Ashland (44805) Resident Named Intern of the Month at Ashland University

2016 Sep 21

Ashland (44805) resident Natalie Helenthal, a junior majoring in business management and minoring in marketing at Ashland University, was named Ashland University's September Intern of the Month. She interned at the Convention and Visitors Bureau during this past summer as a marketing and public relations intern.

Throughout this internship, Helenthal learned computer skills such as how to use Excel and Access, along with being able to work on a team. She also helped the Convention and Visitors Bureau prepare and set up for their Annual Meeting. Helenthal worked on projects such as updating and maintaining the Bureau's website and databases, fulfilling information requests, and managing the Bureau's e- newsletters and member correspondences.

Helenthal also was able to work with the Convention and Visitors Bureau's outdoor booth at the Mid- Ohio Sports Car Course by informing visitors about their businesses in Richland County. She assisted in membership renewal by organizing, printing and putting together packets that were sent out to organizations around Richland County.

"I learned how to work with others and ask for help when I needed it. Trying to market a product that isn't designed to make money is also very difficult. I am used to selling a product for profit but trying to promote travel and tourism was completely out of my comfort zone but I am glad I got the experience in it," Helenthal said.

"Being able to work outdoor events and go to meetings that revolved around making major decisions that impacted Richland County and the business sector was enlightening to watch the decision process and who had a say in it," she added.

Helenthal's advice to future students would be, "Always ask for help no matter how hard it is. These people are here to help you and want to put you in a position to succeed, just be willing to work and don't be afraid of sounding 'stupid.' Gaining experience in the workplace is more than any class on campus is going to be able to give you."

She also said, "I was able to work alongside people who have been in the business world for 10 or 20+ years, and having them like me enough to want to help me, was an amazing feeling. I wouldn't pass on this opportunity because you get more from it than the employer."

She is the daughter of Brad and Nichole Helenthal of Ashland and is a 2014 graduate of Ashland High School.

Ashland University, ranked in the top 200 colleges and universities in U.S. News and World Report's National Universities category for 2016, is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students. ###