Emma Saville

Trozzolo

This summer, I had the privilege of interning with the integrated marketing agency Trozzolo as a copywriter intern in Kansas City, Missouri. Being a multimedia journalism major, I wanted to take the opportunity to try my hand at the world of advertising. When I got the call from Trozzolo, I knew this was my shot.

Walking into the Gee Whiz Factory on my first day, any nerves I had went away. I was welcomed with open arms and ready to dive into the summer ahead.

Every day was completely different: writing ads, going to photo shoots or creating social content. Each day had a new adventure in store.

As an intern, I wrote in a variety of ways for a wide range of real clients. I had the opportunity to work with Prairie Dog (health care marketing agency), Kansas City Aviation Department and Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City, to name a few. I also wrote email newsletters, postcard headlines, social media ads, sample language for campaigns and much more.

At Trozzolo, their internship has the interns complete one major summer project, so we have the ability to see a project from start to finish. The client I had the opportunity to work with is ArtsKC, a nonprofit organization in Kansas City dedicated to advancing lives through the arts.

This project allowed me to gain real experience in campaign writing, research, presenting, quick deadlines, and most of all, working in a marketing agency.

Not only did I work with my mentors, Brad Hamilton, creative director and KU alumni, and Rick Hecke, senior copywriter, I was able to explore different departments about Trozzolo. I used my video skills learned through the J-School to create an Instagram Reel in the style of a Wes Anderson film, dived into digital and media buying, helped with photo shoots and saw how creative briefs come to life.

I loved the experience I gained, but my favorite part was the environment and the amazing people I worked with every day. Trozzolo is a family-owned agency and makes those a part of the agency family. Every single person I had the privilege to work with helped me and my intern team grow and learn from our successes and mistakes, just like a family would. My group of five interns also became a small, tight-knit family.

For anyone considering diving into the world of advertising, including someone with a multimedia background, do it. Go in with a yes attitude and take a chance on any opportunity given to you. I am so lucky to have been given this experience and will take it with me as I continue as a journalist.