What a first week! From day one, my internship at MurphyEpson has been filled with exciting opportunities, real-world experience and meaningful collaboration.
Here’s a day-by-day recap of everything I was involved in and what I learned.
Monday: Starting Strong with the Ohio Department of Transportation
I kicked off the week by sitting in on an Ohio Department of Transportation AccessOhio stakeholder meeting. AccessOhio is the state's long-range transportation plan that shapes Ohio’s infrastructure priorities for the future. I observed how MurphyEpson expertly facilitates public engagement and took notes during the session.
What stood out most was how encouraged I felt from day one. MurphyEpson’s President and CEO Marie Keister empowered me to speak up and share my perspective. I offered thoughts on how younger generations, myself included, often overlook public transit and suggested targeted marketing could boost awareness and usage. It was exciting to contribute to a conversation with real-world implications.
Tuesday–Thursday: Ohio’s Future of Mobility Conference
For three days, I helped staff a successful conference for The Beta District, a regional innovation corridor in Central Ohio where public and private partners collaborate to test and advance emerging transportation and smart mobility technologies. I assisted with guest check-in, supported session logistics and observed how our team maintained flexibility and professionalism throughout the event. From developing branded marketing materials to managing media relations and supporting on-site coordination, MurphyEpson played a central role in ensuring success. It was impressive to see how our behind-the-scenes efforts created a seamless and engaging experience for attendees. Watching months of planning come together and having the opportunity to contribute firsthand made the experience especially meaningful.
Friday: Debrief and Reflect
On Friday, we wrapped up the week with a post-conference debrief. I helped organize materials, update event documentation and reflect on key outcomes. It was valuable to see how the team evaluates successes and areas for growth after such a major event. Later, I helped the team evaluate millions of impressions in news coverage so we could understand earned media successes and share opportunities for growth with the client.
Key Takeaways:
- Be ready to jump in. I was immediately trusted with important tasks, which helped me build confidence and learn quickly.
- Communication is key. Clear coordination—both internally and externally—was essential to the success of the week.
- Every detail matters. Whether it’s preparing a name tag or troubleshooting a tech issue, I saw firsthand how small actions contribute to big results.
What's Next?
As I look ahead, I’m excited to gain more experience in strategic communication, public engagement and project coordination. I’ve already seen how MurphyEpson blends creativity with purpose and how intentional messaging can truly make a difference.
One of my biggest surpises from the week was how much thought goes into making communication accessible, inclusive and effective. MurphyEpson helps bridge the gap between organizations and the people the team serves through promoting sustainability, supporting infrastructure projects or making complex information understandable. Being part of that process has been incredibly motivating and has reinforced my passion for a career where communication drives positive change.
I can’t wait to see what the rest of this internship holds.
