Q: Is The Tannery a student organization?

A: No. The Tannery is a student-run, full-service integrated marketing communications firm that is located in downtown Kent. The firm works with clients from all around the Northern Ohio region and plans to expand regionally and nationally.


Q: Who can apply to work at the Tannery?

A: Any active student of Kent State University (all eight branches) may apply to work at The Tannery; however, priority is given to those with relevant interests, coursework and experience. We expect to include students in the College of Communication and Information, the College of Business Administration and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Q: When can students apply?

A: The Tannery posts and accepts applications once a year, in late March in order to replace graduating seniors and prepare for summer work. Although we do not have any immediate openings, we are always interested in meeting potential candidates. An application can be found on the Contact Page.

Q: How many student positions are available?

A: Currently, The Tannery has 15 student associates, with five graduating in May and one in August. We anticipate the ability to employ approximately 20 students as the firm grows.

Q: Are the students paid?

A: Yes. Student associates are paid based on their time spent on client work, which varies based on volume.

Q: Do the students receive class credit for working at The Tannery?

A: As of now, working at The Tannery does not count towards internship or class credit hours. However, working with real clients, while developing and expanding a portfolio and resume, is an invaluable opportunity that a classroom setting cannot provide.

Q: What types of positions are there? What would my title be?

A: The Tannery has five major disciplines – art direction, copywriting, account management, research/account planning and media planning/buying; however, all students hold the position of Associate, as they often wear many hats which allows them to explore multiple disciplines.

Q: How many hours a week do students work? Can they work around their school schedules?

A: The Tannery is very flexible with the bulk of the client work requiring collaboration between associates, which can be arranged at the convenience of the client team. We expect between eight to 10 hours a week, although this varies based on volume; and require at least four hours on-site during the work week of Monday through Friday 9am-5pm.

Q: What type of computers do you use at The Tannery?

A: The computers at The Tannery are a combination of iMacs and Macbooks, with the exception of our Student Business Manager; however, many students use their personal computer and log onto a shared server.

Q: Who manages The Tannery?

A: Greg Thomas, managing director as well as JMC Practitioner in Residence, and Evan Bailey, operations manager, oversee The Tannery. In addition the firm is guided by two advisory boards: one comprised of Kent State University faculty; the other made up of local industry professionals.

Q: Do students have direct client contact?

A: Yes, all associates participate in client discovery and presentation meetings, while student account managers are responsible with daily detailed contact as well.

Q: Will The Tannery be open in the summer or during break?

A: Yes, The Tannery is open year-round, regardless of the break schedule of the university.