Signal Theory’s Summer Interns Learn to Embrace Technology With Humanity

Signal Theory welcomed nine young creatives, strategists, public relations and account professionals to its summer internship amidst a highly competitive applicant pool. 

During the paid ten-week program, interns will experience real agency culture by completing client work within their area of interest. Under close mentorship from their connected manager, they will develop a deeper understanding of classroom principles by incorporating emerging technology best practices and learning how behavioral science principles lead to memorable campaign moments.

The Evolving Advertising Landscape

A 2024 study by the Content Marketing Institute revealed that 68% of marketing professionals found job searching more difficult than five years ago. However, GroupM reported an expected 6% growth in the advertising industry next year. The combination of these two realities signals a transformation in the skills and structures that make a successful candidate, giving an edge to college graduates who can use technology to further their talent.

Recognizing this shift, the firm has structured its internship program to bridge technology and human insight. Signal Theory’s adoption of AL and data-driven decisions in the practice remains balanced by the central pillar of behavioral science techniques that infuse humanity through every aspect of a campaign. The balance of these two components has led to growth for the firm as well as the employees within it. 

“The human aspect of advertising cannot be ignored,” said Ali Mahaffy, co-CEO of Signal Theory. “Investing in the next generation of industry professionals through our intern program ensures we keep humanity at the center of everything we do, even in an increasingly tech-centered world.”

Meet the Interns

August Oppeau, Art Direction Intern

Oppeau, a Spring Hill, Kan. native, applies his creative knowledge as an art direction intern at Signal Theory, working with clients in the food and beverage industries. He is a rising senior at the University of Kansas pursuing a degree in visual communication design through the VisCom program. 

Jordan Stegeman, Art Direction Intern

A recent Kansas State University graduate and Manhattan, Kan. native, Stegeman earned a BFA in visual communication design, complemented by minors in business and art history. At Signal Theory, she applies her creative skillset as an art direction intern, primarily contributing to teams in the automotive and financial sphere.

Jenna Maulorico, Copywriting Intern

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Maulorico joins Signal Theory as a copywriting intern for clients in the animal health and agriculture industries. Since graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design last May, she looks forward to growing in her copywriting skills while being immersed in agency life. 

Melissa Nyquist, Copywriting Intern

Having called many places home, Nyquist recently graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a degree in advertising and branding. She brings her creative knowledge to Signal Theory as the food and beverage copywriting intern.

Aislinn Sullivan, Brand Strategy Intern

Raised in Prairie Village, Kan., Sullivan recently graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor’s of Journalism focused on advertising and public relations and a minor in English. At Signal Theory, she works on the brand strategy team with on clients within the financial and automotive industries.

Madeline Bauman, Public Relations Intern

Originally from Stilwell, Kan., Bauman is a rising senior at Elon University, pursuing a double major in strategic communications and international political science. She works on the public relations team, predominantly with clients in the agriculture and aviation industries at Signal Theory.  

Madi Hocker, Content Strategy Intern

Originating from Raymore, Mo., Hocker is a recent graduate of the University of Missouri—Columbia who majored in media communications with a minor in digital storytelling. She works on the content strategy team with the automotive and financial teams at Signal Theory.

Maleigha Billings, Account Management Intern

Born and raised in Kansas City, Mo., Billings is set to graduate this fall from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and an emphasis in strategic communication. This summer, she joins Signal Theory as the account management intern and will be working with teams centered around animal health and agriculture.

Maddie Balsman, Project Management Intern

Balsman, a Lee’s Summit, Mo., native, is a rising senior at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she studies marketing with a certificate in marketing analytics and a minor in economics. At Signal Theory, Balsman works in project management for clients in the food and beverage industries. 

Ready to build brands that resonate? See how we put behavioral science into practice and explore opportunities to join our team.