Community involvement and collaboration are integral values at Agency 29. We have long supported the future of marketing, providing mentorship and working with programs at Cornell University, SUNY, and Hobart and William Smith Colleges. To take our commitment a step further, Agency 29 has developed an in-house internship program.
Agency 29’s internship program will provide valuable hands-on experience that helps bridge the gap between education and employment for tomorrow’s marketers.
In addition to fostering a more skilled and job-ready workforce, the agency’s internship program will also promote social mobility by offering young professionals real-world insights, mentorship, and networking opportunities that can support long-term career growth.
“I remember how excited I was about my first internship and how much valuable experience I got out of it,” says Agency 29 Founder and CEO Maureen Ballatori. “I’m so happy to be starting an internship program at Agency 29 to give the next generation of designers and marketers real-life experience. I’m sure we also have a lot to learn from them!”
Kelly Weber is a student at Nazareth University, pursuing her Master’s degree in Strategic Marketing. She received her BFA in photography with a concentration in Visual Media in May of 2024 from Rochester Institute of Technology. She is skilled in mixing and experimenting with multiple artistic mediums such as graphic design, photography, and illustration to best express her creative style.
Q&A with Agency 29 Intern, Kelly Weber
In a candid Q&A, Kelly shared what drew her to work with Agency 29.
“I am really excited to join the Agency 29 team. They are a close-knit team who support each other’s growth and have a strong focus on building community relationships. That kind of atmosphere is admirable and rare to find, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”
What do you love about social media?
I love how social media broadens my worldview and helps me stay connected and informed. I also love how social media gives people a voice, allowing them to be heard by a community that understands them and can help them feel a little less alone.
What’s your go-to social media platform and why?
My go-to social media platform is usually Instagram. I can catch up with my friends, check out the latest trending reels, click through stories, and post-life update photos; all without leaving an app.
What’s a social media myth you’ve discovered isn’t true?
I used to believe that likes and follows were everything.
When I was in school, everyone was obsessed with how many likes their photo got. After working for brands, I learned that so much more goes into it. Having quality content, consistent messaging, and building community for your customers matters.
I also learned that it isn’t always beneficial to jump on the latest trend. Even if a certain sound, reel, or meme is popular, it doesn’t mean that it will resonate with your audience. It is not worth alienating your audience or changing your brand messaging for something that will only be popular for a week.
Social media often gets a bad rap. How do you keep your sanity and strike a balance between reality and online life?
I still sometimes struggle with social media/life balance. My boyfriend has “caught” me doom-scrolling when I am bored and he reminds me to go back to my offline hobbies, like photography. Planning time with friends to go out and experience new things helps too. I just visited the Lamberton Conservatory for the first time, and loved it!
What’s one social media tool or app you can’t live without?
I cannot live without Pinterest. I use it to find new creative hobbies, plan my Eras Tour outfit, get recipes for dinner, and inspire my life. It is such a calm welcoming space amongst my other social apps on my phone. Pinterest was my first social media app, I have been a loyal pinner since 5th grade!
What advice would you give to someone looking for an internship?
I recommend doing informational interviews with professionals to learn more about what they do! It is a great way to gain information and show your interest. I never knew how much goes into the role before I got first hand experience.
When you’re not online, where would we find you?
You would find me grabbing a Pink Drink with friends, curling up on the couch catching up on the latest shows, or going to concerts. My favorite concerts I have gone to recently include Queen, Guns n’ Roses, Elton John, and Jonas Brothers!
Agency 29’s internship program exemplifies our commitment to nurturing future professionals, fostering a collaborative spirit, and supporting our community. We aim to equip interns like Kelly Weber with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the ever-evolving field of marketing. For more information on Agency 29’s internship opportunities, please keep an eye on agency29.com/careers or follow us on LinkedIn.