MSCM student participates in The Washington Center Internship

One of the MSCM department's top students, Alan Bunn, was recognized at the university honors assembly on April 25 at the Rose Theatre. Every semester, the Tennessee Board of Regents provides funding to help University of Memphis students participate in The Washington Center for Internships Program. Students accepted into this prestigious program earn academic credit as they complete a semester-long internship, one academic course, and a leadership forum in Washington, DC.

Marketing Management Senior Alan Bunn participated in the program in fall 2009. Alan said that he was motivated to apply for the program because he is a life-long Memphian, and that "the thought of being able to live and work in an entirely different setting like D.C. just sounded like an amazing opportunity."

Alan enrolled in the Media & Communication branch of The Washington Center internship program, and accepted a position with Double R Productions, an award-winning communications firm specializing in film, television, and media/web production. During his time e at Double R, Alan scripted, shot and edited several short movies, composed his own blog, wrote press releases, and researched prospective clients for the firm. Alan said his favorite aspect of The Washington Center internship experience was the uniqueness of the program. Although he had worked at "a couple of great internships" before enrolling in the program, Alan said The Washington Center's communication internship helped him broaden his horizons. In particular, he felt that it was interesting working at a company that provides services used by many marketers, but that many companies are not knowledgeable about these services. Alan also said he learned that the importance of core marketing concepts is not restricted to a marketing firm or advertisement agency.

At Double R, Alan worked under Rosemary Reed, the company president. Alan enjoyed working with Reed, because "she is always striving to market and maintain her company's brand image by attending networking events, sending out marketing postcards, or submitting pieces to local award shows." At the University of Memphis, Dr. Marla Royne Stafford served as Alan's faculty advisor.