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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
Mueller Communications is searching for its next rockstar summer intern. If you’re reading this post, you’ve just uncovered an amazing opportunity to receive a $2,000 scholarship and a full-time paid internship at our beautifully renovated space at The Fortress. Even better? You won’t spend your days organizing files or fetching coffee here. You’ll gain real-world experience to help you explore all facets of the industry and accelerate to the next phase of your career.
With Mueller, you’ll get the opportunity to work with some of the region’s most influential players, from national healthcare organizations and retailers to beloved cultural institutions and community organizations, and everything in between. In a single week, you might draft a press release, attend a news conference, build a marketing campaign, write ad copy, or help out with a video shoot.
You’ll also enjoy other perks, such as:
- A flexible work schedule
- Professional development lunches
- A fully-stocked kitchen
- Attendance at luncheons and other special events
- A beautiful balcony to enjoy summer days and Happy Hours
- A warm and welcoming team of mentors to help you build your professional career
WANT TO
JOIN US?
To be considered for the 2026 Barkin McKeithan Intern and Scholarship program, submit an original entry that captures what you love about Milwaukee.
No need to write a novel or make a feature film! Some entry examples could include:
- A travel blog/vlog or personal journal
- A podcast
- A listicle or infographic
- A poem
- A “TED Talk”
- An original TikTok, Instagram or X account
- The possibilities are endless!
In addition to your entry, please include your resume and a one-page cover letter that includes your name, the title of your creative project and a brief description, as well as a brief explanation as to why you would be a good addition to the Mueller team. Letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required.
You must also meet these requirements:
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
MEET OUR
PREVIOUS SCHOLARS
Rachel Weber
2025
Rachel Weber, a student at Indiana University Bloomington, spent the summer before her senior year as our Barkin McKeithan intern and scholar, experiencing hands-on work in the community where she grew up. Rachel is majoring in Political Science, minoring in Law and Public Policy, and earning a certificate in Political and Civic Engagement. She will return to Mueller as an intern for her final spring semester in 2026.
Veronica Castro Ramirez
2024
Veronica Castro Ramirez, a 2025 graduate of Marquette University, is a digital coordinator for Sojourner Family Peace Center. She joined us for a summer as the 2024 Barkin McKeithan intern and scholar. Following her internship, Veronica 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 before joining Sojourner.
Soraya Keiser
2023
Soraya Keiser, a 2024 graduate of Bethel University, is a full-time associate at Mueller Communications. While in school, her summer internship at Mueller was a great opportunity for Soraya 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 internship, Soraya received a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to study and teach abroad post-graduation and worked as an English teaching assistant in Bulgaria.
Nicole Anderson
2022
Nicole Anderson, a 2023 graduate of Marquette University, currently works for Zurn Elkay Water Solutions in the sales leadership development program. Nicole was our 2022 Barkin McKeithan intern and scholar, and wowed us all with her work ethic, enthusiasm and desire to be in the office each and every day at a time when many people were still choosing to work from home as the pandemic continued to affect routine. Nicole graduated with a degree in corporate communications.
Kiera Sona
2021
Kiera Sona is currently a freelance journalist for Milwaukee Magazine. Hear from Kiera about her time at Mueller. Hear from Kiera about her time at Mueller.
Micah Pierce Coleman
2021
Micah Pierce Coleman is currently earning her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Vermont. Hear from Micah about her time at Mueller. Hear from Micah about her time at Mueller.
Evita Evers
2020
Evita Evers, a 2021 graduate of Mount Mary University, was the 2020 Barkin McKeithan intern and scholar. Evita studied communication and justice, with a concentration in public relations, and planned to attend law school after graduation.
Lauren George
2019
Lauren George, a 2020 graduate of Marquette University, currently works at Mueller Communications full-time as a Senior Manager. Lauren completed the Barkin McKeithan Internship and Scholarship Program in 2019 and earned her degree in public relations, history and political science.
Jesus Rivera
2018
Jesus Rivera, a 2019 graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, currently works to educate future communicators at Edgewood College in Madison in addition to his role as an internal communications manager at the University of Wisconsin School of Business. Following his internship at Mueller, Jesus worked as a Law Enforcement Public Relations Contractor and as a Media Relations Specialist for the Milwaukee Police Department. He earned his bachelor’s degree in communications.
Savannah Akinsanya
2017
Savannah Akinsanya, a 2018 graduate of Ball State University, is currently a global events lead for Starbridge. Following her internship at Mueller, Savannah worked for the Indianapolis Colts, Sparks, Salesforce, Lyft and Rippling. She earned her degree in public relations and marketing.
Mary Dechant
2016
Mary, a 2017 graduate of Marquette University, most recently worked as a Senior Account Executive at Laughlin Constable. After completing the Barkin McKeithan Internship and Scholarship Program, Mary went on to intern at Hoffman York and Walt Disney World and began her full-time career at BVK. She earned her degree in public relations, advertising and applied communication.
Julia Markun Schmeling
2015
Julia Schmeling, a 2016 graduate of Marquette University, 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, she worked as an associate full-time at Mueller Communications.
Rachel Berkowitz
2014
Rachel Berkowitz, a 2015 graduate of Marquette University, currently works as Vice President of Marketing & Communications for Hoffman Family of Companies. Previously, she worked as Vice President and Senior Marketing and PR Specialist for Baird. After she completed the Barkin McKeithan Internship and Scholarship Program in 2014, she worked at Mueller full-time.
Lauren Peter
2013
Lauren Peter, a 2014 graduate of Marquette University, achieved her Certified Financial Planner designation in 2022 and serves as a financial advisor with Amplify Wealth Partners, an affiliate of Northwestern Mutual. After completing the Barkin McKeithan Internship and Scholarship Program, Lauren worked with Autism Speaks-Wisconsin/Iowa, Best Buddies International, Mandel Group, Inc. and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Heather Laing
2012
Heather Laing is currently senior director of strategic initiatives at Tory Burch in New York City. Prior to this, Heather spent several years as an Associate at McKinsey & Company, a management consulting company in Chicago. Before joining McKinsey & Company, she worked at KB Partners, Ross Stores, Inc. and Macy’s Department Store. After completing the Barkin McKeithan Internship and Scholarship Program, Heather graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and went on to continue her education at Harvard Business School in 2016.