Nicolette Johnson

Wanted: Summer intern to plan Malibu party. Sampling of some tasty food products might be required.

Was Monmouth College senior Nicolette Johnson interested? In a word, “Definitely!”

Prior to last summer, Johnson spent time online searching for career-related internship opportunities. The public relations major found an advertised opening in the communications department at McDonald’s national headquarters in Oakbrook, Ill. After two interviews, the Chicago resident landed the 8-to-5, May-to-August position.

“I was thrilled when McDonald’s offered me an internship,” said Johnson, whose title was external communications intern. “It’s really competitive, so I am grateful that I stood out in the crowd. I’m thankful that McDonald’s has these opportunities for college students like me.”

During her first week, Johnson said she was busy meeting people and learning the ways of the business.

“I never knew that so many employees started off as crew members in the restaurants,” she said of her initial observations. “It’s impressive.”

Johnson’s primary focus was to help with several of the company’s PR initiatives. She said the one that stood out most involved honoring a fast-food legend.

“My favorite part about the internship was working on the 40th anniversary celebration for the Big Mac sandwich. How many people could say they worked on a party for one of the world’s most famous sandwiches?”

The Big Mac was honored at a star-studded event in Malibu and, although Johnson was not on the guest list, she did help in lining up such stars as Kim Kardashian, Serena Williams and Neyo. Also in attendance, she said, were the winners of a contest held in conjunction with the MySpace social network, for which participants submitted video or audio renditions of the famous Big Mac advertising slogan (above).

Johnson worked on other events as well, including the UNITY Journalists of Color Convention, which she said drew nearly 1,000 professionals. She was part of the group in charge of a panel breakfast sponsored by McDonald’s, which was attended by 500 people.

“McDonald’s has a group of moms (Moms Quality Correspondents) who are given behind-the-scenes access to the company. They are kind of a quality control group – they can see that the beef is real, that the chicken really comes from chickens, that the food is healthy for their kids. They were part of the panel at the breakfast, and the journalists asked them lots of questions.”

Johnson also had “a little hand” in a promotion connected to the movie “Madagascar,” as well as the restaurant’s “Passport to Play” initiative, through which the company sends representatives to schools across the U.S. and shows students a variety of activities, such as sports, and explains the benefits of being active.

Prior to working for the company, Johnson said she was likely to order either a Big Mac or Chicken McNuggets on a visit to the Golden Arches. However, through her position, she was able to expand her favorites by sampling a wide variety of the restaurant’s fare, including products from its McCafé line and a snack wrap based on the Big Mac.

“McDonald’s is always working on new products to stay ahead of the game,” she said.

Johnson’s experience taught her that the company is “a really close community. Everyone in all the departments knows what’s going on outside their department.”

“I know I’ll have an advantage in the job market when I graduate,” reads a quotation by Johnson which appears next to her photo in a section of McDonald’s Web site called “365Black.” According to the site, McDonald’s believes “that African-American culture and achievement should be celebrated 365 days a year, not just during Black History Month.” Johnson’s information was selected to appear on the site in November and should remain online for 12 months.

Johnson said the internship helped solidify the plans she has for her career. “I want to work in public relations on the advertising or client side, most likely something in brand management.”

When it comes to that area, Johnson has already proven she stand the heat in the kitchen of one of America’s most recognized brands.