Every sitcom starts with a pilot episode. For the 2026 FORM Internship cohort, ours began on the morning of June 1, when three strangers walked through the doors of Wray Ward for the first time. Coming from different schools, backgrounds and creative disciplines, we were excited, a little nervous and eager to see what the next eight weeks had in store.

We were warmly welcomed by LoriAnn Boyer, Wray Ward’s HR executive director, and we were instantly set at ease. As we stepped into the office, weeks of anticipation finally became reality. It was the start of a summer that would challenge us, inspire us and help us grow both personally and professionally.

Meet the Cast

Amélie Salahie: “The Creator” (Graphic Design Intern)

A Charlotte native and Central Piedmont Community College graphic design program alumna, Amélie has a natural eye for design. With previous agency experience, she brings a passion for turning creative ideas into impactful marketing campaigns. Her creative style can be described as refined and tactile.

Kendall Harris: “The Wordsmith” (Copywriting Intern)

After graduating from the University of Alabama’s creative advertising program, Kendall is eager to begin her career closer to home in North Carolina. Originally from Greensboro, she’s excited to explore new opportunities in the Charlotte area. Her creative passion lies in strategizing and ideating campaigns, bringing her visions to life by developing copy to support her ideas.

Ella Prevette: “The Storyteller” (PR/Content/Social/Influencer Intern)

And then there’s me! I’m a rising junior at Virginia Tech, studying marketing management with a minor in French for business. Whether I’m brainstorming campaign ideas or analyzing the ads around me, my mind is always thinking creatively. Social media strategy is where I have the most experience, but I was excited to become more well-rounded in my skill set.

A lot can happen in eight weeks. This summer was a whirlwind of excitement and personal growth, concluding with memories I’ll never forget.

Episode 1: Take Advantage of the Space

One of the first things that struck me during our office tour was how every space at Wray Ward is intentionally designed to inspire creativity. From the bright and colorful energy of Town Hall to the cozy booth we interns affectionately called the “chai corner,” areas throughout the office provide different environments for thinking, collaborating or simply taking a break. One place I felt continually inspired was the kitchen.

More than just a place to grab coffee or heat up lunch, the kitchen is Wray Ward’s crossroads. Sometimes the kitchen was bustling with soccer game watch parties, and other times it was a quiet, open space to work away from my desk. The kitchen was also where Amélie, Kendall and I often spent time laughing, recapping our week prior or concepting our next best creative idea.

Wray Ward’s office is more than just a workplace. Its unique architecture and collaborative environment create opportunities for connection that I hadn’t experienced before. Even though our titles at Wray Ward said “Intern,” we felt invited to participate in the shared space and collaboration of the agency.

Episode 2: Pay Attention to the Details

One week into our internship, I stepped out of my comfort zone and attended a Charlotte American Marketing Association panel discussion event, where Amanda Williams, our PR/Content/Social/Influencer group director, was a featured panelist. Looking back, attending an industry event after only one week on the job felt like a bold move, but I’m so glad I did it.

During the Q&A, the panel was asked what advice they would give to incoming industry professionals.

Amanda’s response stuck with me: “Having an awareness to read the room around you is a great skill. Knowing when to speak up versus sit back and learn is an important awareness. Be open to feedback and remain humble so that you can improve your craft and learn from professionals with more experience.”

That advice shaped the way I approached the rest of my internship. Something as simple as preparing questions ahead of a coffee chat can show someone that you value their time. Paying attention to the small details like this often communicates intentionality, just as much as speaking up.

Episode 3: Immerse Yourself in Everything

As an intern, there is nothing more exciting than seeing what you’ve learned in school come to life. Being part of agency life was invigorating, and we were eager to learn as much as we could in eight weeks.

Amélie, Kendall and I took time to research each account we were assigned to, which challenged us to learn about industries we didn’t even know existed. Personally, I learned about the health benefits of VELUX skylights, the vast range of Sunbelt Rentals product offerings and the ins and outs of the composite decking industry with TimberTech. Who knew a decking installation video could go viral?!

One of my favorite experiences was joining my supervisor, Sydney Edwards, on a content shoot in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Sporting boots and jeans amid the Carolina heat, we captured footage of Huber Engineered Woods products in action. Spending the day on an active jobsite and talking with the team at Perkins Builder Brothers helped me understand that behind every target audience is a real person with unique needs. That perspective changed the way I thought about B2B marketing and reminded me why understanding your customer is so important.

Immersing myself in unfamiliar industries pushed me outside my comfort zone. Most of my previous marketing experience involved student organizations or small businesses, where I was targeting a demographic similar to myself. Stepping into the B2B home and building realm that Wray Ward specializes in was a great experience, applying strategic knowledge to a demographic that I don’t personally relate to.

Episode 4: Seek Out All the Opportunities

While I loved learning within the PR/Content/Social/Influencer team, I also made it a goal to hear from other perspectives around the office, seeking a bird’s-eye view of agency operations. Setting up coffee chats with a range of professionals, from Katie Woods in business development to Greg Edwards in creative, I learned the “why” behind their work. Their passion radiated through our conversations, and I received great advice on how to set my career up for success.

As interns, we were also given the opportunity to sit in on various client concepting calls, internal meetings and content shoots. Jumping into tasks and contributing to real client work around the office was satisfying and helped the three of us feel like valuable members of the Wray Ward team.

My favorite memory from the FORM Internship was a spontaneous photoshoot with John Roberts, the agency’s CEO and chief creative officer!

Three days into the internship, during our first meeting with John, he emphasized the importance of never forgetting the passion you have for your craft. He spoke about his own experience as a creative director and how he loved contributing to creative projects as an outlet to stay motivated through the more mundane tasks. I continued to reflect on his advice throughout my first few weeks, wondering how Amélie, Kendall and I could apply that to our own experience in FORM.

Then it clicked. What if we pitched a creative shoot idea to John and asked him to direct it for us? No … too crazy. The CEO directing a whole shoot for the interns? Imagine that.

But you never know until you ask! And just like that, we were sitting in a conference room with John, concepting our biggest project yet. After tossing around ideas, we landed on “mini people, big objects” — a concept featuring the three of us alongside analog props that represent our respective creative disciplines. That afternoon, we trekked to the antique mall Sleepy Poet with John to find one-of-a-kind vintage props; our creative juices were flowing, and we were ready.

Shoot day was nothing like I’d experienced before. The energy in the studio was tangible; we even had music to fit the theme. Watching John bring our ideas to life was inspiring, and it was apparent that he was using his gifts and passion to create something beautiful. From concept to execution and the final edits, the photos turned out even better than we could’ve imagined, and we created a unique memory that no Wray Ward FORM internship class had done before.

Sometimes seeking opportunities is as easy as sending a simple Zoom message, even if that message is to the CEO.

The Closing Scene

Every sitcom ends with a series finale. Ours airs in late July, when we walk out the same doors we first entered eight short weeks earlier. We are leaving not only with a new wealth of knowledge and a clearer picture of the marketing professionals we hope to become but also with newfound friendships in our trio.

Although Amélie, Kendall and I began the summer as acquaintances, we quickly became close friends who inspire, encourage and support one another. Our bond created a unique workflow synergy, where the three of us tackled projects with creativity, tenacity and strategic thinking together. I will miss their daily presence inside and out of the office. My advice to the Class of 2027? Get to know your fellow interns — they just might become lifelong friends.

Our goodbyes will not come easy, but there is satisfaction in knowing that our summer was well spent at Wray Ward.

Roll the Credits!