We’d like to introduce you to Murphy Hartmann, our fall semester intern. Murphy comes to us from Western New England University, where he is a senior. We are thrilled to have Murphy join the Maureen Sullivan Media team – he has hit the ground running with his enthusiasm and can-do attitude. He has already jumped in and worked on two events — one large, well-planned and orchestrated event, and another much smaller hands-on event, where he learned how to take over and make the magic happen. We think that Murphy is a great fit for us, and not just because his first name is Maureen’s mom’s maiden name. Read on to learn more about Murphy in his own words.

Where did you grow up?

My father’s job resulted in us moving quite a bit when I was a young, so I bounced around New England until I was eight and then I spent the majority of my life in Phoenix, Arizona. Growing up in the desert will change your perspective on summer heat, but man I tell you; these East Coast winters are not for the weak.

When did you realize you wanted to study marketing and communications? 

Growing up I was that kid who enjoyed watching commercials. I know that sounds funny, but it is true.There are unlimited ways to reach new customers through drama, comedy, heart wrenching scenarios. I’ve always loved watching commercials. But it was not until my junior year of college, when my Professor Jocelyn De Angelis really piqued my interest and gave me motivation to pursue marketing as a career.

What is your ultimate career goal?

I, too, would love to start my own event planning and digital marketing business somewhere out west. I am a huge fan of all sports and dream to center my work around athletes. With some luck, I aim to build my resources to hold events in low-income areas and help rebuild their communities.

What is the biggest item on your bucket list?

The first thing that comes to my mind is live in a foreign country for part of my life. I have always appreciated the vast number of cultures around the globe and have always wanted to dive deeper into these lifestyles. 

Where do you like to travel?

Growing up in Arizona, some of the easiest vacation spots were southern California and right across the border in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico. I consider myself extremely lucky to be so familiar with these places. I could not even count the amount of times I have traveled to these areas, but I have been going since I was eight-years-old. 

Where do you get your creative ideas?

I like to imagine some of the most impossible scenarios as if I have an unlimited budget. Like what might be my dream movie to make, my ideal house growing up or whatever the situation may be and then I go from there. Obviously dialing it down to fit a budget but making the project as dreamlike as possible. My imagination has not seemed to fail me yet.

Who is the most influential person in your life?

My older brother Tucker is not only the most influential person in my life, but he is also my best friend. The list of things I incorporate into my life because of him is endless, I learn new things from him nearly every time we talk and just love to hear what he has to say. I have learned from his mistakes (thanks for messing up,Tuck), and he only wants me to capitalize on them. Plus, it is worth mentioning he is undoubtably the hardest worker I know.

What is the best thing about WNEU?

My professors are unlike any teachers I have ever had. Every one of them is super personable and will hold your hand when needed or make you hit the ground running when they know you are prepared. It also helps to have a support system like my lacrosse team around campus. 

What do you say all the time?

 “How bad could it be?” and then I tend to shrug and dive right into whatever task it is. You can’t finish something if you don’t start it, so might as well get to it.

Favorite quote?

 “If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.” -Muhammad Ali

What would people be surprised to know about you

Most people are shocked when I tell them I am from Arizona and go to school here but besides that, most people are shocked when I tell them I prefer to have a lot of alone time every day. When I am out and about, I am a talkative extrovert but really, I love to spend time by myself and go about my day quietly.

How do you like to start your day?

As soon as I turn my alarm off, I have to put my feet on the ground, it wakes me up and gets me mentally ready to perform whatever task is ahead that day. If I have time after taking care of my hygiene, I love to start my day with an English muffin and peanut butter while I watch SportsCenter on TV.

What skills and talents do you bring to your internship with Maureen Sullivan Media?

Being as young as I am, I have had practice with all forms of social media and know what a professional account should look like. However, I think the most important asset I bring to the table is my enthusiasm and ability to adapt on the fly. The knowledge will come, but as long as I have a good head on my shoulders, I believe I can positively add to any situation we might come across.

What do you hope to learn?

I have held events and worked with clients from the school system before, but I am really looking to push myself in a more professional direction. Learning how to accommodate for all different types of clients and market myself to create more business. Plus, it is fascinating to see an event come to life for paying customers – I want to observe everybody from the servers to the event coordinator and understand how the room operates.

When do you graduate?

 I will be Graduating in May 2022 with a degree in Communication Digital Media and Journalism, as well as a minor in Public Relations.

What are you going to do right after graduation?

My brother Tucker and I will be flying to Spain to visit a good friend of ours and hope to backpack across Europe until our money runs out.