NEW BRIGHTON, MINN. (Dec. 12, 2008) – On Friday, Dec. 5, Risdall Marketing Group (RMG) opened its doors to more than 50 University of Minnesota’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SMJC) students for this year’s Intern for a Day program. The 8th annual event consisted of an agency tour, presentation by Chairman and CEO John Risdall, client brainstorming sessions and focus groups, and presentations from each of the agency’s leadership teams. More than 35 RMG employees helped with the event.

“I didn’t really know what to expect out of intern for a day,” said Erika Wilson, SMJC student with interest in account planning and online marketing. “Intern for a Day at Risdall was awesome! Presentations and activities were very thought provoking and I felt inspired by many of the RMG staff members. It was so cool to see such a great collaborative effort by the RMG employees — it seems like they really love what they do.”

RMG started intern for a day in 2000 to give students the opportunity to gain exposure to agency life while still pursuing an undergraduate degree. “While many college professors stress internships, not every student is fortunate enough to land in the right place or get the right experience,” said Risdall. “Intern for a Day was developed as a means to educate students outside of the classroom, giving them a real life scenario to apply what they have learned.”

Intern for a Day exists to inform, educate, interact and give students a comprehensive point of view about agency life day-to-day. This year's event began with breakfast and an address from John Risdall and Tom Wilson, president of RMG, and an agency tour. Following the morning presentations, students met with leadership from account planning and services, search and online marketing, media planning, creative and public relations. Additionally, students participated in a brainstorming session for Fairview Health Services, focus groups for Comply Whoomp! ™ Earbud Enhancers and met with two mentors, assigned based on student study focus. Finally, they discussed interview preparation, tactics and strategy. Students who participated in RMG’s Intern for a Day left with a better understanding of what it’s like to work at an agency and how each practice area differs.

About Risdall Marketing Group
Founded in 1972, Risdall Marketing Group has annual capitalized billings of more than $175 million and more than 70 employees in 2008. Headquartered in New Brighton, Minn., Risdall is heralded as one of the oldest and most successful agencies in the Twin Cities market and is recognized nationally for its leading-edge interactive marketing capabilities. The full-service agency embraces an integrated approach offering marketing, advertising, public relations, promotion and collateral development, traditional and interactive media, research and fundraising capabilities. According to the 2008 Twin Cities Business Annual Business Information Guide, RMG is ranked as the largest Web developer, fifth largest PR agency and the seventh largest advertising agency in Minnesota. For more information, visit www.risdall.com

Editor’s Note: To receive high-res images, contact Lisa Grimm at

John Risdall
Risdall Online Marketing Group
651.286.6702

Lisa Grimm
651.286.6713