As a boutique communications firm based in Connecticut, McDowell Communications Group is fortunate to be surrounded by a number of colleges and universities that support experiential learning for their students. Over the past few years, we have welcomed a number of interns who have “flown the coop” ‘and transitioned to success in the world of politics, public relations, and advertising. Akash Gejjagaraguppe was a graduate student at the University of Hartford when he interned with MCG and now works for a prominent public affairs firm in New York City. He is the first feature in our new series we are calling “A Look Back.”
Akash Gejjagaraguppe
MCG: What has been one positive change you've seen as the result of the pandemic in the world of PR and Advertising?
A: For me, the most positive change is client relationships. Prior to the pandemic there would be set weekly calls with the client purely through the phone, which for the most part, is a very cold form of communication. Now that Zoom and Google Hangouts have become the norm of the pandemic, it was an easy transition. This allows us to have actually more face to face time with the clients, allowing us to more easily build those coveted relationships and also letting clients see us as actual homes with lives and vice versa. I hope that we continue to keep video conferencing as the norm even when we do go back into office life.
MCG: What has been your "can't live without" digital tool?
A: Twitter. Originally when I was in college and grad school I used Twitter as a purely social media platform. However, now that I'm in the industry it's really where all the news breaks. Given 2020 and how fast headlines are pacing and with new and breaking stories happening multiple times a day, Twitter has become essential for me to keep from drowning in a world that is rapidly experiencing massive tumultuous change.
MCG: As you know, we’re all about our snacks at MCG. Your favorite?
A: I'm a big savory food kind of guy. Lately, there's been these Jamaican jerks spiced plantain chips from Trader Joe's that have consumed my life. Delicious and (somewhat) healthy! I highly recommend picking up a bag next time you find yourself at a TJ's.