What company did you receive an internship for? What are they known for?
The company I received an internship for is called ProMazo. It is a college student consulting technology platform that gets students out in the field to learn more than they would with a traditional internship. It’s a recruitment company that gets college students the experience they need to get hired.
What was your favorite part of the job?
I am still in my role at ProMazo, but my favorite part is setting up meetings with professionals such as reporters and journalists. We learn from them how we can improve, hear about their experiences and how they got to where they are. I also enjoy applying the skills I’ve learned in my PR courses to my job. I’ve written pitch letters, press kits and well-thought-out, professional email sequences.
Did you face any challenges that you didn’t expect? If so, how did you handle them?
I didn’t expect to be the head of our PR Media team. It was a lot to grasp at first and I felt pressure, but it was worth it to be uncomfortable for a bit in order to push myself and apply what I’ve learned to my job. Every day I just do more research and go back through my school notes if I need help. Communication is also key in my role, so if I need help my teammates are there for me. I can do a lot more than I thought I could.
Did you feel as though your experience with PRSSA helped prepare you for this internship? If so, in what way?
Yes, most definitely. Learning how to speak and ask questions to professionals is so important. PRSSA has made me feel more confident and get outside of my shell. PRSSA makes me feel involved, motivated, and connected to the PR world. It has opened my eyes to where I want to go in my career and ways to get there. Networking is one of the most important things anyone can do in college. It’s just as, if not more important than, your actual coursework.
Would you recommend this internship to other people? Why or why not?
Yes, although I’m not sure if my employer is just having interns for this specific project we’re working on. I’m not sure if he usually takes on interns every semester or not, but if he does, I would definitely recommend it for PR.
What was the biggest takeaway/lesson-learned you got from your experience?
I have learned how to professionally construct a meeting, communicate effectively, use spreadsheets, make media contact lists, and do extensive research to find journalist contact information. Also, I’ve realized how important it is to read people’s articles and know what they do before asking them to cover your story or give advice on pitching angles to the media. It creates that initial relationship before the ask.
How has this internship impacted the trajectory of your future? Career-wise, where are you headed next?
This internship has made me feel confident that being in PR is right for me and makes me want to apply to PR agencies and careers during my final semester of college. I love to write and make meaningful connections, so this is what I was meant to do.
