Editor’s Note: We asked two of our 2018 summer interns, Alexis Harris and Joe Plantier, to write about their experience and work at WHR Group. Read Part Two by Joe Plantier here.
My name is Alexis Harris and I’m going into my senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I am double majoring in Marketing and Journalism, as well as Advertising and Media Studies, with an emphasis in Public Relations and Advertising. I will also obtain a certificate in International Business.
I became an Intern at WHR Group Inc. (WHR) to explore the sales industry, as well as to learn more about the niche market of employee relocation. Prior to my internship at WHR, my professional experiences were within the public relations, promotion, sponsorship, and customer service industries.
WHR has provided me with the sales experience that I will carry with me throughout my professional career. Seeing as the sales industry was so new to me, I really didn’t know what to expect.
The First Few Weeks
During the first few weeks at WHR, I began to learn the ins and outs of employee relocation, while also getting to know the Sales and Marketing Team. It was interesting to learn more about the employee relocation process.
I also loved learning about the Sales and Marketing Team, such as their education backgrounds and professional careers. Personally, it’s always beneficial when people are willing to share their professional journeys with me. During this time, a lot of information was thrown my way. Although the internship was sales focused, I was also able to assist marketing with various projects (like this blog post).
Our Project
While assisting the Sales and Marketing Team in their day-to-day activities, the interns were also tasked with creating a campaign from start to finish. The campaign was to coincide with the SHRM Conference, which was held in Chicago earlier this year. Once our Business Development Team returned from the conference, the interns divvied the potential leads and compiled our book of business. This campaign included video messages, calls, emails, and booking meetings. The entire process took about three weeks to complete.
Along with the SHRM campaign, I was able to help with WHR’s benchmark study and responses to RFPs. The remainder of my time at WHR will be focused on generating business with the continued use of video messages.
What’s to Come
The opportunities that I’ve experienced have been incredibly influential to my professional development. The skills and knowledge that I’ve received have helped me expand my career search and opportunities after graduation.
Aside from the professional aspect that WHR has provided, the company culture is unlike any other company I’ve worked for. Sometimes when working in large corporations/companies, you feel like just a number, or do I dare say, an average intern? But WHR has assured me that my contributions are valuable, and not just busy work. Each task that was assigned to me always had a purpose.
Another great thing about this team is that they care about my internship experience. They encourage questions, suggestions, and have been a genuine asset during my learning experience.
In short, the word “community” has an entirely different meaning at WHR Group.
Stay tuned for Part Two! Joe Plantier will share his WHR Group internship experience next week!
Alexis Harris
Business Analyst Intern
Alexis interned with WHR Group during the summer of 2018. She is now in her senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and will be graduating in May of 2019 with a double major in Marketing and Journalism, and Advertising and Media Studies.