FROM BARCELONA TO PHILADELPHIA: MY UNCONVENTIONALLY PERFECT INTERNSHIP JOURNEY

By: Peyton Palazzo, Business Development Intern, Digitas Health

“Hey, could you all take a walk to our neighbor’s room until I’m done with this call?” This was the classic line for me and my four roommates while applying for internships in our small Spanish apartment during our semester studying abroad in Barcelona. This was our code that someone needed the “office” (a.k.a. our kitchen) to focus and prep for an interview. Although it was usually answered by gracious response, it was sometimes still difficult managing a six-hour time difference, while also accommodating four other roommates who wanted to sleep at a decent hour. This sometimes meant me embarking on a hunt after class to locate a quiet café with capable Wi-Fi connection and abundant coffee that remained opened past 9 pm.

My unconventional experience of applying for internships in this unique environment challenged my patience and grit. However, without these challenges, I may have never ended up speaking with Alexa Campbell or Brittany Hopkins and landing my dream internship as a New Business Development Intern at Digitas Health, a health adverting agency under the umbrella of one of the largest marketing and communications companies in the world, Publicis Groupe.

After many kitchen and café interviews, followed by nine weeks of working later, I am convinced interning at Digitas Health was meant to be. I know, so cliché. But there are three key takeaways to peel back the curtain on why I’m confident in this statement …

Part 1: Not a Doctor, But Still Making an Impact

Before studying in Barcelona or learning about the Publicis Health internship program, my personal identity related much to health and wellness. In addition to co-founding my university’s women’s club lacrosse team, I pursued my American Council of Exercise (ACE) certification, and now serve as a group exercise instructor at the university wellness and fitness center. I wasn’t built to be a doctor—I admittedly recoil at the sight of blood. But my innate passion for encouraging others to take control of their health journey has always been present in my life. At my first intern meeting, I was thrown right into the world of medical jargon: HCP? OTC? HIPAA? What the heck does it all mean?! I clearly had a lot to learn.

Nine weeks later and studying up on my medical acronym dictionary, I feel more confident speaking on all things healthcare marketing. Though I may not be a pre-med student, I’m grateful to have an impact improving people’s health journey through “transformative healthcare engagement,” as we say at Digitas Health.

 Part 2: Health Isn’t Always What You See on the Surface

During the last leg of my internship, I supported a project related to irritable bowel syndrome. Coincidentally, my roommate experiences severe IBS-C. Yet, she’s one of the healthiest humans I know and shares the same love as me for physical activity. However, in some cases, her symptoms are so debilitating to the point where her everyday life revolves around accounting for the general unpredictability of fare ups.

This gave me an epiphany: Sure, exercise plays a role in a person’s holistic health, but what if that’s not enough?

Attending a medical download on this disease unlocked a new level of empathy I have for patients suffering with chronic conditions. Being “healthy” isn’t always just what people see on the surface. Sharing in the mission of improving the lives of people just like my roommate intrinsically fuels my passion for the work I do.

Part 3: Storytelling to Improve Lives

Growing up, I recognized my passion for writing and storytelling. My mom always says I would light up during school writing assignments or group projects where I was flexing my creative muscles. This summer, I lit up the same way when working on live pitches to healthcare clients. My role as a New Business Development Intern combined my core strengths and aspirations of crafting creative content, public speaking persuasively, and leading a team—all in one role.  

It’s hard to reflect on all the reasons this internship impacted my growth in just three parts and a few hundred words. Through my love for health and wellness, working on projects that impact the people I love most, and enhancing my storytelling skills—I truly believe my internship at Digitas Health was meant to be. I wish I could go back to tell the girl in Spain who was navigating the roommate dynamics and searching for a stable Wi-Fi connection just how much she would learn and grow this summer. And if I could go back, I would do it all over again.