Smirnoff offers 'Dream' internship

What's it like working for the world's number-one vodka on the Caribbean's premier party event?

For Reneé J. Morgan and Andrew Anguin, it's simply a dream come true.

Morgan, a student at the University of Technology, and Anguin, a University of the West Indies student, got the unique opportunity to work alongside the Smirnoff marketing team in planning the Smirnoff Dream Weekend after responding to an online competition on Smirnoff Jamaica's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/smirnoffjamaica).

Dubbed the Ultimate Summer Internship Experience, Smirnoff, in May, posted the competition on its Facebook page as it explored new ways to speak to and connect with its consumers.

Both Morgan and Anguin were part of a crop of 40 Facebook fans who submitted video applications stating why they would make the ideal intern.

The quality of the responses was so impressive that Smirnoff decided to take two interns as opposed to the original plan for one.

Since they've started in June, it's been a blistering induction to the world of vodka, marketing and event planning.

"It has literally been non-stop action since the very first moment. The opportunity to work with the pioneering Smirnoff marketing team on the Caribbean's best party weekend is an experience words could never fully describe," said Anguin.

"Under the leadership of Brand Manager Marsha Lumley, I have learned to push well beyond my own expectations and boundaries, growing each day with the support and guidance of the entire Smirnoff team. Our goals are set and I am positive that we will deliver the best Smirnoff Dream Weekend that Jamaica has ever seen."

Anguin and Morgan, along with the Smirnoff Team, have been busy conceptualising the 'Be There' themes for Smirnoff Dream Weekend.

Be There is a campaign by Smirnoff, which centres around creating the best party experiences coupled with the world's best drink mixes and celebrating the moment - being there.

The team has also been working through the logistics of planning such a huge event, ensuring a wide array of Smirnoff mixes are available and, most importantly, making sure all the elements are in place for an unforgettable consumer experience.

"Smirnoff Jamaica is delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside these young, talented individuals. They both have great enthusiasm and great ideas and with their input, Smirnoff is going to deliver the best Smirnoff Dream Weekend," said Lumley.

The intern experience has proven to be quite practical for Morgan, in particular, who majors in event management at the University of Technology.

"As an event-planning student from the University of Technology, the theoretical essence of my studies has come to life!" Morgan said.

"Smirnoff Jamaica is rapidly becoming Jamaica's premier party sponsor, known particularly for the tremendous nightlife experience which they offer consumers. As a fan of Smirnoff, I must say that my expectations have far been exceeded."

The Ultimate Summer Internship Experience is part of Smirnoff's innovative social media consumer engagements.

In the past few months, the Smirnoff team has produced the Smirnoff Double Take Photo Competition, The Build Your Dream Competition and the Smirnoff Webisodes, which have all been hosted on Facebook.

Smirnoff Dream Weekend kicks off with Smirnoff Flavours on Friday, before Smirnoff Twisted Spiritz begins later that night.

Dream Weekend line-up

Friday, July 29

Smirnoff Flavours @ 2 p.m.

Twisted Spiritz @ 10 p.m.

Saturday, July 30

Daydreams: White Sands @ 2 p.m.

Yush @ 10 p.m.

Sunday, July 31

XTreme Wet 'n' Wild @ 2 p.m.

Bere Vibes @ 10 p.m.

Monday, August 1

Smirnoff X.Clusive: Celebrity Playground @ 2 p.m.

Shorts Circuit: Short Skirt In It @ 10 p.m.