Name: Calvin Riley
Major: Global Commerce
Class Year: Senior, Class 2022
Organization Name: StopWatch Creative
Intern Title: Digital Marketing Strategist
Describe your internship roles, responsibilities and significant contributions.
Throughout my time interning at StopWatch Creative, I was a Digital Marketing Strategist. Alongside my contributions at StopWatch, my work as intern saw me helping out with 2 other brands that are sponsored by StopWatch Creative called Collaborate & Elevate and a media company called YourInfoDaily. I was an advisor for Collaborate & Elevate, helped promote growth as well as attending events and meetings with clients. Primarily my contributions were with YourInfoDaily.com, a media company that is focused on providing a platform centered around highlighting young creatives. In this role, I assumed full control of the company and devised content strategies, marketing strategies as well as ways to obtain growth in the short and long term. At the end of the summer, I continued to work on YourInfoDaily.com and was promoted to the CEO.
How did your internship aid in your career exploration or decision making?
My internship last summer with StopWatch Creative was a very important turning point as far as career exploration went. Prior to this experience, I had little to no direction in where my future career choices would lie. I was always interested in marketing and the entertainment industry, this experience provided a way to do both of these things as it provided a multitude of responsibilities across the three branches. This allowed me to dip my toe in the marketing sphere and product incubation. While also fine tuning my networking skills with Collaborate & Elevate, a platform to connect young entrepreneurs together. Finally my work with YourInfoDaily.com, dealing within the entertainment realm gave me a tangible way to apply my teachings throughout Global Commerce with material that interests me such as sports, music, movie and TV. While also providing me with valuable leadership skills, time management and a better understanding of the trials, tribulations and successes of entrepreneurship.
What advice do you have for future interns?
My best advice is to go in with an open mind, be eager to learn and ask a lot of questions. Really try to immerse yourself in whatever it is you are doing, this will allow you to learn the most about yourself and envision a life for yourself after Denison.
Aside from your internship, are there other tools, resources or programs that have supported your career exploration?
Aside from my internship experience, the Knowlton Center has been a big help as there is a wealth of knowledge, resources and opportunity in that building. Speaking with faculty and professors, asking questions when I have them and finding out ways to learn more and engage with the things that interest me. Another resource that was valuable was conversations with individuals outside of Denison, such as speakers or Global Commerce’s executives in residence who provided valuable insight and an outside perspective.
