My NRC Experience: HPVEC Team

McKenna Klineyoung, Account Executive

Hi there, my name is McKenna Klineyoung and I am the Account Executive for HPVEC (HPVEC is the Hyde Park Visual Environment Committee). I am a junior studying advertising and public relations, and I am currently in pursuit of my Masters in Integrated Marketing Communications. As a communications student, North Road has always been a prized jewel in the variety of opportunities presented to students. I have been a member of North Road for the entirety of this academic year, starting as an account representative for HPVEC and now this semester as the account executive. Being a member of NRC has taught me so much and improved my abilities as a communications practitioner.

 Starting my first semester with NRC I had the ability to work with and learn from an incredible team. I worked on event planning for our client as well as supporting with advertising for events and publicity. I was extremely excited to continue to work with HPVEC this semester and in the account executive role. This role has allowed me the opportunity to speak directly with the client and work with them to prioritize work we do for them! All of these opportunities have strengthened my communications skills, my organizational skills, my leadership abilities and have helped create a number of great resume building opportunities.  

 Rachael Hennessy, Account Representative

When I first heard about North Road Communications during a seminar at accepted students’ day, I knew right away that this was a unique opportunity that I would take advantage of. As a sophomore communications major studying both public relations and journalism, I can say that joining the NRC team was the best decision I’ve made thus far in my college academic career. Despite only being a member for one semester so far, the hands-on experience I have already gained and the connections I’ve made with fellow teammates and firm members is irreplaceable. 

 All in all, having the opportunity to be a member of North Road has already proven itself to be a rewarding experience. Working hands-on with a real client has given me the advantage of expanding my knowledge and getting a feel for my career path prior to graduating. Further, I have learned the importance of non-profits in our community and the impact that a little bit of “TLC” from an IMC firm can have on a local organization! I look forward to returning to campus next semester to take on more projects, and continue to learn about the communications field through such an enriching and advantageous organization.

 Teamwork makes the dream work

As a team, we were working closely with HPVEC to promote their Earth Day Cleanup, and spread word around campus to gather volunteers. We have been working with software such as Canva to create unique and eye-catching content for our client’s events. Additionally, we have been assisting their committee in learning more about MailChimp, a professional marketing used to automatically send out email campaigns. We also worked on a “How-To” guide to make the process as simple as possible for them!

 Covid-19 Responses

The Hyde Park Visual Environment Committee (HPVEC) mission is to develop and maintain the importance of the visual environment in the Hyde Park community. In spreading awareness of the importance of their environment, they assist citizens to understand and participate in the community planning process by hosting events such as their annual Earth Day Cleanup in April, and their annual Hyde Park in Bloom event in June. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, HPVEC was left with no choice but to cancel these events; however, that doesn’t mean the committee won’t continue to influence the community by any means possible! 

Our team was very sad when we heard the news that HPVEC would have to cancel their events for the remainder of the semester. This crisis has taught us a great deal as communications practitioners, especially working with a client who was so impacted. COVID-19 has certainly provided an unexpected opportunity to learn about crisis management and how to support our client during an especially challenging time period.

LoriBeth Greenan