Randolph-Macon College student Harrison Smith ’19 knows firsthand that creativity, teamwork and communication skills are essential in the workplace. During January Term (J-term), Smith interned at The Community, a global advertising agency. At the company’s New York City office, Smith worked under the guidance of Chief Strategy Officer Shobha Sairam.

The Creative Side of Business
A business management major and Asian studies minor, Smith wanted an internship that would allow him to tap into his artistic side. The Community was a perfect fit.

Sairam says, “The Community is a creative agency built on a philosophy we call cultural fluidity. That means we are built for a world that is multi-connected, multi-cultural, multi-everything. We do everything from creative, cultural, social, digital strategies, traditional and non-traditional advertising, experiential campaigns and innovation.”

Teamwork + Strategy
Smith spent much of his time shadowing Sairam and the company’s strategy director and senior culture strategist.

“Harrison helped the strategy team across a number of projects for CNBC, Svedka Seltzer and Dunkin’ Cold Brew,” says Sairam. “Our projects kick off with a briefing from the clients and then we dig into cultural trends and audience behaviors that help us inform our creative strategy. Harrison was instrumental in helping support this phase. He added a fresh perspective and came up with a couple of ideas that we presented to clients.”

Smith quickly learned the dynamics of client-agency relationships; how to defend work when the clients are not on board; and how to maneuver conflicts between client/agency. He also experienced what it’s like to live in a busy city.

“Living in a New York City apartment was a new, exciting experience,” he says. “On warmer days, I’d walk to work and enjoy the scenery and people. I plan to live there in the future, so this was a great way to get a feel for big-city life.”

Faculty Mentorship
RMC Business Professor George Lowry mentored Smith during his internship.

“Professor Lowry gave me advice great and feedback,” says Smith. “Early on I felt a little anxious and intimidated, but he told me that was not uncommon. That was very comforting to know.”

Lowry says, “Harrison’s effort to make the first contact with The Community demonstrates what can happen when students are committed to the internship experience. While initially anxious about life and work in the city, he represented himself and the college well with professionalism and dedication. Working with Harrison has been outstanding.”

Campus Life + Future Plans
Smith is a wide receiver for RMC’s football team, an experience that has pushed him to be a better athlete and a better student. “I’ve also met some of my closest friends within the program,” he says. His post-RMC plans include graduate school.

“I haven’t decided where yet—it’s between UNC Greensboro or Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City,” he says. “I want to pursue a degree in the fashion industry because it’s something I’m passionate about. I’d love to work in the sneaker industry, whether it is marketing, design or merchandising.”