During my first week at Kite Hill, I sat down for lunch with the team and noticed something unexpected: I already felt like I belonged. I was still learning the rhythms of agency life, familiarizing myself with B2B tech and figuring out how classroom lessons translated into client work, but that moment captured what would define my first post-graduate internship: meaningful work, constant learning, and the support of a close-knit team.
Here are three lessons from my time at Kite Hill that will stay with me throughout my career.
1. Trial and error makes for a great learning experience.
In the early days of this internship, I quickly learned that understanding a strategy in the classroom is different from applying it to a live client project.
Building a media list, for example, involved much more than finding reporters who covered a broad topic. I had to understand the nuances of a client’s industry, study each journalist’s recent work and determine whether the story would genuinely fit their beat. My early attempts required plenty of refinement, but every round of feedback sharpened my instincts. I learned that trial and error is not evidence that you are falling behind. It is often how professional judgment is built.
2. Industry knowledge sharpens your instincts.
Diving into the B2B world at Kite Hill started with a simple piece of viable advice I received during my first week: read the news every day.
At first, I was reading to understand the terminology and the “why” behind B2B tech. Soon, I began recognizing recurring trends, influential publications and industry journalists. Staying informed also improved my work. I became better equipped to identify timely opportunities, evaluate whether a publication was relevant and understand which journalists were best suited to a particular story. Reading the news every morning did not simply expand my knowledge, it taught me how to make those media connections.
3. A close-knit community creates room for growth.
The connectedness between the Kite Hill team and seeing the value each person brings made a big difference to my overall experience. I could see how my work supported the team’s next steps. That visibility made the experience particularly rewarding. I was not completing busy work, but I was contributing to results that mattered.
I witnessed the genuine nature of the relationships and friendships between the Kite Hill team. This sense of community at Kite Hill cultivated a supportive environment. After only a few days, I realized I no longer felt like the newest person in the room. I felt like part of the team. That sense of belonging made it easier to ask questions and contribute ideas with confidence.
My Summer Internship Takeaways:
I began the summer eager to apply what I had learned in college. Now, I’m leaving with a clearer understanding of how much growth happens beyond the classroom.
The work is fast-moving, collaborative and constantly evolving, but every task has value and contributes to a client’s larger goal. I could see how my work supported the Kite Hill team and its clients.
I am grateful for the colleagues who answered my questions, trusted me with meaningful projects, and shared advice I will carry throughout my career. I leave this experience with stronger integrated communications skills, a better understanding of myself as a professional, and genuine excitement for what comes next.
– Olivia Merced, Intern