What company did you receive an internship for? What are they known for?
The company I interned with over summer 2020 was Integrity Public Relations Inc. They are a public relations agency known for working with tech companies. IPR helps clients reach their sales and marketing objectives by offering professional help from their senior account team who each have around 20 years of experience in the field.
What was your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of working with Integrity Public Relations Inc. was getting the opportunity to have my first experience in the public relation world while being surrounded by a team with amazing insight on the career field I will shortly be diving into Doing research, making media lists and contacting potential collaborators was all exciting for me as this was the first time I got to take part in anything PR related, apart from PRSSA.
Did you face any challenges that you didn’t expect? If so, how did you handle them?
I did not face any challenges thankfully, but little bumps in the road. When contacting those on our media list, there was more denial than acceptance when it came to working with any company. Learning how to handle a “no” or simply no response is something that is completely normal and I learned that it just may not be the right time to work with everyone.
Did you feel as though your experience with PRSSA helped prepare you for this internship? If so, in what way?
Yes, my experience with PRSSA 100% helped prepare me for my internship with IPR. I was on CSUF’s PRSSA 2019-2020 board as VP of Administration and because of that I was able to get my internship with IPR. Also, being VP of Admin. helped me greatly because I was able to transfer what I learned in my position to adapt quickly to what was needed of me at my internship.
Would you recommend this internship to other people? Why or why not?
I would definitely recommend this internship to other people if the position became available again. PR is not always glitz and glam, there is hard work that needs to be done to get a company to where it is, the way Ken Hagihara has. He built IPR and continues to work with clients and keep the company running with an amazing work ethic from him and his colleague. Working for an agency gives you the opportunity to work with multiple clients without having to be an independent contractor.
How has this internship impacted the trajectory of your future? Career-wise, where are you headed next?
This internship has impacted me because I now know that an agency could be something to consider when I graduate and begin looking for a job. Having my internship with an agency was exciting, there was always something to do for one company or another and it kept me on my toes. As for where I am headed next, I will be graduating in Fall 2020 and will possibly take a small break to enjoy the road and then begin looking for a job.
