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At Mueller Communications, we work behind the scenes to bring our clients’ stories to the forefront and use communications tools to solve complex problems. Now, we want to know the scoop on you.
Mueller Communications
Annual Ben Barkin McKeithan
Intern and Scholarship Program
WANT TO
JOIN US?
Applications for the 2025 Barkin McKeithan Intern and Scholarship Program are now closed. Applications for our 2026 program will open in February 2026.
To be considered for the 2026 Barkin McKeithan Intern and Scholarship Program, you must meet these requirements:
- Provide a resume and one-page cover letter
- Submit an original creative project that captures what you love about Milwaukee
- Be enrolled as a full-time student at a Wisconsin college or university – or be from Wisconsin if you’re enrolled out of state – entering junior or senior year in the Fall of 2026
- Must be available to participate in the Mueller Communications full-time internship program in Milwaukee during the summer of 2026
How to apply
Applications are closed
MEET OUR
PREVIOUS SCHOLARS
Veronica Castro Ramirez
2024
Veronica, a senior and Burke Scholar at Marquette University studying PR and Marketing, joined us for the summer as the 2024 Barkin McKeithan intern and scholar. Following her summer internship, Ms. Castro Ramirez returned to school and began non-profit work with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee as a literacy instructor to elementary students on the south side of Milwaukee.
Soraya Kaiser
2023
A summer internship at Mueller Communications was a great opportunity for Soraya Keiser, a current senior at Bethel University, to put her education in journalism and international relations and her experience as a reporter and editor for both newspaper and magazine, online and print publications into action. Following her summer internship, Ms. Keiser has received a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to study and teach abroad post-graduation and is presently an English teaching assistant in Bulgaria.
Nicole Anderson
2022
Nicole was our 2022 Barkin McKeithan intern and scholar and wowed us all with her work ethic, her enthusiasm and her desire to be in the office each and every day at a time when many people are still choosing to work from home! Nicole graduated from Marquette University with a degree in corporate communications and is currently in the sales leadership development program at Zurn Elkay Water Solutions.
Evita Evers
2020
Evita Evers was the 2020 Barkin McKeithan intern and scholar. Ms. Evers is currently enrolled at Mount Mary University, studying communication and justice, with a concentration in public relations and has plans to attend law school after graduation.
Kiera Sona
2021
Hear from Kiera about her time at Mueller.
Micah Pierce Coleman
2021
Hear from Micah about her time at Mueller.
Lauren George
2019
Lauren George currently works at Mueller Communications full-time as a Client Manager after completing the Barkin McKeithan Internship and Scholarship Program. Lauren graduated from Marquette University in May of 2020, with a degree in public relations, history and political science.
Jesus Rivera
2018
Jesus Rivera currently works to educate future communicators at Edgewood College in Madison and the University of Wisconsin Parkside in addition to his role as an internal communications manager at the University of Wisconsin School of Business. Following his internship at Mueller, Mr. Rivera worked as a Law Enforcement Public Relations Contractor and as a Media Relations Specialist for the Milwaukee Police Department. In May of 2019, Mr. Rivera graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee with a degree in communications.
Savannah Akinsanya
2017
Savannah Akinsanya activates field marketing for Rippling in New York, where she has also held positions with Salesforce and Lyft. Following her internship at Mueller Communications, Ms. Akinsanya worked for the Indianapolis Colts and Sparks. Ms. Akinsanya graduated from Ball State University in 2018 with a degree in public relations and marketing.
Mary Dechant
2016
Mary DeChant currently works as a Senior Account Executive at Laughlin Constable. After completing the Barkin McKeithan Internship and Scholarship Program, Ms. DeChant went on to intern at Hoffman York and Walt Disney World and began her full-time career at BVK. Ms. DeChant graduated from Marquette University in 2017 with a degree in public relations, advertising and applied communication.
Julia Markun Schmeling
2015
Julia Schmeling is currently director of business strategy for Massmart, Walmart’s African retail and wholesale group. After several years working in public relations at Kohl’s, Julia secured her MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern. After completing the Barkin McKeithan Internship and Scholarship Program, Ms. Markun worked as an associate full-time at Mueller Communications. Ms. Markun graduated from Marquette University in May 2016 with a degree in public relations.
Rachel Berkowitz
2014
Rachel Berkowitz currently works as a Vice President and Senior Marketing and PR Specialist for Baird. Prior to this, Ms. Berkowitz continued to work at Mueller Communications full-time after completing the Barkin McKeithan Internship and Scholarship Program. In 2015, she graduated from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Arts in public relations, advertising and film studies.
Lauren Peter
2013
Lauren Peter recently achieved her Certified Financial Planner designation and serves as a financial advisor with Amplify Wealth Partners, an affiliate of Northwestern Mutual. After completing the Barkin McKeithan Internship and Scholarship Program, Ms. Peter worked with Autism Speaks- Wisconsin/Iowa, Best Buddies International, Mandel Group, Inc. and the Milwaukee Bucks. Ms. Peter graduated from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Arts in public relations, marketing and economics.
Heather Laing
2012
Heather Laing is currently senior director of strategic initiatives at Tory Burch in New York City. Prior to this, Ms. Laing spent several years as an Associate at McKinsey & Company, a management consulting company in Chicago. Before joining McKinsey & Company, Ms. Laing worked at KB Partners, Ross Stores, Inc. and Macy’s Department Store. After completing the Barkin McKeithan Internship and Scholarship Program, Ms. Laing graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and went on to continue her education at Harvard Business School in 2016.
