From Intern to Product Lifecycle Analyst: How Ashley Cran Found Her Path in Product Marketing at ADT
Before a customer ever interacts with the ADT app, their first experience is with our products, whether that’s opening the box themselves or having equipment professionally installed. The quick start guide, layout, and clarity of instructions all play a role in making that first setup experience seamless.
In Summer 2023, an intern stepped into the details behind that moment. Today, Ashley Cran is a full‑time product marketing analyst who owns packaging design and product accuracy end to end, shaping how ADT products show up on day one.
Ashley joined ADT during her internship, looking for meaningful work and room to grow. What followed was hands‑on experience across teams, growing ownership, and the discovery of a role that blends creativity with business impact.
This is how an internship became a career focused on clarity at one of the most important moments for the customer: day one.
Ashley’s Summer 2023 Intern Cohort during their visit to ADT’s Sales Office in Pompano Beach, FL.
An Internship Built on Real Contribution
Ashley’s path started with exploration and narrowed with impact. “I interned with three different teams at ADT: e-commerce, social media, and finally, product marketing, which is where I ultimately landed.”
What stood out was substance. “As an intern at ADT, I contributed to real product marketing work, not just doing ‘intern tasks.’ I was helping the team, and my work made a real impact on the business.”
Ashley (right) and Ron Hampton (former ADT Summer 2023 Intern, pictured left), at the Miami Marlins stadium to set up the ADT Home Plate Suite for an event.
Why Ashley Chose to Build Her Career at ADT
Supportive leadership made the difference. “I knew early on that I wanted to stay and build my career at ADT because of my managers and my team. Everyone is incredibly supportive. I learn from them every day, and they constantly help me grow.”
A defining moment anchored that decision. “I was sent to the Miami Marlins Stadium to help stage products. Part of my role is supporting photo shoots and commercials to make sure products are installed and displayed accurately.” Seeing the work come to life made the impact real. “I remember thinking, this is really cool. I could truly see myself doing this. I loved it.”
An ADT Kit Box, one of the many packaging assets that Ashley maintains and designs in her role.
From Contributor to Owner
After converting to full time, Ashley’s scope changed. “As an intern, I was a contributor. Now I own specific areas of product marketing and drive the work. I’m more confident in my role, and my team has helped me become more independent.”
What she leads today:
- Packaging and first use: product and kit boxes, quick start guides, design refreshes, vendor coordination
- Cross-functional timing: aligning with supply chain on production and distribution
- Product accuracy: supporting photo and commercial shoots to ensure installs and visuals match specs
- Product knowledge access: building “Product Poly”, an internal AI agent in beta that answers product questions for teams
Packaging sets the tone for day one. “This is often the first point of contact after customers buy a system. The way the quick start guide is set up and how the box is formatted shapes the setup experience.”
“Product Poly” improves speed and clarity. “It helps teams work more efficiently and saves time. It is a self-service way to get product information quicker and easier.”
Behind the scenes of an ADT Smart Home Security and ADT Health brand photoshoot in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Ashley and her team attend to ensure product accuracy.
Finding Creative Work and Support to Grow
Following the summer 2023 internship program, Ashley continued working with ADT while finishing her degree at the University of Florida and began to see how product marketing could blend creativity with business impact. “I love graphic design. In college I was a business major, but I specialized and minored in product design like UX and UI,” she says.
What stood out was the chance to explore creativity with real responsibility behind it. “Our products are relied on by our customers to help keep them safe, so accuracy really matters,” Ashley explains. “I love working with our products and getting into the technical details to make sure everything is represented the right way.” That hands‑on work helped her grow into a role that aligned with both her interests and strengths, as well as ADT’s mission.
Ashley also credits ADT with investing in her growth. “I wanted to get certified in Adobe Illustrator because I use it so much in my role,” she says. “I mentioned it as a goal to my manager and she was totally supportive. ADT actually sponsored the certification exam for me, and I just passed it this past weekend. My team and the company have always been open to me exploring certificates or courses that are relevant to the role or my growth, and I’m really thankful for that.”
In Ashley’s role, Support shows up in regular conversations about her goals, space to pursue skills that strengthen her work, and leaders who back those efforts with real resources. For Ashley, that combination has made it easier to lean into what she enjoys, grow her capabilities, and take on more ownership over time.
Ashley and her team at ADT’s Boca Raton Headquarters. Pictured from left to right: Ashley Cran (Product Lifecycle Analyst),Tania Vardag (Sr. Product Marketing Manager), Dena Becker (Sr. Product Marketing Manager), Chao-Tung Lin (Sr. Product Marketing Manager),Maria Landrau (Director of Product Marketing).
Why the People Make all the Difference
In product marketing, cross-functional partnership is built into the role and for Ashley, that exposure has been a catalyst for growth. “The more people I talk to, the more I learn. I’ve built strong connections with teams like legal and supply chain, and understanding their processes helps me do my job better because product marketing is so cross‑functional.”
When asked what she enjoys most about her role and about working at ADT, her answer is clear. “The people for sure. I really like what I do. My responsibilities are very creative, so I have a lot of fun in my role, but the people are what make it so worthwhile.”
Ashley’s Advice to Future ADT Interns
Looking back on her internship experience, Ashley points to a few habits that made the biggest difference.
- Ask questions. “The more questions you ask, the better you can perform because you’re more informed.”
- Take opportunities. “Don’t shy away from a challenge. Seize every opportunity.”
- Build relationships. “Be friendly. Learn how other teams work. It helps you do your job better.”
Take the First Step in Your Career at ADT
An internship at ADT can be more than a starting point. It can be the foundation for real ownership, creative growth, and long‑term impact. Ashley’s path reflects a culture that invests in early talent and gives people the space to find the work they love.
Explore early career opportunities at ADT here and take the first step toward building something meaningful.
