Henry Russell Bruce (HRB) welcomes two new interns to the agency this spring following an outstanding 2013 fiscal year. University of Iowa students Brad Maxwell and Elyse Honold will bring a multitude of experience to the team, ranging from media marketing to broadcast news.
As public relations interns, the pair will be tasked with analyzing and developing strategic campaigns for clients. Their responsibilities will involve writing and distributing press releases, researching clients, pitching to media outlets, and contributing to the agency blog. Additionally, Maxwell and Honold will face new challenges that draw from each of their backgrounds including: developing company videos, expanding inbound marketing, and assisting with brand development.
“With an influx of new clients and increasingly diverse workload, we saw the opportunity to provide two internships for students eager to gain agency experience, said Shelby Kraus, vice president of public relations. “Brad and Elyse each possess a unique set of skills that we hope to utilize and further develop.”
Maxwell and Honold have held multiple internships in the journalistic field prior to HRB. Maxwell has interned at Frank N. Magid Associates, where he used market research and analysis to ensure brand consistency across mutliple media platforms. Maxwell also served as a reporting and writing intern at KCRG TV-9 News, where he shot, wrote, and edited stories throughout the Cedar Rapids’ television market.
“In today’s competitive job market, employers are looking beyond the classroom and searching for candidates with a diverse range of real-world experience,” said Maxwell. “I believe exploring multiple areas of journalism will best prepare me for a successful career, but also create some memorable stories.”
Honold brings a wealth of experience from the Chicago area, where she interned with several boutique PR agencies including Ripple PR and Sanderson & Associates. She also spent a semester in London, where she worked in the PR department of GUESS Watches & Jewelry. Through these diverse experiences, she gained valuable public relations skills working with both local and national clients.
“After taking-on public relations roles in Chicago and London, I am excited to begin a new chapter at HRB this semester,” said Honold.“ I will be working with clients to develop multi-faceted strategic campaigns that allow me to apply my previous experience, as well as develop new skills specific to an advertising agency.”
Maxwell and Honold are studying Journalism and Mass Communications and currently completing their senior semesters. Honold is also obtaining a minor in German, while Maxwell is finishing a second major in Cinema and Comparative Literature. Honold is a member of the Psi Beta Chapter of Chi Omega Sorority, volunteers at the Iowa City animal shelter, and previously worked with the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Maxwell has previously been a member of The University of Iowa Career Leadership Academy and Daily Iowan TV, where he was recognized as a Hearst Journalism Award semi-finalist and received an Upper Midwest Student Emmy Award.