Launch Local Announces Winner of “Scholarship Olympics” Contest

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Sept. 12, 2014 - PRLog -- Nik Horniacek, a senior public relations major from Slippery Rock University, was announced as the winner of this summer’s Olympics by outlasting 9 other interns from top colleges and universities throughout the Pennsylvania and Ohio area.

The contest, based on the reality television show Survivor, aimed to find the best intern among ten different colleges and universities. Students were handed the opportunity to gain valuable experience within a full-service marketing firm in all aspects of advertising, marketing, public relations, professional selling and business management.

Each intern received a checklist of 50 tasks to complete. Each student was ultimately eliminated based on their lack of determination and drive to complete specific requirements. The criteria by which each intern was challenged was broken down into categories of work ethic, social media & networking, leadership skills, retention and comprehension, professional selling, business management, data tracking and organizational communication.

“Each intern had the ability to learn valuable life skills that will help them in their path of study,” Horniacek said. “I can’t even begin to thank the organization for how grateful I am to have had this opportunity.”

The daily responsibilities of each intern ranged from grassroots campaigning, managing community campaigns, targeted tracking and data analysis, public relations and human resources.

“To have the opportunity as an intern to manage high-profile clients like the Pittsburgh Pirates is invaluable,” Horniacek said. “With these experiences, transitioning into a full-time career becomes that much easier.”

Not only was each intern given hands-on experience but had the opportunity to learn a lot about his or her own character.

“My friends, coaches, teammates and even girls have recognized the huge amount of confidence I have gained and it feels great!” Nick MacMillan, a senior marketing major at Tiffin University, said. “Even after leaving Launch Local, I still carry many of the habits that I learned through my experience.”

Linda Barton, CEO of Launch Local, developed this program to enrich the lives of students throughout the greater Youngstown area as well as provide them the opportunity to learn how to operate within a fast-paced marketing environment teaching invaluable skills in leadership, communication and professionalism.

Launch Local, Inc. is the largest “no-cost” advertising concept in the Midwest. It is responsible for developing and executing the best and most effective promotions, marketing campaigns, and sales approach our clients can receive in today’s economy. Launch Local offers a multitude of ambitious career opportunities with the expectation of success. Its aggressive expansion goals combined with a portfolio that grows in size and stature each year grants an unparalleled and rare opportunity for ambitious business-minded people looking to launch a thriving career.