DISCOVER WHICH INTERNSHIP IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Public Relations Internship
Interns will be assigned projects developed by the public relations department at MMPI, which include writing press releases and pitch letters for trade markets and consumer shows. They will also play an active role in coordinating and preparing press rooms, participating in media interviews with various high-profile publications and aid the public relations staff with day-to-day administrative work.

Marketing Communications Internship
Interns will assist account executives with project management including copywriting and editing of direct mail pieces, advertising and promotion. They will attend and participate in industry creative development meetings and assist with publicizing and strategically marketing trade shows and conferences.

Print Production/Graphic Design Internship
Interns in this area will traffic advertising materials, print and electronic communication between publications, account executives, print department and media buyers. They will acquire working knowledge of graphic design programs including Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator and Quark Xpress.Print Production/Graphic Design interns will coordinate industry mailings by assisting in ordering postage, list preparation and coordinating with the mailhouse.

Web/Graphic Design Internship
Interns in this area will improve their skills in Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Javascripting, Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator and Quark Xpress. They will assist with creating and producing graphics optimized on the MMPI Web site, assist designers with creative presentations, and perform regular maintenance corrections and updates on trade show sites. Interns will adapt corporate materials and print collateral for presentation on the Web site and support with HTML authoring.

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EXPLORE MERCHANDISE MART PROPERTIES, INC.

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) based in Chicago, is a fast-paced, innovative property manager and trade show producer. Each year, MMPI hosts dozens of major trade shows and more than 300 conferences, seminars and special events throughout North America. The Merchandise Mart is the world's largest commercial building, largest wholesale design center and one of Chicago's premier international business locations.

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS IN MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

The Marketing Communications internship program at MMPI offers a unique opportunity where students can choose from four distinct programs to suit their interests and needs.

• Marketing Communications
• Public Relations
• Print Production/Graphic Design
• Web/Graphic Design

Students will be exposed to a variety of fields related to marketing communications, including public relations, advertising, copywriting, graphic design, direct marketing, print production and web design. Students will have the opportunity to practice the skills, theories and applications learned in the classroom.

HOW INTERNSHIPS WORK

Internships are great opportunities that combine learning with work, while offering a unique experience for career exploration. Students receive the opportunity to focus, structure their objectives and reach their goals while working on projects in a chosen career field. Internships provide real-world work experiences designed to explore potential career paths and utilize the skills and education obtained in college, which a typical job may not.

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TRAINING FOR THE FUTURE

"I am extremely satisfied with my internship at MMPI. My portfolio is now more advanced with the projects I have added. I definitely recommend completing an internship at MMPI to expand your résumé, explore your interests, gain networking opportunities and work with a mentor in your chosen field."

Lisa Burtch, Summer 2002 Intern
Western Illinois University"

I was fortunate to be chosen for this internship, and I will always be grateful for the knowledge I gained here. Beyond the portfolio of writing samples I have accumulated, I have gained a great deal of real-life experience that I will be able to draw on in the future. I am convinced that having an internship is absolutely essential to learning about a chosen profession, and the program at MMPI prepares students for the real world better than most."

Bill Nosek, Spring 2002 Intern
University of Illinois at Chicago

"I was surprised at the level of freedom and responsibility given to me as an intern at MMPI. I was encouraged to use my creativity when designing and writing direct mail pieces and advertisements. I was so happy to realize my work would actually be used in future publications."

Matt Klara, Summer 2002 Intern
University of Iowa

"My internship at MMPI as a print production/graphic design intern was a great experience. I worked along side the graphic designers and the marketing communications team to produce a number of direct mail pieces that will be used in MMPI’s communication campaigns. My creative concept was chosen to promote the 2003 Chicago International Antiques and Fine Art Fair™. This opportunity has given me the experience needed to help me jumpstart a career in the design industry."

Billy Carlson, Fall 2002 Intern
College of DuPage

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HOW TO APPLY/CONTACT INFORMATION

To apply, please send your cover letter and résumé to:

Recruitment Coordinator
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.
Suite 470, The Merchandise Mart
Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 312/527-7963
Fax: 312/527-7791
mm_internships@mmart.com

MMPI's program provides a stipend for local travel and may arrange for academic credit with college or university approval.