(August 11, 2014)

Senior grows professionally alongside alumni

SHREVEPORT, LA — Senior business administration major Angelle Devillier '15 of Bunkie, Louisiana, did not go home for summer vacation, but worked alongside family nevertheless.

This summer Devillier was awarded an internship at ReachLocal, a homegrown marketing and reporting startup founded 10 years ago by a group of investors including Shreveport native and Centenary MBA alumnus, Nathan Hanks '05. There are currently six Centenary alumni who work at the company.

Devillier first heard of the opportunity at the company's Shreveport office through Dr. Chris Martin, Dean of the Frost School of Business, who encouraged her to apply.

"The application process was more formal and extensive than anything I've ever applied for," said Devillier. "But everyone I came into contact with throughout the whole process was very welcoming."

Her responsibilities include assisting with online advertising campaigns while learning the ins and outs of providing online advertising solutions to media companies and advertising agencies across the country. She was also asked to complete a competitive analysis about ReachLocal's industry.

"I am preparing for this presentation by doing in-depth research on about 40 of ReachLocal's most direct competitors in the industry," said Devillier. "It's time-consuming work, but it is important for every company to do this type of research in order to evaluate its own strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities for growth. This project has been immensely educational for me. I began this internship with very little knowledge about the online marketing industry and now have extensive knowledge of about 40 of the industry's leading companies."

Before this internship, Devillier had very limited knowledge about online marketing but is now excited to continue pursuing this field for a potential career. ReachLocal has already offered her a part-time job through the fall semester.

"Centenary's Frost School of Business as a whole has done a great job of preparing me for this internship," said Devillier. "I feel that all of my professors have provided me with the tools necessary to be successful wherever my career path may lead."

ReachLocal, Inc. develops online marketing and commerce solutions that power local commerce for small and medium sized businesses, from lead generation and lead conversion to booking and buying. Its global distribution network includes local Internet marketing consultants and service professionals, along with select third-party agencies and resellers throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. ReachLocal is headquartered in Woodland Hills, California.