Leslie Rodriguez Ponce, a Park Hill High School senior, officially started her 15-week internship with EAG Advertising & Marketing on February 10, 2020. But it was in December of 2018 that she started spending a couple hours at our office every Sunday.
Leslie’s parents work for Fresh Approach Cleaning Professionals, EAG’s cleaning company. Leslie comes in with her Spanish-speaking parents every weekend, acting as their interpreter. It’s not uncommon for EAGers to run by the office on weekends to get a jumpstart on the week, and this is how Leslie crossed paths with Paul Weber, our founder and chief strategy officer.
“Even though Leslie is quiet and unassuming at first, it takes no time to see how smart and focused she is. Park Hill’s internship program doesn’t allow for students to reach out and find their own internships. So, Leslie told her school counselor that EAG was her choice, and the counselor contacted us. We’d considered developing an internship program in the past, but Leslie gave us a reason to fast track it,” explains Weber.
For two hours a day, four days a week, Leslie is spending time at EAG learning as much as she can through a combination of observation and hands on work. All EAGers are playing a role in this program, so Leslie can gain experience in all facets of outsourced marketing from subject matter experts. From graphic and web design to copywriting and from account management, administration and accounting to marketing strategy, Leslie isn’t just learning concepts, she’ll eventually practice them by creating a marketing plan and website for Fresh Approach, EAG’s cleaning service.
Along with her internship, Leslie plays soccer and is involved in several clubs and civic organizations. She has been in the AVID program since her freshman year that supports students in college and career readiness and success. Also, she’s taking advantage of the A+ Scholarship Program, which provides scholarship funds to eligible graduates of A+ designated high schools. Meaning, Leslie can attend a participating public community for free.
“After I graduate in May, I’m going to Maple Woods Community College for two years, and then Park University. I want to study marketing management, but still use my creative side. If I can carry on my internship after high school and throughout college, that would be great,” Leslie says.