G’day folks! My name is Maryann Bienke and I’m On Ideas’ first-ever intern from the World Down Under (Australia). Despite being many thousands of miles from home, one thing made me feel almost immediately at ease here in Jacksonville: Jaguars football. The dynamics of American football and the die-hard fan support of the Jags is similar in many ways to Australian football (you probably know it as rugby). My first Jags game was an unbelievable experience and the friends and memories I made that day carried on long past the fourth quarter.
Although broadening my appreciation for American sports was a pretty time-consuming endeavor, I did manage to squeeze in some professional experiences during the course of my internship. I will admit it has been quite a challenge learning the vast American marketplace, but it’s been both fascinating and eye-opening. I think the fast-paced and demanding environment at On Ideas has rubbed off on me, and I hope a bit of my easy-going Aussie demeanor has rubbed off on the brand-building maniacs at On Ideas. Remember, mates, you can only produce so much ingenious work before you have to chill for a bit and recharge your batteries.
