Introducing: Lauren

Hey ya'll! My name is Lauren Van de Voorde, and I am a new addition to Keating Magee's internship program for the Fall 2010 semester. I am a Senior Marketing major at UNO, transferring from UL in Lafayette. Obviously by the "ya'll" I am originally from the area; Slidell to be exact. "Excited" is an understatement when describing how I feel about being back in the area. The French Quarter, Uptown, the restaurants, the (SuperBowl Champs) Saints, along with many other staples of the city, make it truly like no other. One reason for my transfer during the last year of undergrad was knowing that New Orleans had a plethora of options for a young, eager soon-to-be-grad, such as my self. Ladies like options (and, well, men too), and there is definitely no other place that offers such a variety in a city with such amazing culture.

With graduation coming up in May, I had to buckle down this summer and really take a look at companies that would be on my radar as I set out on my first "big-girl" job hunt in the spring. Focusing in on those that offered internships and were top in their industry, Keating Magee stood out. Isn’t there a saying that goes “if you want to be the best, you have to learn from the best”? I think so, or something along those lines.

The short 40 minute drive I made for my first interview with D.A. Magee himself was undoubtedly one of the finest decisions I have ever made. D.A. acknowledged my "persistence" to obtain an internship and was the first to say to me "you've got potential kid". The second interview is when I got to learn a little more about what a Media Intern does. Yes, I will file papers and tie ribbon(I did that the first day), but those tasks are what interns are for. I will also, however, get a chance to sit in on meetings with networks, oversee the process of buying slots for commercials and print ads, actually interact with clients, and even have a project to do with my fellow interns. Of course, I will be granted to opportunity to do much more along the way. Not many college interns can say the have an opportunity to learn an extraordinary amount and having amazing fun along the way!

Working at the top floor of Jax Brewery, in the heart of the French Quarter, and at such a prominent company (google Keating Magee, you will see) is not a bad way to spend three afternoons a week. Plans for the future are simple for me at Keating Magee: learn as much as possible, make the most of every opportunity I am given, and enjoy this amazing chance I am so thankful to have been given.

Now Hiring...

With my final year at Tulane University on the horizon, it is no secret that I have made use of the ever popular Craigslist. However, I am no longer looking for a used sofa...but full time employment. A rather daunting task-- it's important to know where to look. Uloop provides a much more professional platform for college students to connect with employers. Companies post job listings both nationwide and at specific universities. Its simple navigation is not as cluttered and, frankly, has a more professional vibe than when one shrugs their shoulders while stating "I got it off Craigslist." I am currently registered and continually check Uloop, more so now with the purpose of boosting my hopes that the economy is turning around and quality companies are in fact hiring!

Last Night in Town

Today is my last day as an Intern at Keating Magee and second to last day in New Orleans. I have to say that I am genuinely sad to be leaving both KM and the city. It's going to be hard to leave New Orleans and everything I love about it. I would guess that for most people, they're lucky not to trip on their own shoelaces as they sprint out the door in haste on the last day of their jobs.

In an attempt not to be too sappy, I can say that my work experience here has been phenomenal. I couldn't have asked for more in an internship. I have managed to get hands-on experience in so many aspects of marketing, and also contribute my own unique skills (like wrapping this ADORABLE sea turtle) in a meaningful way. Keating Magee really is a team and I feel like I got to be a real, valuable part of it, which is more than what most people I know can say about their experience.

My personal experience in New Orleans has also been amazing. This city is incredible, and even after four full years I still feel like there is so much to see. I'm sure that I will visit every chance I get. As far as my last day in NOLA goes, I have some plans, but inevitably they will be foiled because of all the packing I am going to have to do. BUT - come hell or high water I will have an oyster poboy tomorrow, oil spill or no oil spill, because as I have found out from experience, there is really nothing like a fried oyster.

Commander's

The one word speaks for itself, doesn't it? Fellow intern Erin and I decided to binge on one of my last Friday's in town and do Friday Lunch in true New Orleans style - at Commander's Palace. I had my doubts about Commander's because it's so well known and so often a tourist or visitor's location. But I figured since I was leaving town I had to go at least once.

First of all, whoever invented 25 cent martinis is a genius. The Commander's Signature martini - (see right) - boasts Commander's famous blue awning color in the glass, and later the inside of your mouth. After a round of drinks, Erin and I went on to ordering some fabulously delicious meals. I got mussels and fries, and Erin got crab cakes. Obviously the food was amazing. fantastic. delicious. you get the idea. But I think what really shines about Commander's is the fact that the experience was overall one of the best things I've done in New Orleans. We got free drinks, a little sample at the beginning, fantastic service and the whole meal was full of laughs and was such a great time.

The meal was topped off with a bread pudding souffle that was out-of-this-world good. It was light as air but had all the goodness that bread pudding always has. Would I recommend it? Emphatically. Even for locals. There's just nothing like it.

Love Everything New Orleans...? There's an App for That!

I have discovered the greatest Iphone App on the market as of yet (aside from Angry Birds of course) and it is called the French Quarter Finder! It serves as a mobile guide to French Quarter restaurants, events, activities, bars, live music, tours, shopping and more. No longer will I sit at home, clueless as to what kind of restaurant will fit the mood of the evening; French Quarter Finder has a tab called "Hot Spots" that categorizes key venues... such as restaurants grouped by casual dining, casual fine dining, fine dining, late night food, etc. It also has a built-in GPS system which categorizes options based on those closest to your location. It's free, it's simple, with an extensive list of places and events you'll be eager to try out. As you can see on the Iphone screen shot, there are fun events I didn't even know were going on...and right outside our office for that matter! This city has so much going on at all times, it's a crime not to take advantage of a useful tool such as this.