Grady InternViews: Sophia Kwan

This is part of a series where we ask Grady College students to describe their summer internship experience.

Briefly describe your internship and your responsibilities: 

Chemistry is an independent, full-service creative agency. As an account management intern, I assist in day-to-day client communications across four accounts. Some of my primary responsibilities include helping with the development and delivery of various client deliverables, trafficking new creative, and providing client feedback to internal teams.

How will this role guide your future career path?

By working in account management, I’ve learned about strategy, media, project management, creative, and account teams partner together to fulfill different types of client asks. Being exposed to so much has allowed me to realize what I do and don’t see myself doing. I now know I don’t want to work in a media role because of how data and number intensive it is. It has also made me realize how much I value being in a creative space. It’s so inspiring to see what our creative team develops from a client’s request,  and makes the work I am doing exciting. From this role, I have realized I most likely want to start out working on the agency side because it exposes you to so much, providing you with a wide variety of experiences early in your career.

What about this position has surprised you?

I am surprised by how many different hats an account person wears. From assisting strategy with a creative brief to reviewing performance data to provide insights to the creative team, no two days look the same. Client asks vary across accounts, so some are focused on creative while others are more media heavy. 

What’s the most challenging part of this position?

Balancing multiple projects is the most challenging part. It can get confusing working on four accounts with so many moving parts. It is important to stay organized, take clear notes, and document what is happening so you and your team are on the same page.

What advice would you give to other students who are looking to pursue similar opportunities?

Take advantage of all the opportunities Grady provides! Making connections with past and current Grady students is so valuable. Utilize LinkedIn and try to set up informational interviews with alumni. Joining student organizations within Grady and attending events also gives you experiences that can open doors to similar opportunities! I first learned about Chemistry at ADPR Connection, a networking event within Grady, which I will be serving as co-director of next year. I then was able to connect with a Grady alum that works at the agency through a networking event at Talking Dog Agency.

What has been your favorite part about your internship so far?

The company culture! People are so willing to take time to connect and chat about their role, career path, or life in general. I also love that the office is dog friendly. I am a puppy raiser with the Guide Dog Foundation, so I am thankful that I am able to bring my guide dog in-training Rudy to work with me, and sometimes she has friends to play with!