Ava Kay Graziano interned at Centric Brands honing in on her communication and presentational speaking skills, ultimately winning best group project this intern cycle year.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience and what skills did you build?
I worked across internal teams in order to coordinate samples and organized the licensing closet and handpicked samples for review. I prepared for upcoming photoshoots, while strengthening my communication skills and professional confidence. I worked with multiple applications to build my technical skills, including Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, and more! I also helped move the old Messi Showroom and organized the new one over the length of the internship.
I learned how to present information, communicate for myself, and complete tasks in a timely, but effective manner. I worked on paying attention to detail, especially when communicating with others across teams.
How did your studies in the Applied Humanities prepare you for your internship?
This internship allowed me to use many of the skills that I have learned from my Applied Humanities degree. In my studies, I have found that communication with others is top priority, especially when the groups are diverse in experience or work style. During my internship, I had to communicate with internal as well as external teams in order to successfully complete tasks. I have also learned how to work in a group to achieve a common goal, in my case, the Off-White presentation. Much of how I approached that presentation is with strategies I learned in PAH 201: Applied Humanities practice, a class I took in the spring semester that focused on conducting research in group settings.
What was your favorite or most rewarding part of the internship?
My favorite part of the internship was completing my group project and winning Best Presentation! Along with four other fellow interns, we were tasked with developing a more affordable line for Off-White that would still appeal to their audiences, not dilute the main line, and successfully bring in new customers. We had to figure out the launch plans, target audience, design a line, whilst still remaining authentic to Off-White and Virgil Abloh. I took over distinguishing the target market and maintaining the cultural relevance and foundation of the brand. I worked with team members to do research for the project, we met with advisors weekly, and we all developed a slide deck in preparation to present in front of the CEO and others.
It was so rewarding! It gave me the opportunity to grow professionally, and strengthen my presentational speaking skills. Our advisors were so helpful, and I created so many meaningful networking connections throughout the duration of completing the project.
How has your internship experience influenced your plans for your future?
My internship experience opened my eyes to what brand management and licensing is. I wholeheartedly enjoyed working in the field, and could envision myself pursuing this type of role after college. I’ve had a lot of jobs, but this has been, by far, my favorite. The work environment was amazing. I loved my boss and colleagues, and I could see myself growing within the company. I would love to return to Centric Brands next summer, and after college as a full-time employee.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for and begin their internship?
I would tell other students to apply to as many internship opportunities as possible. I would remind them that networking is extremely important, so reach out to whoever they can and see what they have to offer in terms of information or opportunity. At your internship, they should act like a sponge and absorb as much information as possible in the short period of time they have.