UA Student Selected for Multicultural Internship Program

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — A University of Alabama graduate student has been selected for the Multicultural Advertising Internship Program through the American Association of Advertising Agencies.

Monsurat “Momo” Olugbode, 23, from Huntsville, is working on her master’s in advertising and public relations. She will complete her 10-week paid summer internship in Richmond, Virginia, with the Martin Agency.

The Multicultural Advertising Internship Program, known as MAIP, has been a major component in helping the careers of more than 2,600 Asian/Asian American, native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, Black/African-American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Multiracial and Multiethnic aspiring advertising professionals.

While in the program, students gain the experience needed to land a full-time job when they graduate.

“I’m going to be on the Martin Agency’s account team working with their account executives and various accounts,” Olugbode said. “The areas I would like to focus on are consumer insights and crisis communication.”

Susan Daria, co-director of advising for the department of advertising and public relations, said Olugbode was a great candidate for the program.

“Momo will benefit greatly from this experience,” Daria said. “She has unbelievable talent and drive, and opportunities like this will be a spring board for a great future.”

The only recipient from the state of Alabama to win the award for the 2015 summer internship session, Olugbode looks forward to the hands-on learning experience so she can be more marketable to potential employers in the future.

Dr. Joseph Phelps, chair of UA’s advertising and public relations department, has taught Olugbode and was not surprised to hear that she won the award.

“Momo is a wonderful student, and this opportunity gives her invaluable experience in a professional setting,” Phelps said. “Her winning the MAIP internship showcases what great students we have here at The University of Alabama.”

Olugbode is among an elite group of students from across the nation who will complete MAIP internships this summer, and she is ready to hit the ground running.

“In advertising and public relations, you can never get enough experience,” Olugbode said. “Because of the job market, having that experience makes you way more competitive.”