Getting Real

For nearly half a century, All-Ways Advertising has been connecting its clients with targeted promotion, advertising and marketing solutions. For the past five years, it has also connected Montclair State student interns with invaluable real-world job experience.

“I have an allegiance to Montclair State and rely on it for capable, enthusiastic, eager and very responsible interns,” says All-Ways Advertising President Rob Lieberman, who has served as a Montclair State University Foundation board member for the past 12 years. “Having interns is a great experience and definitely benefits my business.”

Feliciano School of Business Director of Career Services Diane Freedman reports a recent increase in available for-credit and non-credit internships, with 136 internships offered in spring 2017. “The trend I’ve been seeing is an increase of internships converting to full-time jobs,” she notes. “For our local businesses, the University consistently develops academically strong students, who also embody a strong work ethic. This combination is something all employers seek.”

For Tiara Spano ’16, a post-graduate summer internship with the company led to full-time employment as its digital marketing coordinator. “As an intern, I was given the responsibility of a new role for the company, which gave me the opportunity to show that having an online presence was beneficial,” she recalls. “Now, I build off of that presence while focusing on specific marketing campaigns.”

Known to interns and employees alike as “Rob,” Lieberman is quick to praise Spano and students Nina Russo and Jesse Diaz, who recently completed semester-long internships, for helping his company develop and maintain a vibrant social media presence. “In less than a year, because of their efforts, we have been able to participate regularly on numerous social media platforms. They’ve helped us create a buzz that keeps us relevant and fresh on everything from Twitter and Instagram to LinkedIn and Facebook.”

He notes that the interns have contributed to successful marketing programs that have brought in new business for the company, which is known for its friendly family atmosphere. “They have also supported our individual clients with both their creative input and their follow-up on complex assignments.”

Mentored by Spano, junior Russo received both pay and credit towards a Marketing elective for her internship. The experience led her to a surprising benefit. “I discovered my knack for design, beginning with social posts, email templates and customizing promotional products,” she says.

Senior Diaz, who worked three days a week at the advertising agency, was able to gain a firsthand understanding of the realities of the working life. “Internships let students balance their school, work and personal lives, which is something that will help them in the long run,” he says.

All-Ways Advertising’s location in Bloomfield, New Jersey, is easily accessible for students who are juggling busy schedules. “Such proximity lets students go from class to internship without a long – and sometimes costly – commute while providing our local businesses with exceptional candidates right in ‘their back yard,’” says Freedman.

For Russo, internships are a valuable part of her college experience. “You could read textbooks until you are blue in the face, but you won’t legitimately learn what you’re in for until you physically experience it. In class, you follow clear directions in order to succeed. But to impress an employer, you need to think beyond the means of what you were hired to do.”

As for Lieberman, he is eager to bring new interns on board. “I’ve been reviewing resumes of potential summer interns,” he says.