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Profile of Dan Barnes, LarsonO’Brien Advertising/PR, 4/05
By Sarah Kotzman
PPW/Writing Center Intern


Dan Barnes, about to graduate with a degree in Communication and Rhetoric, interns at LarsonO’Brien Advertising/PR. “Employers love to see an internship experience on a resume,” Dan says, which explains why he is now working on his second internship through the PPW program. His first was at Venture Outdoors in 2004.

After networking with Pam O’Brien, Dan snagged his internship at LarsonO’Brien after one interview. Since Dan plans to hold a career at an advertising agency, the experience will prove to be extremely valuable. LarsonO’Brien, through assessment and creativity, addresses a company’s communication needs and determines selling points. Dan’s combined skills in communication and writing allow for a perfect fit. He has many opportunities to write PR the internship, and is in charge of rewriting their website, www.larsonobrien.com.

Along with writing experience, Dan is learning some valuable life lessons for his future career in the professional world. He finds that he must speak up and ask for responsibilities. He says, “I will take away the fact that I need to be aggressive and not sit around and wait for direction. In the business world, people do not hold your hand.”

Though juggling an internship, class, and journal requirements may seem overwhelming at times, Dan advises future interns to take any internship offers. Glad that he pursed the certificate, Dan believes the PPW program provides significant experience towards career goals. Dan decided to take on a PPW certificate “to become a better writer for the business world.” Having seen employers look at his resume and inquire about the certificate, he knows his choice has already paid off. Conversation sparks, and he explains to them what the certificate is and its benefits. The Persuasive Writing in Advertising and Fundraising course, along with Written Professional Communication, were two of the program’s most helpful courses for him.

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