It's Always Sunny in Detroit

By: Michele Danno, Media Planning Intern

Michele Danno

Coming into this internship, I found myself approaching two negative stereotypes: the culture of Detroit and corporate office culture. As an out-of-towner who has never worked a full-time office job before, I was apprehensive about both of these situations. However, my fears were allayed after just a few hours in the office and a number of friendly introductions.

To my pleasant surprise, I enjoyed the environment both inside and outside Starcom’s office walls. Outlined by vast windows that overlook Detroit’s bustling business district and the scenic Canadian/American divide, Starcom Detroit is both literally and figuratively a sunny and inviting place. 

The office’s laid back culture is reflected in its vibrant and eclectic decor – miscellaneous posters, toys, photos, and trinkets collected by GM team members. 

How you decorate your workspace, and yourself, is pretty much up to you, as the “dress code” is just as informal as the office’s cubes. There is no such thing as “casual Friday,” as every day offers workers the opportunity to dress how they feel. 

Needless to say, the uniformed button-downs, bland polos, suits, loafers, etc. that stereotypically define office culture have been replaced by jeans, colorful dresses, and sandals at Starcom. 

This random-yet-charming character gives the Detroit workplace an air of uniqueness that represents team members’ diverse duties and varied personalities. Although we all work for the same two clients – General Motors and Harley Davidson —employees are broken up by brand into smaller teams based on individual specialties and areas of interest. 

However, these divisions are blurred, as everyone pretty much works – and plays – as one big office family.

Whether you’re a member of the Chevrolet, Buick, Harley, finance, human resources, or custodial department, it is understood that you’re included in every office event and outing.

Everything from Bagel Mondays, to pot-luck lunches, to kickball games, to happy hours, make the workday a little more enjoyable and the office a relaxed and friendly place to spend Monday-Friday. Even as a “lowly intern,” I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself invited to free Tiger’s games, concerts, and a variety of other “rep events” with my Starcom family. I guess doing work has its perks!

Overall, the Starcom Detroit office’s laid-back atmosphere and informal work environment have given me an enlightening perspective on the once-dreaded “real world” that I will enter once I graduate in May. 

Turns out, fun doesn’t have to end when college does, and I cannot wait to see where this experience takes me!