We consider ourselves lucky that we are able to surround ourselves with some amazing interns throughout the year and this semester is no different. We have witnessed Maddy Rupert & Renee Gorman learn and grow at #thesavageway for some weeks now. Together they have been a powerhouse and tackled every task that we’ve given them. Individually, they’ve shown us what big hearts and creative brains they each have. We’ve gotten to know them, and now we want to introduce them to you! Meet #thesavageway Interns!

We love our interns!! #thesavageway

We love our interns!! #thesavageway

MEET MADELYN RUPERT (@bohohobo)

Meet Madelyn Rupert! #thesavageway

Meet Madelyn Rupert! #thesavageway

What’s your nickname? Maddy, Mads, Maddog

Where did you go to school? Wake Forest University

How did you hear about #thesavageway? After recently graduating from Wake and moving to Charlotte in August, I was applying to a lot of jobs in the hopes of finding something that would allow me to use my educational experiences, yet also stimulated me artistically. In my searches, I stumbled upon #thesavageway and was immediately intrigued. #thesavageway had something different about them, something that caught my eye. Then when I did more research, and found out about the work they’re doing in the community, and the aspects that make them unique, like the Clean Graffiti and Moss Art, I was sold.

Why did you want to work with #thesavageway? #thesavageway stuck out to me because of its non-traditional aspects. I’ve never been the type to sit at an office job all day, and #thesavageway immediately caught my eye in that it provided an internship experience different than anything else I would get in a more traditional marketing firm. I also liked how small it is, and that I would be able to work closely with Torrie and Paula. It gives you the feeling that the work you’re doing really matters, and I think that’s important when looking for a job.

You’re a few weeks into this internship, what are your thoughts thus far? What I like most about the position is that no day is the same. Each day holds its own infinite set of possibilities. One day we’ll be sitting in on meetings with clients, another we’ll be out taking pictures for social media, and the next we’ll be socializing and enjoying a beer at a client event. So far, I not only feel as if I am learning, but I am also enjoying myself. It is helping me familiarize myself with the Charlotte area, get to know the community while allowing me to grow my professional skills. So, I’d say I think it’s going really well so far!

Name 3 of your favorite songs. This is always a dreaded question for me because 1) I am a huge music lover and my favorites could change based on any number of variables, and 2) I am THE most indecisive person ever, one of the fatal traits of a Libra. So, to avoid giving you a list of a million songs and to avoid hours of painstaking decision making to narrow down my list, I will give you 3 of my current favorites (aka 3 currently on repeat):

  1. Jamie xx – Loud Places 
  2. Tame Impala- The Less I Know the Better
  3. Leon Bridges- Coming Home

Dream job? Fashion buyer / Merchandiser

Favorite Food? Pizza (Also, my most used emoji)

MEET RENEE GORMAN (@reneemichaela)

Meet Renee Gorman! #thesavageway

Meet Renee Gorman! #thesavageway

What’s your nickname? People at my kickboxing gym call me Red because of my hair,  but that hasn’t caught on outside of the gym, although, I don’t think I would mind at all.

Where did you go to school? Queens University of Charlotte

How did you hear about #thesavageway? Once I graduated, I did research for social media and marketing companies and I came across #thesavageway through #WeLoveCLT. I thought what #thesavageway did was crazy cool and innovative and I knew I had to be involved.

Why did you want to work with #thesavageway? In a previous internship I wrote an article on the social media of NoDa (the arts district in Charlotte). I was impressed with the community’s social media use and how they communicate. It wasn’t until I was at my interview with #thesavageway that I learned they do the social media for NoDa. Now I am helping run the social media so I’ve made a full circle and it is awesome to be on the other side.

I like how #thesavageway is a non-traditional company. I was immediately drawn to that. I like that #thesavageway is a small company and that I can work with every project. Additionally, the Clean Graffiti is such a brilliant idea I knew I had to be a part of this company

You’re a few weeks into this internship, what are your thoughts thus far? I LOVE working with the ladies of #thesavageway. I am learning so much about social media and marketing. But more importantly, I am getting to do a lot. This internship is very hands on and within the first two weeks I was helping run different social media accounts. I cannot wait to see what the next months have in store.

Name 3 of your favorite songs. I am totally going to cheat on this question. This is so hard. I have to put down Joan Jett. She is the reason I bought my first leather jacket. Her music and her generally badassery inspired me.

  1. “Pompeii” by Bastille is definitely up there. This song was played all the time at the Open Mic Night at the pub my friends and I frequented when I lived in England. So it holds a special place in my heart.
  2. OneRepublic’s “I Lived” is another song that is important to me. In fact, the whole Native album was important to me. I listened to these songs while I was backpacking by myself. These songs kept me company on my many adventures through Europe.
  3. This is me cheating… Currently, on my drive into #thesavageway I am rocking out to “Renegades” by the X Ambassadors and “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes.

 Dream job? I definitely want to work with social media and video production. I see myself working with a nontraditional, creative company. I would like a job that is challenging and that no two days are the same.

Favorite Food? Tacos, I love a good taco. There is this hole-in-the wall Korean BBQ joint in Atlanta that serves amazing tacos. So yeah, any variations of a taco dish.

Keep up with our interns happenings by following Renee & Maddy on Instagram @thesavagewayinterns.