Chapter 1: Adpollo 11 is Ready for Liftoff!
Welcome to the second session of HLK’s Launchpad Internship Program. Though none of us interns have ever ventured into space (at least not that I know of), in one short week, we have surely experienced some of the emotions that astronauts likely feel before being launched into the cosmos. Nerves, excitement, passion, and a sense of eagerness were practically radiating through our computer screens. Our first week was packed full of Google Meets, tall cups of coffee, and as many questions as stars in the night sky, but we are so ready to get started. Well, I suppose now is a good time to meet the crew aboard Adpollo 11.
Emily Stisser – Account Manager
School: Miami University in Ohio
Favorite Food: I am a pasta girl at heart. Although I recently had to go gluten-free, it’s been fun trying new recipes for all my old faves.
Dream Job as a Kid? Fashion designer
Why HLK? I was looking to dip my feet into the world of advertising and this was the perfect opportunity. As a native St. Louisan, I’d heard nothing but raving reviews about HLK and knew it offered exactly what I needed for this summer.
If you could only bring one thing with you to space, what would it be and why?: I think a film camera. Do those even work up there?
Madeline Nichols – Account Planner
School: University of Missouri- Columbia
Favorite Food: My stepmom’s gumbo! She makes her own fresh seafood base and uses blue crab caught straight from the gulf!
Dream Job as a Kid: Veterinarian by day, pop star by night! I don’t know, I guess as a kid I didn't think I’d ever need sleep. Dream big!
Why HLK? When I was looking for an internship, I wanted to learn from a company who values people over anything else. After looking into agencies and finding HLK, I felt as if my values aligned with those HLK stands for. Plus, once I met with Jenny Travers, I knew I had found my people!
If you could only bring one thing with you to space, what would it be and why? Definitely my Weenie dogs. They’d look cute in a space suit :-)
Hannah Gedwill – Content Strategist
School: University of Missouri-Columbia (Alum *sad face*)
Favorite Food: Judge me all you want, but I love a good bacon, egg and cheese sandwich on an everything bagel.
Dream Job as a Kid? Pediatrician
Why HLK? As a very indecisive gal both personally and professionally, I wanted to work somewhere that encouraged me to try new things. For me, that meant taking on the role of Content Strategist, and I can’t wait to dive in.
If you could only bring one thing with you to space, what would it be and why?: A Buzz Lightyear action figure because…. Well, you know why.
Erica Klenke – Media Strategist
School: Missouri State University
Favorite Food: Buttered noodles
Dream Job as a Kid: A writer for the New York Times
Why HLK? When first learning about HLK I knew little-to-nothing about agencies and what their work entailed, but after meeting with Dan Hopmann in my first phone interview I knew this would be an amazing opportunity for me to learn and I couldn’t miss out.
If you could only bring one thing with you to space, what would it be and why? I’d take a deck of cards with me because personally I am a huge solitaire/card game fan and it would allow me to stay entertained.
Jamie Gordon – Copywriter
School: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Favorite Food: Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food ice cream
Dream Job as a Kid: Veterinarian
Why HLK? It’s important to me that my workplace supports personal growth alongside professional progress. HLK is the perfect place to begin my copywriting journey because the agency cares about us as people, not just employees.
If you could only bring one item with you to space, what would it be and why? I’d bring David Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust” album to really set the tone for being in outer space!
Anel Mehmedovic – Art Director
School: University of Missouri - St. Louis
Favorite Food: A big bowl of chicken and rice
Dream Job as a Kid? I’ve always had a passion for art, as a kid I dreamed about being
a big-shot artist.
Why HLK? I want to be part of a culture that supports the growth and development of its employees and I believe that HLK is the perfect place.
If you could only bring one thing with you to space, what would it be and why? Jell-o pudding, because who wouldn’t want to eat delicious floating pudding in outer space?