Blog #8 - Final Reflection

 As I reflect on my senior Hawken project, I am proud of the progress I have made and my development within the film and marketing industry. When I first started my journey as an intern for EZ Media Productions, I envisioned myself learning more about the technical aspects of videography and photography with the intent to use what I’ve learned for my own photography business. However, after a few Zoom sessions and participating in activities with my mentor, I realized that the project was going in a direction that didn’t suit my interests. I made the tough decision to pivot my project and search for an alternative option. With the help of the mom, I found an in-person opportunity with Destination Cleveland. With this opportunity, I was able to explore my interests in videography, photography, business while also promoting the city I love. I am very grateful for my mentor Lexi Hotchkiss who was willing to take me in as her shadow last minute. Her guidance, support, and organization helped make my experience at Destination Cleveland worthwhile. I am appreciative that I was able to work in-person which made me realize that I would much rather work in-person than remotely. Lexi threw me straight into professional projects that will boost the engagement level of visitors and residents of Cleveland. I immediately felt as if I was a part of the team. My responsibility included capturing photos and videos of the different Downtown districts in order to create an updated, fun website experience for their audience. Every day I was walking around Downtown and was able to view events that I wouldn’t have been able to participate in if I was in school. In addition to helping with their Downtown districts project, I met with every member of their digital marketing team. Listening to each person’s life story, journey to Destination Cleveland, and their career advice provided me with invaluable knowledge and advice that I will cherish and use throughout college and my career. It was an opportunity that I did not expect to experience, but I am so grateful that I did. This internship opportunity has given me a glimpse at what the possibilities are for me in this field and offered me a potential future job opportunity. In my initial question, I asked “How do businesses use media and photography as a way to benefit their business?” and “What tools are necessary to create quality content for clients?”. Even though I finished my Hawken project with a different organization than I started with, I believe I answered my questions. At Destination Cleveland, they utilize digital media such as online newsletters, social media accounts, and emails to market Cleveland to outside organizations, companies, and people. Videos and photos posted online in a trendy way is strategy to capture people’s attention who may not be familiar with Cleveland. Without digital media, Destination Cleveland would not be able to accurately and authentically portray Cleveland to people all over the country and world. As a final note, I’d like to thank again Lexi Hotchkiss and the entire Destination Cleveland team for allowing me to join their digital media team for a few weeks. I am thankful for their support, guidance, and advice throughout the process.

For rising seniors who plan to take on a Hawken project, I recommend consistently communicating with your mentor to ensure that you are content with the project you are pursuing. I was able to experience an internship opportunity with Destination Cleveland because I communicated with my previous mentor about my interest in pursuing other options that align with my interests. 

Overall, I had a great experience working with Destination Cleveland, and learning more about digital media, marketing, and the city around me.