Student Marketing Agents are selected from an applicant pool of local university students who have experience or interest in marketing. HDR vets Student Marketing Agents through an interview process to ensure they are a good fit for the program and have the necessary basic skills to assist businesses with a variety of marketing projects.

In some cases, we may have additional high school students who are looking for real-world experience in marketing. These students work fewer hours per week and are less experienced, but are an option for businesses that need marketing assistance but have no budget. 

Participating downtown businesses will receive 10 hours a week (excluding school-mandated holidays and breaks) of dedicated student marketing support for a full semester, including:

Digital Content Creation: Regular social media assets, short-form video, blog content, and e-newsletter content.

• Print & On-Site Collateral:  Graphic design for print assets (e.g., flyers, rack cards, brochures, table tents).

• Cross-Promotion: Opportunities to leverage HDR’s primary promotional channels and community calendar for boosted reach.

• Public Relations Support: Assistance drafting press releases and identifying local outreach and partnership opportunities.

Work that is deemed out of scope for this partnership includes -

• Direct handling/spending of paid advertising budgets

• Direct management of customer service/DMs

• Permanent full-rebranding projects

Student Marketing Agents will primarily be working out of the HDR office, under the direction and advisement of HDR’s Director of Marketing. Based on the marketing goals and plan developed at the introductory client meeting, the agent will set up regular check-ins with the business point of contact to film content at the business. Marketing collateral will be reviewed by the HDR Director of Marketing for initial feedback, and then shared with the business for final review and approval. Agents may contact businesses via in-person meetings, email, phone, etc. based on preferences set up at the introductory meeting.

To ensure a successful partnership, participating businesses must agree to:

• Designate a Point of Contact: Provide a primary business contact (owner or manager) available for scheduled check-ins and quick communications.

• Mandatory Introductory Meeting: Attend an onboarding meeting with the intern and HDR Director of Marketing at the start of the session to brainstorm and set expectations.

• Timely Communication, Feedback & Asset Delivery:

  • Supply essential brand materials (logos, brand guidelines, product/venue photos, promotion details) in a timely manner.

  • Respond to approval requests (draft copy, graphics, print layouts) within 2–3 business days to keep campaigns on schedule.

  • If the business point of contact is not responsive or engaging with the intern appropriately, the relationship could be ended at HDR's discretion. 

• On-Site Access: Allow student agents access to photograph products, document events, or record short video content during agreed-upon hours.

• Feedback & Mentorship Mindset: Recognize that student agents are gaining hands-on experience. Provide constructive, clear feedback to help them refine their deliverables.

  • Bring concerns to the HDR Director of Marketing to correct any miscommunications or to redirect the campaign work if needed.