Team Spotlight: Meet Maddie

Maddie Rimbey is the 2025 Kirkpatrick Group summer communications intern. Originally from Pittsburgh, she is entering her senior year at the University of Dayton (Ohio) with a double major in marketing and economics. Her experience with research and business analytics makes her a valuable addition to our team and she is learning the ins and outs of our industry with lightning speed. From media briefings to social media plans, she dives into every project with enthusiasm. We love having Maddie on our team, and we especially appreciate her love for ‘80s rom coms. Let’s find out more about her interests, career goals and her favorite breakfast spot. 

1. How did you choose your majors?

I always knew I wanted to study something related to business, and I also really like art and writing. Marketing lets me use my creative side. I stumbled into economics, though. I took econ my freshman year and hated it, but after transferring to the University of Dayton, I took microeconomics and did really well. Eventually my professors asked if I wanted to be an econ tutor. I realized I liked it and understood it, and it helps supplement my creative marketing studies with more of a math focus. 

• What are your professional goals?

I like working at an agency a lot. I want to do something where I work with data. A market research analyst could be an option. I wanted to try out all the different realms of marketing and communications, and when I was looking for an internship, the Kirkpatrick Group’s team and partners were really attractive to me. Everyone on the team has a diverse range of experience and supports different types of businesses. I thought that learning about all those different industries could help me figure out exactly what I want to do with my career. 

• What is your favorite type of project to work on?

My favorite projects are the ones that include a lot of research and reading to learn about a topic. When I was working on the AI overview post for the Kirkpatrick Group blog, I spent so much time researching and digesting. It’s fun to see the pieces of the puzzle fit together when learning about a new topic. 

• How have you grown since starting your internship?

I have become a lot more conscious of how I manage my time. It’s cool to see how the projects I work on drive value for our clients. I have learned how much work an agency does and how much behind the scenes effort goes into every single project. 

• In your experience, what is the most important skill a communicator should have?

You need to be a good listener and ask the right questions. You can’t understand something and write about it if you don’t have all the right information. 

• What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My dad always says, “always take the step if you think you should.” When I was deciding whether I should transfer from American University, where I thought I had always wanted to go, his advice helped me make the right decision. It wasn’t the right fit for me and now I’ve had a much better experience at the University of Dayton. 

• What are some of your hobbies outside school and work?

I love to play tennis. I also like to read and paint. Another hobby I’ve been learning is how to ride dirt bikes with my little brother. 

• What would a perfect weekend look like for you?

I would love to go to any kind of funky restaurant and hang out with my friends. In the morning, I would visit a good breakfast spot and get a coffee. Eggs N’at in Moon Township is so good. I would go shopping in Shadyside or at the boutiques in Oakmont, then watch a movie or show with my family. There’s a theme of family, friends and food.