Belote

Some students at the University of Louisiana at Monroe are transitioning to summer internships even as they conclude another semester of study.

These internships often bring a little pocket change, but they also broaden the students’ real-world experience and complement their major areas of study.

Such is the case with Robert Belote, a senior marketing major from Fort Smith, Ark., who will be the first ULM student to begin a paid internship with Fusionista, an independent advertising agency in Dallas, on Monday, May 17.

“The agency is relatively small – I think it consists of about 20 employees,” said Belote. “I’ll be working in the role of trafficker, basically coordinating things and making sure that everyone is on the same channel.”

Belote landed an interview with Fusionista after Professor of Marketing Kenneth E. Clow, the ULM Biedenharn Endowed Chair in Business, suggested that Belote meet with Fusionista owner Bill Breedlove.

Clow

“I first met him (Breedlove) in relation to obtaining advertisements for the fifth edition of our advertising textbook,” said Clow. “He is working with us on supplying ads for the book and some other marketing materials to be placed in the instructor’s materials.”

Clow said he suggested Belote for the internship because he sensed Belote’s personality would be a good fit with the “culture of the agency.”

Clow added, “Robbie has an interest in advertising and a good work ethic. His interests lie more on the account side of advertising and unique campaigns, such as guerilla marketing efforts, which Fusionista is good at. So it appeared to be a good fit.”

According to its Web site — www.fusionista.com — Fusionista is a place where “great ideas can change the world” – a perfect place for a creative student like Belote to spend his summer.

As to his future in the business world, Belote has a solid goal in mind: “I would love to work for an advertising company as an account executive,” he said. “I’ll probably need some experience to get to that point, but that’s what I’d love to do.”

A College of Business Internship Support Fund is assisting Belote in his endeavor. The fund provides housing stipends to assist students wanting to take advantage of internships in high cost areas, and was created and funded by business alumni who wanted to help students experience the broader business world, according to College of Business Administration Dean Ronald Berry.





Photo of Robbie Belote courtesy

Photo of Ken Clow by ULM's Office of University Relations