2024 Summer Interns: Nathaniel Friel

Interning at the Chrysler Museum of Art this summer has been an unparalleled experience, surrounded by natural beauty, fine art, and endless inspiration.

I had diverged from the art world in Hampton Roads, but re-emerging into it has been immensely refreshing. Before starting my undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I graduated from the Theatre and Film Department of the Governor’s School for the Arts, a magnet program providing professional arts training to public school students across Hampton Roads. Although I realized after the program that theater was not my primary focus, it instilled in me a love for storytelling. With guidance from family, peers, and advisors, I discovered a path in creative advertising, which allowed me to pursue storytelling in an industry where I could envision my future.

This opportunity at the Chrysler Museum has brought my connection to the arts and storytelling full circle. Returning to the art community where it all began, with new goals and a fresh perspective, has allowed me to reconnect deeply. As a student of advertising and public relations, I never imagined working in a museum, let alone gaining such an individualized and eye-opening experience at one of Norfolk’s most esteemed art galleries.

As a student of advertising and public relations, I never imagined working in a museum, let alone gaining such an individualized and eye-opening experience at one of Norfolk’s most esteemed art galleries.

As a native of Hampton Roads and an out-of-state student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, finding local internship opportunities was more daunting for me than for my peers closer to the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. Nonetheless, the 757 area has given me so much, and I am honored to be part of this program. It has allowed me to apply skills from my undergraduate studies and hone my abilities and knowledge beyond my expectations.

During my time at the Chrysler Museum of Art, I had the opportunity to work on several key projects that significantly contributed to my professional development. Specific tasks I worked on included compiling press/media kits to help the communications team decide how to most effectively spend their advertising budget. I completed multiple press releases for upcoming events, exhibitions, and news related to the Museum. Additionally, I created alt-text for the Museum’s Instagram page, which not only increased the accessibility of the page for the visually impaired but also improved the Museum’s social media algorithm to help reach a broader audience across the web.

Through these projects, I fortified my knowledge and understanding of software programs such as Microsoft Excel and WordPress, and overall increased my efficacy in completing tasks. The mentorship and guidance I received from my supervisors was invaluable. Their support and constructive feedback helped me build confidence and refine my skills, significantly influencing my professional growth.

Like any experience, my internship presented its own set of challenges. Balancing multiple projects at once initially tested my time management skills. However, through strategic planning and prioritization, I was able to overcome these obstacles. This process taught me valuable lessons in time management and adaptability. This experience has also given me a new appreciation for visual and multi-media art and its profound impact on the community. It has solidified my interest in combining storytelling with strategic communication, and I am excited to apply these insights to future endeavors in the advertising industry.

The Chrysler Museum’s Communications Team poses for a selfie with intern Nathaniel Friel

I am extraordinarily appreciative of the Chrysler’s Communications Department, led by Director Ashley Grove Mars, for providing such a profound career-building experience. Much like the team’s handling of the Museum’s brand and community outreach, their precision and guidance during my internship have enabled me to create meaningful deliverables and contributions that I can reflect on with pride.

In addition to the experiences, I gained through my projects, the Communications team, recognizing my specific interests, gave me the opportunity to meet with Qantm Creative (previously known as The Meridian Group), a Norfolk-based advertising and public relations agency working with the Museum. This eye-opening experience allowed me to see two distinct yet crucial entities within the industry.

Overall, my internship at the Chrysler Museum of Art has been an enriching journey, blending my passion for storytelling with practical skills in advertising and public relations. My future aspirations include taking what this space and program have taught me about creating positive change through relevance and community service, to always pay tribute and give recognition to the Hampton Roads area and the many people and organizations that have helped me. I aim to not only advance in my career but also to extend opportunities to those who come after me, ensuring the bridge to the future is strong and successful.