Baltimore National Aquarium / Advertising & Promotions Internship

The National Aquarium in Baltimore

Internship Profile

Position Title: Advertising and Promotions Intern
Student Name: Luisa Bowersox
Graduation Year: May 2020
Major: Mass Communication
Type of Internship:  Advertising, Media & PR
Career Community Cluster: Media, Arts, and Communication (MAC)
City, State: Baltimore, MD
Semester: Summer
Hours:  15-20 hours per week
Paid or Unpaid: Unpaid

How did you find this internship?

I found this internship through Handshake.

What advice on the internship application process would you give to another TU student interested in this internship?

The application process is completed on the National Aquarium's website. It is very extensive but worth it. You need two letters of recommendation, plus the OK from your university for receiving credit since the internship is unpaid and the Aquarium requires you to receive credit. Be confident both on your application and phone interview. Research the Aquarium! 

What did you do as an intern at this organization?

Working for the National Aquarium I spent a lot of time with the marketing team. I was fortunate enough to be a part of the Aquarium 's current advertising campaign, "The Water is Calling." I sat in on meetings with the agency the Aquarium chose to run the campaign: HZ Agency in Baltimore. It was so neat seeing an advertising campaign live and behind the scenes. The Baltimore Orioles came to the Aquarium to partner with them on helping to get rid of all the single-use plastic throughout the stadium. I was fortunate enough to sit in on meetings with the organization and take notes. I worked on reports for my supervisor and volunteered at Artscape. Artscape is a huge art festival in Baltimore that happens every July. The Aquarium participates and this summer our theme was about plastic and the danger of it. I have great videos and pictures from the event. We talked to hundreds of people about what the Aquarium is and why plastic is bad. I also was fortunate enough to talk to other marketing team members about their job and what they do. I could go on and on about this internship experience!

What did you find most rewarding in your internship?

The most rewarding part of this internship was all the meetings I sat in on. I know, sounds so boring, but it was the coolest thing ever! To sit in on meetings about projects and reports that are going on in the real world was so realistic and impactful - something you don't get in the classroom. I was able to ask questions and even offer my opinion on topics being discussed. Notes are SO important to take in meetings. I learned I need to get better at taking them.

What were the challenges you faced in your internship?

Challenges I faced during this internship were adjusting to a 9-5 day and being confident in the work I was producing.  I completed reports for my boss but was never confident in my work. My supervisor constantly advised me to be more confident in my work.  I would advise any future intern to be confident in your work and ask questions and for constructive criticism. 

If another student at TU was interested in your internship next year, what skills would you recommend they develop in the coming semesters to prepare?

Go to the Career Center and get your resume and cover letter checked. Sign up for mock interviews for practice. Get involved on your campus. Clubs are awesome outlets for great opportunities. Companies like to see students who are involved on campus. Take your classes seriously and try to apply your projects to the real world as best as you can!

about the organization

The National Aquarium in Baltimore

Learn more about The National Aquarium in Baltimore.