March 12, 2025 / CPOVs

AdAge: The Top 5 SXSW 2025 Brand Activations to Know About

Making their SXSW debut this year, Gorton’s Seafood held a shrimp and cocktail party at the Rainey Street Historic District’s Parlor Room. Complete with Gorton’s many shrimp products, the two-day event saw 3,500 attendees and dozens of influencers and included cooking demos, a merch wheel, and live music performances.

Read more here.

March 7, 2025 / CPOVs

CP Abroad With Matty Habersaat

Matty Habersaat, Media Planner

A Month of Growth, Travel, and Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments

Traveling abroad to Ireland was an experience I will never forget. Before this trip, I had never been to Ireland—let alone traveled internationally by myself. Given a past travel mishap involving a disastrous checked bag incident under an airplane, I was determined to make this trip work with just one carry-on suitcase and a backpack. Somehow, I managed, and what followed was a month of adventure, cultural immersion, and personal growth.

Upon my arrival, I was met with warmth and hospitality from the Dublin office. The team’s kindness made it easy to build relationships and settle into my new home for the month. They were quick to share their knowledge of the city and its culture with me and I realized that in many ways, Dublin was reminiscent of Boston with its easy-to-navigate layout and rich historical backdrop. Among the many sites I visited, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Trinity College campus, and Dublin Castle stood out as my favorites (it also wasn’t hard to find a decent pub either). 

Beyond Dublin, I took several day trips to explore more of Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes and historic sites. Each location presented unique learning opportunities, pushing me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace the unfamiliar. Belfast, Northern Ireland, Glendalough, the Wicklow Mountains, and Kilkenny each left a unique impression on me, deepening my appreciation for the country’s history and natural beauty. Each destination had something special to offer—whether it was the medieval charm of Kilkenny, the serene lakes of Glendalough, or the rugged beauty of the Wicklow Mountains. 

One of the greatest advantages of the program was the opportunity to travel abroad beyond Ireland. My girlfriend and I took a quick weekend trip to Valletta, Malta—a place unlike any I had visited before. The architecture, history, and atmosphere of the Mediterranean city was captivating and reinforced the importance of being open to diverse experiences and perspectives. It was a completely different experience from Ireland, and I’m grateful for the chance to expand my horizons and explore another part of Europe during my time abroad.

My passion for football (soccer) provided a unique lens through which to observe Irish and English culture. Attending matches live, particularly at Port Vale FC with my dad, allowed me to connect with locals on a deeper level. This was the highlight of my soccer journey, as I’ve had a personal connection with the club since visiting when I was 12 years old. Knowing that my dad and I had traveled all the way from the U.S. to see a game, the club went above and beyond, introducing me to both faculty and players while parading me around the ground. The incredible hospitality we received was a testament to the unifying power of shared passions. This experience reinforced the importance of building relationships and finding common ground in a foreign environment.

Overall, this experience was nothing short of life-changing. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity CP provides to work abroad, which exposed me to the advertising industry in a different country and allowed me to build new relationships with my peers. More importantly, I learned a lot about myself. This experience challenged me to adapt to new routines and cultures, navigate new places, and embrace the unexpected. I returned home with a greater understanding of myself, a broader perspective on the world, and a renewed sense of confidence. 

For anyone considering this program, I highly recommend it. The stories and memories I’ve gathered during this trip will stay with me forever, and I will always cherish the personal and professional growth I gained along the way. 

December 17, 2024 / CPOVs

Intern Insights: Lessons and Growth from a Semester in Advertising

This semester, our interns immersed themselves in the world of advertising, tackling creative challenges, mastering new skills, and embracing collaboration. Their unique perspectives and growth have been inspiring, and we’re sharing the lessons they’ve learned and the moments that made their experience unforgettable.

The focus on learning and professional growth at CP has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my experience here. My leaders consistently challenged me to explore new technologies and elevate my thinking. As a result, I’m leaving CP with a deeper understanding of how to uncover an audience’s motivations and interpret them effectively.

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the creativity that comes with being a strategist. It’s not just about gathering research—it’s about translating insights into relatable, human terms that illuminate what drives an audience. CP’s approach of thinking like a cultural anthropologist, rather than just a strategist, has completely reshaped how I approach consumer research and insight development.

Ella Schroeder, Strategy Intern
Boston University


I believe that we grow through challenges, and learning to use Adobe Premiere was no exception. At first, editing with this tool felt difficult and frustrating, but I didn’t let that hold me back. Through hard work and persistence, I was able to overcome the obstacles it presented. Now, I’m both proud of my progress and confident in my ability to tackle similar challenges in the future.

This internship also gave me a deeper understanding of how complex launching an ad campaign truly is. With so many moving parts and people involved at different stages, I’ve gained a new appreciation for the process. While I initially focused on the creation of materials, I now have a greater respect for the importance of pre-production.

Abby Rhodes, Maker/Video Production Intern
Clark University ’24


My time at CP taught me more than just technical skills—it nurtured a sense of curiosity that pushed me to dig deeper, question the numbers, and approach problems with a “how can I improve this?” mindset. I also honed my ability to communicate data insights clearly, making them accessible to anyone, no matter their familiarity with data.

One of the most rewarding experiences was a team sharing session where we learned from each other’s journeys. Hearing how my teammates tackled challenges and grew through their experiences was truly inspiring. These sessions weren’t just about exchanging knowledge—they were about building connections, growing together, and understanding how collaboration elevates us all.

Mia Park, Analytics Intern
Boston College


The most valuable lesson I’ve learned at Connelly Partners is the importance of simply starting creative projects, even when the direction isn’t fully clear. Some of my projects came with vague or limited guidance, and I realized that taking those first steps, instead of getting “stuck” at the beginning, is essential. Now, I feel more confident starting projects with minimal direction, knowing I can refine and adjust as I go.

This internship also showed me just how collaborative this industry is. While I knew creative production required teamwork, I discovered that advertising-specific production involves even more moving parts than I had imagined. Working alongside my fellow interns gave me a firsthand look at how every department plays a unique and vital role in bringing advertising projects to life. This experience has illuminated aspects of the industry I hadn’t fully understood before.

Shayna Smith, Creative Production Intern
Boston University


Although I studied advertising in school, there’s so much they don’t teach you about how an agency operates or the many roles and people that make it all come together. During my internship, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how agencies run and how they collaborate with clients. I’ve also had the chance to discover more about my own design style while exploring different approaches. Designing for a wide range of clients has challenged me to adapt my style to fit their unique needs, which has been both exciting and rewarding.

One of the things I love most about what I do is concepting and brainstorming ideas. There’s something so energizing about sitting down and coming up with countless ways to tackle a brief or meet a client’s goals. I also enjoy expanding on those ideas and figuring out how to bring them to life. On top of that, working with others has been incredibly rewarding. I love connecting with people, and I truly believe that collaborating can take ideas to a whole new level.

Juliana LaPorta, Art & Design Intern
The University of Alabama


During my internship at CP, I thoroughly enjoyed getting hands-on experience with influencer partnerships, managing social media accounts, and content creation. Collaborating with my team, seeking their advice, and learning from their expertise made the experience even more rewarding. It allowed me to dive deeper into the strategic and dynamic elements of the industry.

The most valuable lesson I learned was the power of strategic thinking—how thoughtful, well-planned decisions can drive both creativity and results in campaigns. I also came to appreciate the importance of networking within the agency, building relationships, and asking questions. These connections and insights have been instrumental in helping me grow both personally and professionally.

Chloe Jackson, PR, Social Media, and Influencer Intern
College of Charleston


During my internship, I developed valuable relationship-building skills, including the importance of being transparent, staying optimistic, and offering support to clients without assigning blame for challenges. These lessons have strengthened my ability to foster trust and collaboration in a professional setting.

My time at the agency also highlighted just how team-oriented the advertising industry can—and should—be. It was inspiring to see people from different offices, departments, and even countries come together to create meaningful results for clients. One of my career goals is to work within a team of like-minded individuals who view teamwork, empathy, and enthusiasm not as optional, but as essential elements of impactful advertising.

Ryan Long, Digital Intern
Loyola University Maryland 


These past three months have been an incredible immersion into the advertising industry. Working across a variety of clients has helped me refine my copywriting skills and taught me how to adapt my writing style to fit campaigns ranging from shrimp to kitchen tiles.

At Connelly Partners, I’ve had the opportunity to not only contribute to diverse campaigns but also collaborate with a team of talented creatives. Seeing how seasoned professionals bring campaigns to life has been a rewarding and eye-opening experience. Beyond the work itself, the agency’s positive and open culture has made a significant impact on my time here. From the people to the company-wide events, the supportive environment has been a highlight of my internship.

Overall, this experience has strengthened my passion for copywriting and made me even more excited about the possibilities of a future in the field.

Clem Mark, Copywriting Intern/Creative
Boston University ’24

 

November 9, 2024 / CPOVs

CP Abroad With Shannon Bresnahan

Shannon Bresnahan, Brand Supervisor

woman standing by cliffsEven before I was hired at Connelly Partners, I knew I was going to apply for the CP Abroad Program. During the many conversations leading up to my start at the agency, I learned so much about the program and grew increasingly excited. Prior to joining CP, I had some serious peaks and valleys in my life (felt like more valleys, but hindsight is always 20/20) and taking a trip seemed like just the experience I needed to bring me back to my old self. 

Curiosity Leads to Confidence

On the outside, I look like a pretty confident person, but like everyone else, I have my moments of doubt. Over the past few years, those moments had been growing, leaving me feeling increasingly uncertain about myself. Outside of work, I’ve never felt confident enough to grab dinner or a drink alone, let alone travel to another country solo. And at work, I tend to be more curious in meetings and listen to everyone else’s perspectives without always giving my own.

As a single woman, I lived in Dublin alone for the month and traveled by myself for two out of my five weekends abroad. Traveling solo in other countries pushed me into a new level of confidence I hadn’t tapped into before. I was, of course, having meals on my own and meeting new people, but I was also doing day trips and excursions alone, hoping to squeeze in as much as I could in a short amount of time. As I explored new experiences and built confidence, my curiosity about the world grew, and I wanted to play an active role in it rather than simply observing from the sidelines.

I could start to see a shift in my confidence at work even while I was still in Dublin. I was speaking up more in meetings and was less uncertain about my opinions. I’ve always been encouraged to share my thoughts and opinions at work, but I often held back, worried that someone might disagree or see my input as irrelevant. Once I started speaking up more, I realized just how wrong I was— my voice truly does matter.

Be Confident in the Gray

As a Brand Supervisor, my work life is very organized with timelines and project plans guiding every client activity. In my personal life, I live more in the gray and fully embraced this on my solo trips. Occasionally I booked some tours but overall, I didn’t plan what museums or attractions I would see and I was able to be fully in the moment and absorb all the sights around me.

I’ve come to appreciate the excitement of embracing the gray areas, and I now want to bring that mindset into my work. Timelines will always be essential, but not having every detail doesn’t mean a project will fall apart. The unknown keeps you adaptable, ready to expect the unexpected and handle whatever comes your way.

I would have traveled without CP Abroad, but having the opportunity to fuse work and play taught me a lot about myself and how I want to work with my colleagues and clients moving forward. This is such a unique program and I can’t thank CP enough for the chance to live in Dublin for a month. I loved every moment and can’t wait to go back.

November 5, 2024 / CPOVs

CP Abroad With Ronan Doyle

Ronan Doyle, Global Art Director

couple taking a selfieWhat a Time to Visit

Goosebumps. And not from the cold—in fact, this October was probably the warmest I’ve ever experienced. Blue skies, sun, and crazy vibrant Autumn colours. My Boston colleagues had told me fall is one of the best times to visit, and hey, they definitely weren’t wrong.

Frankie, my wife, and I had been to Boston once before in 2020, but the pandemic quickly cut that trip short. We had to leave without really seeing very much of the city, and everything shutting down around us. This time, however, was different, and it certainly delivered ten-fold. Boston has easily climbed to the top of our list of favorite cities, it has amazing history, rich culture, fantastic food, and incredibly friendly people.

Wanderlust

We usually skip the typical tourist attractions, preferring to wander and find hidden gems. Boston’s charm lies in its character—around every corner, there’s something new to see without it trying too hard to grab your attention. Whether we were climbing Bunker Hill, catching a boat on the Mystic River, or trying pizza near Hanover Street, it really felt like a big city with the charm of a small town.

Of course, Boston has its iconic sports culture and flashy lights, but what we loved most were the small quirks—like the funny voice that says “wait” at traffic lights. 

Another important part of our trip was visiting New York to see the 9/11 Memorial. I remember passing by the same spot in 1996 when my brother drove us from JFK to Scranton. This time though, I didn’t want a picture; it was about quiet reflection, and a reminder of the importance of making a difference in life. Our company’s vision might adapt, but I’m starting to understand what it means to be “defiantly human.” For me, it’s about striving to make a positive impact and that stood out as a reminder that we all have a chance to do that.

People

Meeting the friendly people in the Boston office was by far the highlight. Putting faces to names is invaluable, and I think the more people get the chance to do this, the more our multiple offices will feel like one. Conversations flow much easier when you have a face to talk to and I’m sure it will be easier when you have a face to put with that random slack or email. An extra bonus was working on a U.S. project while there, and I’d encourage anyone visiting another office to get involved in a project no matter how big or small.

Kudos to everyone who organized the apartment—it was truly the icing on the cake. It felt like a home away from home, with everything we needed for the month. Having a local food market nearby kept us from overspending on eating out every night, as tempting as that was! Standing on the roof deck, gazing at the twinkling lights, gave me a sense of calm in this bustling city. It made me feel very small, but also reminded me of the huge world out there and the chance we all have to make a difference.

Some of the highlights included meeting everyone in the office (including Carl and Beau the dogs), a surprise visit from Cape Cod relatives, river walks by Charlestown, Halloween pumpkins, finding the famous Good Will Hunting bench, the view from the top of the Prudential Tower, the beautiful Beacon Hill, the New England Aquarium, Fenway Park, the Hatch Awards, iconic New York sights, and, of course, lots of cold brew coffee.

Thank You

I honestly wish I could have Boston on-tap every day—but thankfully, I still have access to some of its people through our Boston office. This was an experience I’ll carry with me for a lifetime, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity given to me.

Ronan

October 16, 2024 / CPOVs

CP Abroad With Mia Harvey

Mia Harvey, Brand Supervisor

couple standing by a stone wallAfter seeing so many of my colleagues have such amazing experiences on the CP Abroad program, I decided to take the leap and do the same! While I was incredibly fortunate to have friends and family visit me in Dublin, I spent a large chunk of my time alone, during which I cherished the moments with one of my greatest passions: reading. 

Coincidentally, some of my favorite books are set in Dublin and Ireland, including Sally Rooney’s Normal People and Paul Murray’s The Bee Sting. This provided the perfect excuse to revisit these beloved stories. As I settled into my working life, I found myself wandering the city each morning, tracing the footsteps of my favorite characters.

forest castleMy explorations led me to the picturesque Trinity College, the charming Hodges Figgis bookstore, and, of course, the iconic River Liffey. Dublin is a city steeped in literary history, where the words of great authors resonate through its streets. I discovered more about the writers I admired, as well as those I hadn’t yet explored. I found myself at some of Dublin’s literary landmarks, such as Oscar Wilde’s statue in Merrion Square and his birthplace on Westland Row, and marveled at Trinity’s Long Room, feeling the weight of literary legacy all around me.

Alongside my favorites, I read James Joyce’s Dubliners, which immortalizes the essence of early 20th-century Dublin. As I walked through Temple Bar or along the Grand Canal, Joyce’s vivid depictions transformed my view of the city, revealing layers I hadn’t noticed before. During my last week in Dublin, Rooney’s latest release, Intermezzo, was published, allowing me to conclude my literary journey with one of my favorite authors, tying a perfect bow on my Dublin experience.

two swans by a pondIn addition to my reading adventures, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people at the Dublin office. My colleagues were not just coworkers; they were enthusiastic storytellers with their own insights into the city. Over coffee breaks and lunchtime chats, we exchanged recommendations for local spots. Their perspectives added depth to my understanding of Dublin, making the city feel even more vibrant.

By the time I arrived at the office each morning, I felt as if I had stepped into each story, becoming a character in my own narrative. Immersed in this vibrant city and enriched by the people I met in the Dublin office, I realized I was writing my own chapter in the ongoing tale of Dublin—a story inspired by the voices that came before me and the new connections I had made along the way.irish bar

October 7, 2024 / CPOVs

CP Abroad With Joshua Cook

Joshua Cook, Digital and Social Media Manager

Man sitting at restaurant tableShipping Up To Boston?

Since joining Connelly Partners 18 months ago, I have been inundated with tales of Boston and the CP Abroad Programme. From Italian restaurants in the North End to sunsets on the apartment roof terrace, if someone in the company has had the opportunity to visit Boston, you won’t need to ask twice before they tell you all about it as you settle down for lunch. This ensures that you spend the rest of your day quietly dreaming of jetting off yourself at some point and experiencing all that the programme has to offer. 

I’d never been to America, I’ve hardly left Europe, in all honesty. So, a month spent alone on the opposite side of the Atlantic, engulfed in a culture that is so different to the one I know and have spent my life a part of, was daunting to say the least. I was anxious, nervous and a host of different emotions all rolled into one as my departure date drew ever closer. But, ultimately, I was ready to grab the opportunity with both hands and make the most of it in as many ways possible. 

Fenway Park in BostonHighlights

Connelly Partners couldn’t be more helpful in ensuring that you feel comfortable in the weeks leading up to your trip. About a week before I set off, I was put into contact with my ‘Buddy’ who had also spent quite a bit of time in the Dublin office. I was assured (or warned?) he would be a perfect match for myself. He wasted no time and organised to meet up on my first full day in Boston, he introduced me to some of his friends, included me in a Whatsapp group and even brought me along to take part in a NFL Fantasy Draft. For a man who had never even seen an American Football match, it was quite the introduction. Nevertheless, I bluffed my way through and this set the tone for the month that was to come in the Land of the Free. 

I met up frequently with so many in the Boston office at various events, which ultimately culminated in the CP 25th Anniversary Party on my penultimate night. As a huge sports fan, highlights of my trip included Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox and eat hot dogs (I had two and could have done more), catching a Bruins game at the famous TD Garden and soaking up the atmosphere in the city’s bars as the Patriots kicked off their season. 

It wasn’t all sports though, as I spent a weekend in New York like the tourist I am. I wandered around for 3 days in awe at the city I feel so familiar with from popular culture, yet I couldn’t quite get my head around, as a man from a small East Lancashire town in North West England. It was vast, it is never ending, it was truly mesmerising. 

That being said, Boston was certainly more at my pace and I loved spending the evenings wandering around and taking in some of the famous monuments that surround the city centre. Oh, and don’t forget Modern Pastry Shop, truly the GOAT Bakery in Boston. But, please don’t tell Mike I said that. 

Boston Seaport Defiantly Human

There are too many people to individually thank for the great time I had on my trip. The only thing I can say is that the people I spent my time with really couldn’t have treated me in a more welcoming way, and I thank Connelly Partners for the fantastic opportunity given to me. I now look forward to being that person waxing lyrical around the lunch table and encouraging others to get over to Boston as quickly as possible.

September 17, 2024 / CPOVs

CP Abroad With Aimée Rose Keenan

Aimée Rose Keenan, Account Executive

woman standing on bridge overlooking new york cityWhen I first joined Connelly Partners, I was told that after a year I could apply to spend some time in the Boston office. The concept seemed so far away when I was hired, so out of the realm of anything I’d consider doing. But it’s funny how fast time goes by when you’re not thinking about it. I had such a busy year, both personally and professionally, and before I knew it, I was being encouraged by my colleagues to apply for an open spot in August. I’ve done a lot of solo travel in the past, including to the States, but I don’t think anything could have prepared me for how I’d feel spending the month in Boston. I couldn’t believe how settled and at home I felt after just one month, how kind all the people were, how easy the city was to get around and just how comfortable I would feel.

There’s something really incredible about travelling by yourself. It forces you outside of your comfort zone, makes you try new things, meet people, and go different places. I don’t think I regret a single thing I did while I was in Boston, and most of it I did alone; from baseball games to a Salem visit, to museum outings and walking tours.

fenway park in boston

Having said that, I also had some wonderful experiences with friends, both old and new!

I was lucky enough to be able to go on a trip to Plymouth with some new friends from the Boston office, which was perhaps the most relaxing weekend I had in August. And yes, I was brought to see the rock. I felt so grateful in getting to know the Boston team, everyone made me feel so welcome! I had a blast on the Brand Team outing, and even learned how to play a new sport: pickleball. some might even call it the fastest-growing sport in America… although I’m still convinced that everyone went extra easy on me.

plymouth bay massachusetts

I also had an incredible time in New York City with one of my friends from Dublin, far from the calming beaches of Plymouth. Comedy shows, jazz bars and thrift shopping made for a totally unique experience in and of itself!

To anyone feeling apprehensive about embarking on the CP Abroad Program or any new adventure, my advice is to do it anyway! It is such a wonderful and unique experience, and can teach you so much about who you are as a person and what you’re capable of, whether that’s on a personal or professional level. I can say for sure that I will absolutely be returning to Boston at some point in the future.

nighttime view of the empire state building in nyc

September 13, 2024 / CPOVs

CP Abroad With Dave Kimball

Dave Kimball, Chief Growth Officer

Dublin’s Roadside Lesson: Embracing True Kindness

Spending a month in Dublin offered me more than just professional growth, I encountered an experience that reshaped my perspective on kindness and human connection. We were driving in Galway on a beautiful but narrow road when, out of nowhere, a flat tire struck. Unfortunately, I had no spare in the car, and my family and I were stranded. What followed was a vivid lesson in the essence of genuine kindness.

As I stood by the roadside, every single passing car offered assistance except for one – which would have been me if roles were reversed, so no judgment there. But what stood out was the sincerity of their offers to help – each driver proposed to take me to a garage or help call for assistance. These small, authentic acts of kindness made me more trusting than I normally would be. So I accepted one of their offers (very unlike me), and had them bring my family to the intended destination (why have all of us sitting around when they could still have some fun).

Three hours later, when I reunited with my family, I discovered something remarkable. As my wife checked in with the service manager to collect our reserved tickets and mentioned that I couldn’t join due to the car trouble, the manager’s expression changed dramatically. He confessed that he was the driver who hadn’t stopped to help. Overwhelmed with regret, he showered her with apologies, explaining that he had been running late for work and had been carrying a heavy burden of remorse ever since. People from Ireland are just flat out nicer than Bostonians (no real surprise I guess).

This experience underscored a powerful lesson: kindness isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s about being considerate and caring, even when it’s inconvenient. The authentic kindness I experienced reminded me that our everyday actions, no matter how small, can significantly impact others.

September 3, 2024 / CPOVs

From Day One to Done:
A CP Intern Recap

With summer wrapping up, we can’t help but reflect on the impact our interns have had over the past few months. From creative thinking to hands-on projects, they brought energy and enthusiasm to everything they touched. Let’s take a look at the highlights of their experience and the lessons they’re taking with them as they move forward.

Build Bonds and Grow Together

This semester, I was able to play a part in seeing two campaigns come to life from start to finish. I was involved in creating tasks and action forms, proofreading decks and prints, and ensuring all timelines and client feedback were followed. It was such a great learning experience, being able to witness the complete campaign process, and how the CP team interacts with clients throughout. 

My most valuable takeaway from this internship is to start connecting and networking with people in the office right away. There are so many different and unique people in our community that have amazing stories to share! As I move forward in my professional career, I’m committed to being persistent in building connections with everyone I meet!

Wylie MacDougall, Brand Leadership Intern
University of New Hampshire 


Discovering the Power of Culture

Being a part of CP has definitely impacted both my career and personal growth. I have had the unique opportunity to work and learn from the CP production department’s best. Working so closely and being mentored by experienced producers is a learning experience I could never gain in the classroom.

I discovered a few surprising things during my internship – the first being that the infamous CP culture truly does exist. Working here has been one of the most refreshing and inspiring experiences I’ve had when it comes to work culture. Experiencing CP’s culture firsthand has given me a new perspective on what is possible when you bring community to the workplace.

Emma Brady, Production Intern
Emerson College


Collaboration Is Key

These past few months at Connelly Partners has definitely confirmed my goal of pursuing a career in creative copywriting. I’ve had the privilege of shadowing some really talented writers and I’m thankful to be walking away with the insights and experience I gained at CP.

Collaboration is so important and there was plenty of it to be found at CP. As someone who always dreaded group projects in school, a surprising realization I had was how much I love and thrive on collaboration. I learned how valuable it is to bounce ideas off of other people, and how much it helps promote creativity. Something you think is goofy might spark something insightful in someone else. 

Shruthi Krishnan, Copywriting Intern
Emerson College


Find Your Voice

During the course of my internship, I believe that I made an impact on the teams and projects I worked on. Connelly Partners provides such a safe space to comfortably share ideas and be heard. Because of this, I was never afraid to state my opinion and help solve problems to drive projects forward. 

While at CP, I realized how much I love art directing and concepting. I have had a few projects during this internship where I was given the freedom to come up with ideas and I’ve noticed how happy and satisfied it makes me. Especially the pride I feel when I see it all coming together.

This internship has shown me what goes on behind the scenes when creating an ad. I’ve learned how many different people and roles come together to create a campaign. 

Juliana LaPorta, Art & Design Intern
The University of Alabama


The Value of Hands-on Experience

Working at Connelly Partners has helped me sharpen my career focus by providing hands-on experience in creative strategy and video production. It helped build my confidence and clarify my passion for the industry. I am grateful for all the advice I received from my manager, particularly the importance of networking.

Getting so much hands-on experience during this semester was incredible. I feel fortunate to have been able to work as the second camera on a client shoot. I am especially proud that quite a bit of footage that I shot was actually used in the final product. I also have some hands-on experience in some production projects. I was able to participate in a virtual production project, which was a thrilling experience.

Edison Gao, Video & Editing Intern
Emerson College


Learn From Your Peers

Going into college, I knew I was interested in marketing, but I wasn’t sure where in the field I fit into. Taking a media planning class in college exposed me to media as a subject, but this internship has proven to me how much media excites me and I want to continue in this field as I advance in my career. I have also gained so much confidence in myself, my ability to do challenging work, and my communication skills. 

I learned that you shouldn’t be afraid to make yourself known. Throughout the summer, I made it my goal to meet with every person on my team and at least one person in each department. At first, it was nerve-wracking to ask to take time out of someone’s busy schedule, but the more meetings I set up, the more comfortable and confident I became. It has been very rewarding to form these connections and there is so much to learn from the people around me.

Rebecca Gaffin, Media Intern
Suffolk University 


Embrace Every Opportunity 

My experience working with other interns on client projects was incredibly rewarding. We learned a lot from each other by sharing ideas, managing activities, and holding work sessions together to complete projects. 

I am thankful to have had a manager who taught me so much; like how to use some of the hottest technologies, like ChatGPT, to help me work more efficiently. She encouraged me to utilize my talents and because of this, I have been working on improving my coding skills and will be pursuing a computer science program to develop marketing applications in the future.

If I could share one piece of advice, it would be to be open to everything and work hard to achieve your goals.

Rami Huu Nguyen, Strategy Intern
UMass Boston


Fully Immerse Yourself 

I majored in film in college, so my exposure to the advertising world was limited at the start of my internship. Because of this, I was really like diving headfirst into the deep end and just seeing what happened. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the fast-paced, on-your-toes speed that the advertising industry moves at. Having to jump from project to project so quickly is a thrilling experience. 

It’s important to take in as much as you can. Sit in on more meetings, observe more of the entire process, learn more beyond your role. The more insight you have into every department, the better.

Andrew Powers, Photography & Editing Intern
American University


Take Charge of Your Experience

Working on clients that involved collaboration across several departments was a key experience during my internship. With each department bringing its own expertise, communication was crucial. Everyone proactively contributed their insights, driven by curiosity to understand the full picture. What made it work was the respect we had for each other’s perspectives, ensuring that every voice was heard. This taught me that effective teamwork hinges on both active participation and empathetic communication, which are essential for aligning diverse teams towards a common goal.

If I could go back to the start of my internship, I would advise myself to be proactive in reaching out to others and not wait for opportunities to come to me. Connelly Partners is full of experienced professionals eager to share their knowledge, and I’d remind myself to tap into that resource from day one. Moving forward, I’ll carry this lesson with me, always seeking out opportunities to learn from those around me and contributing actively.

Mia Park, Analytics Intern
Boston College