UA Student Selected for Advertising Internship Program

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — University of Alabama student Alexandra McKee has been selected for the 2017 American Advertising Federation’s Vance and Betty Lee Stickell Student Internship Program.

The sophomore from Frisco, Texas has accepted an account management internship from Slingshot, a Dallas-based advertising agency founded in 1995.

“I have observed firsthand Allie’s dedication to growing as a young professional,” said Dr. Senyo Ofori-Parku, adviser of Capstone Advertising Federation. “She has proven to be a curious and engaging student, a top performer in my classes and as a member of Capstone Advertising Federation.

“I am confident she will be a great ambassador for the Stickell Program, the department of advertising and public relations and the College of Communication and Information Sciences.”

For the internship program, McKee is most excited about the experience she’ll gain, particularly in getting to know the business side of the industry better. She has yet to decide exactly which direction her career will take, but she knows she wants to live in Dallas and engage in work that follows her passions.

“Dr. Ofori-Parku has always had an interest in my future and my goals,” said McKee. “Having these support systems in place is so important; you need people to challenge you and encourage you to take certain paths.”

In the 2017 class, approximately 20 students were selected for internships at media organizations, advertising agencies, and client and supplier companies around the country. The interns will receive a stipend and either a scholarship or assistance with housing during their internship.

The Stickell Internship Program was established in 1989 by the Los Angeles Times’  Mirror Foundation and the American Advertising Federation in honor of Vance L. Stickell, former executive vice president of marketing for the Los Angeles Times. The program intends to raise awareness and understanding of the advertising process and business ethics among future advertising professionals by providing real-world, hands-on experience at top firms in the integrated marketing communication industry.

The department of advertising and public relations is a part of UA’s College of Communication and Information Sciences.