Micah Delacruz is a graduating senior at the University of Cincinnati majoring in marketing with a certificate in business analytics. He spent his spring semester as a marketing and communications intern with BE NKY Growth Partnership.

Why did you decide to major in marketing?

I was originally accepted into the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning for architecture and stayed in that program for two years, switching to marketing in my junior year. I believe a marketing degree will enable me to pursue many different career opportunities.

Talk a bit about your time interning at BE NKY. What have you learned over the past few months?

I had no idea how important the work of economic development is to the future of a region. BE NKY President & CEO Lee Crume says “a city that isn’t growing is a city that’s dying” and that really spoke to me. As BE NKY wins projects and brings tradable jobs to the Northern Kentucky region, this momentum in turn creates more non-tradable jobs in sectors such as retail, healthcare and education. I hadn’t considered that “runoff” effect and how important it is to the success of a region.

I had no idea all the work that went into relocating or expanding a company in Northern Kentucky. I am now interested in learning more about how economic development is different in large cities like New York City or Los Angeles from what I’ve seen in NKY.  Everyone at BE NKY has been super friendly and helpful, which is all I can ask for in an internship. I loved the opportunity to participate in many meetings and be exposed to new ideas and concepts I wouldn’t have otherwise.

What were some of your favorite projects to work on during your internship?

There were so many things I enjoy about working at BE NKY, but a few specifically stick out in my head. As the Northern Kentucky Port Authority closes on the purchase of the former Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad site, it was very interesting to learn more about the history of the C&O Railroad, its construction of the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge and its influence on Northern Kentucky, through an article I wrote about the history of this site.

Related to my major, I learned a lot about web development, how to keep a website running smoothly, and search engine and keyword optimization, but also many things I wouldn’t have normally learned about in a more conventional marketing/communications internship.

I assisted Research Analyst Ashby Drummond with gathering data for updates to BE NKY’s industry sector sheets. Using Lightcast, I learned a lot about employment levels in different industry sectors in the Cincinnati MSA as well as the average wages for these jobs.

I also learned a lot about tax increment financing districts, including research into specific local development projects and regions in Northern Kentucky that have TIFs in place. In this internship, I gained knowledge and experience in marketing and communications, which strengthens my skills as I look for job opportunities.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

Since I was young, I have always loved aviation and would love to work in that industry after graduation. I’m drawn to how it brings people together, supports businesses, and keeps the world connected. As I continue to look for job opportunities, I know I will be able to apply much of what I am learning now at BE NKY in my future roles.

What will you take away from this internship?

Prior to this internship, I didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about how regions develop and the work that goes into planning and building them to what they are today. I also haven’t spent a lot of time in Northern Kentucky, mainly crossing the river to get to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. I loved the opportunity to get to know Northern Kentucky better and found a love for the food at The Gruff, conveniently located right next to the OneNKY Center.  I also had no idea Airheads were made in Northern Kentucky, so that will definitely stick with me!