The Chicago Auto Show celebrated its 80th anniversary this week with the help of 14 Bradley University student interns paving the way to success.
From writing press releases and credentialing media, to filming videos for Vine and publishing online photo galleries, the students kept busy at McCormick Place.
Senior public relations major Ashley Arendt said even though it was her second time working the internship, the opportunity to learn something new is always present.
“This was my fourth internship and my second time with the Chicago Auto Show,” Arendt said. “The environment is fast-speed, high-paced and a great experience on such a big scale. I worked the same shift [as] the first time around, but I still learned new things this year.”
The Chicago Auto Show takes place Feb. 14 through 22, and the interns are sent in two waves. Two more interns than last year were selected for this year’s program, bringing the total to 14.
The first wave with eight interns worked Feb. 10 through Feb. 15 at receptions, media previews, the First Look for Charity event and with social media promotions.
Senior public relations major Whitney Huggins said it was a rewarding experience.
“Of the internships I’ve had, this was the most intense and the most geared toward public relations,” Huggins said. “We would work during the day, go to receptions in the afternoon and, all the while, be networking. The people [we met at the receptions] would remember us from earlier and say, ‘Here’s my card; stay in touch.’”
Arendt said the day-to-day agenda was never the same and presented an element of excitement and surprise, keeping the interns on their toes.
“I think, most importantly, you learn to adapt and adapt quickly,” Arendt said. “You cannot necessarily plan ahead for the day and the tasks, but you learn how to take it all and keep your cool. You get things done quickly and efficiently.”
The second wave of interns arrived to the Chicago Auto Show Feb. 15 and will work through today. While the focus of the first group was more centered on preparatory work for the show, the second wave of students has a greater focus on social media content, surveying attendees and writing and creating digital media releases while the show is taking place.
“I have really enjoyed getting to help upload content to social media,” senior sports communication major Ashley Alletto said. “We have gotten a chance to walk around and really get to know the show floor, while coming up with different content to post. It has also been great to get to write articles about different features of the show and get them published on the Chicago Auto Show website.”
In addition to this year’s interns, new to the Chicago Auto Show is former intern and Bradley public relations alumnae ‘14 Erin Guth, who is serving as Communications Specialist on the official Chicago Auto Show communications team.
Senior public relations and marketing double major Bri Karls said she advises students to apply to the show next year and to make the most of it, if selected.
“Do as much as you can, volunteer for projects and use the time you have,” Karls said. “It is so much more of a great experience if you’re engaged. Be a go-getter.”
