, but she taught me how to be an account manager: starting from an intern who supported her on various accounts to now managing accounts on my own.”
Colin Barnes – “How I knew BG was different than anywhere else was their inclusion in everything — I was never treated like an intern. The creatives at BG were rockstars plain and simple. They were helpful and attentive; there are things they taught me I still use almost everyday. I try to give interns the same rewarding experience I had at BG. I try not to give anyone too much direction so they can find their own way but am there in a supportive role to guide them if need be. I would say to new interns, to work hard, put in the time and be like a sponge for new skills; all that grind will pay off later in the form of a solid work ethic and continued skill development.”
Anna Jaffee – “Being an intern at BG taught me about how advertising works in the real world, and taught me to care about social impact. When I was in college, I figured I would be working in NYC for clients like Apple and Nike. I had no idea what public health was, or that it required people to communicate on its behalf. I fell in love with working in public health and can’t imagine doing anything else. Everything I learned about how to be a successful AE, I learned from Kim Vermillion. She is a wonderful cheerleader and genuinely wants all of her account staff to succeed.”
Cassie Deogracia – “I was really grateful to be an intern at BG. Getting that hands on experience before being hired really let me get a feel for the culture and adjust to working in an agency. I’ve been a part of so many amazing experiences and opportunities during my time at BG! It’s really exciting to be able to share experience and knowledge with other interns. I love to help people grow and see their potential. My advice to new interns is that it’s okay to ask questions, and to take advantage of interacting with the team as much as possible during your internship.”
Sarah Langston – “I think that my ethos being so closely related to that of BG was what helped me get in the door and has been the common thread to my success here—I wanted a job where I believed in the company’s messaging and, in finding that, it’s allowed me to thrive. I’d have to say that the person who has helped me the most in my transition is Bronie. After a couple months of interning, I was offered the Junior AD position and Bronie was the first one on the team to know and talk to me about it (it pays to know the boss, huh!) and from then on we were in it together. Having someone in your corner who is going through a similar experience as you and is as talented and kind as Bronie is was crucial to my opening up at the agency and eventually my successes.”
Emily Spitler – “As an intern, I was given a lot of freedom with my tasks. Colin was a great teacher for my first few months at BG since I worked very closely with him for a specific client. Bianca always trusts me to help her output work and gives me clear constructive feedback which I appreciate more than anything from an Art Director. They have both also been a good model on how to stay calm, cool, and collected under pressure.”
Samantha Collins – “Securing my spot as an intern at BG was one of the biggest moments in my life. I knew BG would open doors for me, but I didn’t know how big those doors would be. BG invited me to learn with them over two years ago and we’ve been growing together ever since! Everyone, including Diane, took time from their busy days to give me one-on-one advice and constructive feedback. BG gives us the freedom to find our own voice and empowers us to use it. This has been true from my very first day as an intern and only gets better with time.”
We are proud to have these nine members of our team who started their career with B|G as interns and have worked their way up in the company. From account and project management and business development to creative design and production, this group has embraced advertising agency life, lending a big role in our corporate culture and providing mentorship to other interns and employees. Their passion and dedication has proven to be valuable to our team and we could not be who we are today without them.
