This summer, we’re excited to welcome two new interns to the Hencove team. Katie Mahoney is a recent graduate of Fairfield University where she studied communications and marketing. Since graduating, Katie has begun to pursue her masters in management.

 We spoke with Katie about why she’s chosen a career in marketing, what it’s like to graduate during a pandemic and how she has adapted to a virtual internship.

Hencove: Tell us a little about yourself!

Katie: I grew up in Nashua, NH. I just graduated from Fairfield University this past May, with a B.A. in communications and marketing. I’m currently working on getting my M.S. in management.

Hencove: What made you decide you wanted a career in marketing and communications?

Katie: I love interacting with people and liked the idea of helping companies express the value of their brand and services. I think what inspired me most was seeing startups that had a great mission statement and goals, but often had trouble finding their footing in the industry because their marketing was weak, and their brand image didn’t portray what they wanted it to. If a company has great values and all of the building blocks to be successful, they shouldn’t be held back just because they don’t know how to market themselves correctly. I love that being in this industry involves a lot of quick-thinking, creativity and determination.

Hencove: It’s been a challenging year to graduate from college and enter the workforce. How have you adjusted and what would be your advice to others in a similar position?

Katie: I think that the hardest thing was adjusting to the fact that your college experience ended earlier than expected. There really was no closure for our college experience.

Once the pandemic hit, many of my friends who already had job offers had them rescinded by employers, so I was scared to apply for jobs just to have them fall through the cracks. Before I was lucky enough to land a spot at Hencove, I decided to start graduate school much earlier than expected, so that if I wasn’t able to find a job, I’d still be furthering my education and pushing myself forward. It was a big decision to make in a very short amount of time about my future. What helped me the most to deal with this big life change was writing down my goal for my future career, and then making different maps of choices I could make to help me get there. Once I felt like I had options, I was able to make the decisions I needed to.

Hencove: Did shifting to online classes prepare you for a remote internship?

Katie: I was definitely already used to doing work online thanks to shifting to online classes, so working remotely wasn’t a huge stretch for me to adjust to. I think having online classes taught me to be accountable for my schedule. You have a lot of work to be done, and without the routine of going to class, things can fall through the cracks. While I never really struggled with this, it was an adjustment to lose the set routine of being in a classroom to do work. Similarly, when working remotely, you don’t have people to remind you of deadlines and things to do, it’s up to you to be accountable and create your own schedule.

Hencove: What does a typical day look like for you as an intern?  

Katie: A typical day starts with a morning team huddle, which allows me to meet everyone and get familiar with ongoing projects, which would happen more organically if we were all in the office together. The rest of my day consists of writing and editing blogs, drafting social media posts, and searching for relevant articles to write about for our clients. I also sit in on client calls so that I can learn the ropes of client-agency interaction.

Hencove: There have been many changes in marketing and communications caused by the pandemic. Is there anything that you think will have a lasting impact? 

Katie: I think the biggest change has been shifting to have client meetings and interactions exclusively over video and phone calls. While there were always some of these digital meetings before the pandemic, usually meeting in person was preferred. There’s a lack of in-person connection now, which can be difficult for marketing and communication professionals. Face-to-face interactions make it easy to forge connections, but it’s much harder to make that connection digitally. I think that even after the pandemic ends, meetings more often than not will still be held digitally instead of in person. It is more convenient and efficient, and companies are getting used to it quickly. I wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes the preferred way of client interaction, which means marketing and communication professionals have to continue to find ways to make a connection over the phone.

Hencove: Time for a few fun questions!

Favorite hobbies outside of work?

I love to paint and draw. My grandfather was a talented artist, and my dad is too, so I grew up having that inspiration around me.

What’s a good book you’ve read recently? 

A good book I’ve read recently was Work Inspired by Aron Ain from Kronos. It was interesting to see how mindsets can really affect not just yourself, but everyone around you. I think everyone should read it. It gives great insight into what a good work culture should look like and what can come out of it.

Where is one place you’d like to visit?

I’ve always wanted to visit Patagonia in South America. The landscape there is unmatched, and basically everyone who has gone has come back with a better connection to themselves and the nature around them (at least from what I’ve read about people’s experiences). 

What’s your favorite food? 

I am a sucker for Annie’s White Cheddar Shells. It was a staple when I was a kid AND in my college kitchen! Some things you never grow out of.

What is one thing on your bucket list? 

I’ve always wanted to go skiing in the Swiss Alps at least once in my life. My best friend from college is from Switzerland and she says it’s an experience you have to have, so I’ll take her word for it!

Welcome to the team, Katie!