Meet Our Summer 2016 Interns!

AVX Digital has had some fresh faces around our office for the summer, our interns! Interns were asked to interview each other about their time at AVX so far. So read on and meet our Summer 2016 AVX Digital interns!

James Itkoff!

We are excited to have James as an intern for the summer! James comes from an eCommerce and finance background, two skills he hopes to use in the digital marketing world. He will be learning under Joe Leonardo in hopes to join the ranks as another paid-search and eCommerce expert. Since starting with us in May, he has become certified in Google Analytics, Google AdWords, Google Shopping and Facebook Blueprint, while gaining experience in the basics of digital marketing. James was raised in the Greater New York City area, but currently attends Virginia Tech as a rising senior. By the end of the summer, James plans to achieve proficiency with Google AdWords, while continuing to gain strategic experience with SEO and social advertising. His plan is to continue in the digital marketing field post-graduation, using skills he learns on the job to advance in his career.

Q: When you aren’t at work what do you do?
A: I tend to go fishing almost every day over the weekends. In August, my family and I take a two-week long fishing trip in Islamorada, Florida. If I’m not fishing it is because my mom and I are (painfully) watching the Yankee’s game.

Q: What made you take an internship in Dallas?
A: Well, my family moved to Frisco just before I moved to college, so my family has lived here for about 3 years. Between the job and experiencing more about Dallas, this was the perfect opportunity!

Q: Welcome to Dallas, then! If you could watch one episode of TV right now what would it be?
A: Hands down “Stress Relief: Part 1” from The Office. The best intro to any TV show of all time. As similar as the agency life is to The Office, thankfully no fires have broken out in the break room.

Q: Now in regards to the job, what type of work have you been doing?
A: Mostly paid search… budgeting, account maintenance and I’ve been creating a lot of search ads. One of the best parts so far has been working on creating a new website for a small startup. Always keeping busy.

Q: You mentioned you have an interest in eCommerce. Tell me more about that.
A: Growing up, my dad always worked in retail, so any marketing that I was exposed to was largely sales driven. Of any aspect of digital marketing, ecommerce is what I knew most about. Obviously I still have a lot to learn, but it is nice to have a foundation of knowledge.

Q: What has been your favorite part about working with the current team?
A: Everything is always upbeat and fun, no one is ever sitting around and isolated. AVX is very team-oriented. Between foosball, office pranks, and running jokes, there is always something fun happening.

Casey Holiday!

We are excited to introduce Casey Holiday as one of our Summer 2016 interns! Casey is a rising junior at Southern Methodist University studying finance. Right now she is heavily focused on social media and sales, but looks forward to learning more about SEO and PPC later in the summer. So far, she has gotten her Google AdWords and Facebook Blueprint certifications, and will continue to work on more certifications throughout the summer here.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
A: There really isn’t one typical day here at AVX, every day is pretty different. Usually though I start my day by checking my email and working on my certification courses until I meet with the sales team, and I often spend the afternoons focused on social media.

Q: What is your favorite productivity tip?
A: One thing I’ve always found very helpful, especially during busy times at school, is to delete all my distracting phone apps when I have to get something done. During finals week or when I have a big paper I like to delete my social media apps so I’m not tempted to check them when I should be focused…this also makes it more fun when I re-download them because I have so much to catch up on!

Q: What’s your favorite social network?
A: I love Twitter because I feel like it has the funniest content. I don’t tweet much but I follow a ton of hilarious accounts and read them every day. (my favorite accounts are the dad jokes)

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: I would definitely go to Europe. I’m not sure exactly where but I would love to see Spain, England, and Italy.

Preston Richard!

We are excited to have Preston Richard as an intern for the summer! Preston is passionate about psychology and interested in digital marketing. Since starting with us in May, he become certified in Google Analytics, Google Adwords, and Facebook Blueprint, while gaining experience in the basics of digital marketing. Preston calls Dallas home but attends Bates College in Maine, as a rising sophomore. By the end of the summer, Preston plans to achieve proficiency with the Google Analytics interface, while continuing to gain practical experience with paid-search and social advertising. 

Q: So Preston, what are some of the things you have been working on so far as an intern?
A: In between crafting audits, conducting marketing research, and working under our sales executives, I’ve spent a good amount of time learning the bones of Google Analytics, Adwords, and Facebook Advertising.

Q: That sounds like a lot of fun! What do you think of digital marketing thus far?
A: It’s really fascinating to see the inside of the hull, learning how the ads we all see on Facebook and Google are created and the science behind SEO and Analytics. It has been interesting to design and create quality ads from the consumer’s perspective. I definitely have a greater respect and appreciation for the world of digital advertising since starting with AVX.

Q: That’s great to hear, it sounds like you have been enjoying your time here so far. What have you enjoyed most about being a part of the AVX team?
A: I’ve been lucky to get to work under various experts in their profession, who happen to be fun and insightful mentors. I’d have to say I’ve most enjoyed looking around the office for my personal red stapler, which Joe takes upon himself to hide on a daily basis.

Q: Have you seen your stapler today?
A: No, no I have not.

Q: How do you see your training here at AVX influencing your academic and professional pursuits in the future?
A: I’m not entirely set on a professional path, but am excited to implement the professional skills I’ve learned here down the road. Digital marketing is essential to commerce in our generation and I believe my experiences here will translate fluidly into any profession.