By Brittany Bailer
Four Howard University students, Jacob Bellevue, Robertney Harlan, Brielle Smith, and Eshe Ukweli traveled to Detroit for “Discover the Unexpected,” a 10-week immersive internship in marketing and communications.
They join a cohort of ten HBCU students from around the country in learning content creation and familiarizing themselves with the technological advancements that power the automotive industry.
“As someone that works in PR, oftentimes behind the scenes, this internship gives me an opportunity to understand what my clients experience working in front of the camera. It also offers me a holistic experience in all of the working components that support what I do as a public relations practitioner,” said Smith.
Fellows will work alongside National Newspaper Publication Association (NNPA) journalists and Chevrolet marketing teams. The students will participate in the all-new 2024 Chevrolet Trax on a group road trip to grow their professional skills, collaborate on innovative and challenging assignments, and document their journey on social media. This is the seventh year Chevrolet and the NNPA have hosted the Discover the Unexpected (DTU) internship program.
The 2023 DTU mentors and ambassadors, all HBCU graduates, will provide professional insight, encouragement and advice to students throughout their DTU journey. Television host and actor Terrence Jenkins, known as Terrence J, returns to DTU for his third year as an ambassador.
“Having support and opportunities during your college years is invaluable and will set you on a path of lifelong success,” said Jenkins. “As a proud HBCU graduate, I am thrilled to collaborate with Chevrolet and the NNPA again to uplift the next generation of talented journalists, marketers and content creators.”
“DTU reinforces Chevrolet’s commitment to HBCUs, allowing students an opportunity to gain experience, mentorship and support to set themselves up for a successful future,” said Steve Majoros, chief marketing officer at Chevrolet. “DTU helps us keep a finger on the pulse of the younger and more diverse buyers who will drive our future and strengthen the diversity of our marketing talent.”
The DTU internships will take place from June 5 to August 11, commencing in Detroit with a three-day boot camp. Upon completion of the program, Chevrolet and the NNPA will award each fellow $18,000 between scholarships and stipends, totaling over $750,000 to date.