My NRC Experience: Lead for Poughkeepsie

Carissa Kellman, Account Executive

My name is Carissa Kellman, and I am currently a junior graduating in May 2022 studying Communications with a double concentration in Sports Communication and Journalism. I’m from Long Island, New York, and I have always had a passion for working with the local community. I joined North Road Communications as a sophomore, applying in the spring semester of my freshman year, which was shortened due to COVID. I remember opening an email about applications being due while I was in class online one day. I was an enthusiastic freshman jilted by the uncertainty of the industry, and I was hoping to break into and knew that NRC could give me the hands-on experience I craved. 

I started as an account representative for the Beacon Free Loop the following semester and had the pleasure of working with a talented, passionate group of students. Together, we worked to deliver creative social media content that highlighted the local businesses and historic landmarks in the area while increasing community engagement. When I applied for an internship with boutique social media marketing agency Tipsy Social, I showcased the work that I did with Beacon Free Loop, and I was told that was the exact type of experience they were looking for. I can confidently say that NRC helped me land my first internship.

At the start of my junior year, I was selected to become an account executive for a newly developed non-profit, Lead for Poughkeepsie. What began as a team of two grew into a team of four, and we took an active role in assisting our client with social media strategy, designing digital resources such as annual reports, and raising awareness of the inspiring fellows and their projects within the community. North Road Communications has given me the avenue to grow professionally and learn how to work with clients, manage a team, pitch ideas, and develop connections. The writing, speaking, and collaborative skills I have learned in my two years with NRC can be applied to any path I choose in the future, and for that, I am forever grateful I was given the opportunity to be a part of it.