The Burkhart team welcomed three new team members this summer! Our eager and stellar interns are vital to our day-to-day operations completing tasks such as designing and developing new content, scheduling social posts and participating in client brainstorming sessions.

We’re excited to introduce first, Ashley! She is a soon to be senior at Indiana University (go Hoosiers!) studying public relations with minors in both advertising and mathematics. This ball of energy took some time to sit with us to talk about everything from what inspires her to what she thinks about while driving in her car.

1.     What did you want to be when you grew up?

Growing up, my mom would always make me watch Grey’s Anatomy with her. Naturally, I thought I would one day become the next Meredith Grey. I took AP Chemistry in high school and quickly realized I was not cut out for the surgeon path. Hollywood television did not prepare me for the periodic table.

2.     What drew you to marketing?

When I arrived at IU, I wasn’t exactly sure what route I wanted to take. I was continuously drawn to the Media School and their public relations and advertising courses. There is an optimism that comes alongside finding the silver linings in a difficult project or problem. Each day is a little different, but using creativity to find the good and using it to solve a problem or make improvements is really interesting to me.

3.     Who or what inspires you?

My mom is my end all, be all inspiration. In everything she does, she is unapologetically herself and has shown me to never take myself too seriously and to enjoy the little things. My mom has taught me to take each bump in the road as a means to become stronger. I’d be lost without her.

4.     What do you feel prepared you most for life after college?

I think the biggest thing that has helped me is surrounding myself with mentors I am able to look up to and ask questions. In internships, I have been able to implement skills that were taught to me in the classroom. In life, my role models have shown me what is important. Throughout my career, I have amazing mentors that allow me to ask questions with full disclosure. I’m beyond thankful for all the people that have made me who I am today and allow me to continue to grow as an individual and as a professional.

5.     What is a professional goal that you hope to accomplish in the next five years?

In five years, I hope to have a career that makes me genuinely excited to get out of bed each day. I’m really excited to grow as a professional and strengthen my skill set. I never want to stop learning new things and want to continue growing my potential.

6.     What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?

When I’m alone in my car, my brain wanders. The very first thing I do after starting my car is turn on music, so there is a high probability of a personal concert to take place.

7.     What’s your favorite throwback jam?

This is so hard. Normally it depends on my mood of the day. I’d have to say, Ignition Remix by R. Kelly– truly iconic.

8.     You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?

I would probably be bright yellow. I’ve always been enthusiastic about everything I do and am very bold. I think yellow represents that pretty well—like sunshine!

9.     Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?

If I could trade places with anyone it would be Kate Middleton. She is truly fabulous and always holds herself with grace. I have so many questions I would ask about the Royal family and in particular, Harry’s wedding. Besides, who wouldn’t love to be a princess for a day?

10.  Who is your favorite superhero?

My favorite superhero would have to be Ironman. He is so intelligent with an unparalleled wit. I’ve always been a fan of his dry, sarcastic humor and love that in the end he always goes the extra mile for what he believes in.