Verizon AdFellows – Alumni Spotlights highlight the success of THF interns with Verizon AdFellows, a Gold Level Diversity Partner and long standing supporter of the Foundation.
Alexandra Russell (Final Talent Pool Member)
Tell us about the Verizon adFellows Program.
The adfellows program is an 8-month immersive program powered by Verizon, where selected members are given the opportunity to spend 2 months at 4 different advertising and marketing agencies in NYC.
What did a typical day look like for you?
It depended on what role I was playing at which agency. My day usually consisted of being in meetings, collaborating on projects with my team members, corresponding with other agency partners, etc.
Which agencies did you work with as a part of your rotation?
I rotated at Rauxa, 140 (Verizon’s in-house creative agency), Integral Ad Science, and Zenith (VM1)
What did your duties include as a Verizon adFellow?
My duties included making social media and website audits for clients, corresponding with different agency partners, facilitating creative briefs, assisting leadership with planning Verizon’s activation in the Thanksgiving day parade, etc.
What was one of your best experiences as an adFellow?
One of my best experiences was being able to visit Youtube studios for a 2018 trends wrap-up event.
What did you like most about the adfellows program?
What I liked most about adfellows was the exposure that we were able to get on a day-to-day basis.
What were the most rewarding and challenging parts of your adfellow experience?
The most rewarding part of adfellows was meeting so many people in the industry who have been able to serve as mentors and genuine friends. The most challenging part was moving away from home for the first time and figuring out how to maneuver the big city.
How has the Verizon adfellows program made an impact on your career?
Adfellows allowed me to get my foot in the door at some of the top advertising agencies, which would have been extremely difficult without being in the program.
What advice would you give to THF interns as they begin summer internships or careers in media?
Make sure you follow up with people. Make sure that you connect with as many people as you can because you never know what opportunities and friendships can come from it. And to always be pleasant and kind to everyone because you never know who you could be talking to