INTERNSHIP INSIGHT: KK Palmerino ’19 – GAP Promo

KK Palmerino hits a softball.

ENDICOTT COLLEGE PROGRAMS OF STUDY | INTERNSHIPS AND CAREERS

BEVERLY, Mass. – Endicott College is a pioneer in requiring comprehensive internship experiences in every program of study for undergraduate students. Here's a look into softball student-athlete and graphic design major KK Palmerino's '19 (Glenmont, N.Y.) internship experience at GAP Promo

ECGULLS: Describe your overall internship experience.

PALMERINO: I am completing my graphic design internship at GAP Promo in Gloucester, Mass. GAP is a full promotions agency that works closely with food and beverage brands such as MillerCoors, Mike's Hard Lemonade, Heineken, and Sysco, to name a few. We create custom designs that range from brand solutions, display racks/enhancers, as well as promotional giveaway items. I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects for numerous clients and look forward to what the rest of the semester has in store.

ECGULLS: What have you learned from your internship?

PALMERINO: So far, the most important thing I have learned at my internship is how to use the 3D modeling software known as SketchUp. SketchUp, along with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, is the primary design program used to create all of our custom racks and displays for clients and is a critical tool used by the GAP design team.  

I have also gained an understanding of how the sales, marketing, and design teams work closely together to complete tasks in an effective and efficient way. My communication and time management skills have improved tremendously over this internship and I believe that will benefit me in my future design career.


ECGULLS: How will this internship help you in your career moving forward?

PALMERINO: I knew that for my semester-long internship I wanted to be somewhere that allowed me to expand my design skills as well as provide me with more sales and marketing opportunities. I have been able to work on projects with other interns that allow me to not only design products, but also understand how they get from the design team to the manufacturer and finally delivered to the client.


TESTIMONIAL

- From Gayle Piraino '75, Founder and President, GAP Promotions, LLC, Gloucester, Massachusetts

"KK has been amazing. She has worked alongside me on a very special project as well as learning new design techniques with our graphic design team and even has supported our sales team! She also did all the work for and went on a sales pitch for the new Wynn Hotel. She's been nothing short of a Rockstar! I can't say enough - KK has totally impressed me as I am sure she has her parents and Endicott alike! She is professional, respectful, contributes on all levels and never hesitates. She is steps ahead and takes the initiative, is completely fearless and overall has done an amazing job!"


THE ENDICOTT INTERNSHIP MODEL

A philosophy of "learning by doing" permeates the college curriculum in which students are encouraged to integrate theory and practice in all of their studies.

Through their experiences in internships students will be prepared to:

  • Apply, integrate, and evaluate knowledge within a particular academic discipline
  • Develop competencies for careers and community service
  • Explore career options and gain field experience
  • Foster personal growth through increased self-confidence, interpersonal skills, an understanding of self and others, and a heightened awareness of ethical standards
  • Improve the ability to learn in a self-directed manner

"The Endicott internship model allows students to have multiple opportunities throughout their college experience to discover their passions, bolster career confidence, and develop a marketable skill set while creating a professional network that will serve them well after graduation," said Endicott's Dean of the Internship and Career Center Eric Hall. "Endicott students leave with the career-readiness competencies and passion needed to excel in today's workforce." 

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(Photo Credit - David Le '10)