Cal State Fullerton PRSSA
by Dulce Garcilazo | April 5, 2026
Hello, upperclassmen, juniors, seniors and anyone beginning to think about what comes after graduation.
If you are like many public relations and communications students, you are eager to land that one internship that feels like it will solve everything, the one that leads directly into a full-time, entry-level role. Social media makes it seem like everyone else is securing those opportunities effortlessly. In reality, that path is far less common than it appears.
The professional world can feel intimidating, especially in a competitive job market. While we cannot control hiring timelines or how many candidates apply for the same role, we can control how we prepare, tell our story and continue to grow through each experience.
Starting Later Than Expected
I did not fully commit to pursuing professional experience until I had to enroll in COMM 495T, CSUF’s Mass Media Internship course. At the time, it felt more like added pressure than a professional opportunity. Looking back now, it became an important turning point for me.
Instead of waiting for the “perfect” internship, I started focusing on gaining experience wherever I could apply what I was learning in class. That shift helped me slowly build confidence and gain clarity about what I wanted to pursue.
Applying Classroom Knowledge in Student Organizations
One of the most impactful experiences for me was joining Titan Public Relations (TPR), the student-run, PRSSA-affiliated PR agency at CSUF. I applied without much professional experience and was given the chance to manage a client account as an account executive.
At first, I honestly felt overwhelmed. However, I leaned on what I had learned in COMM 361: Introduction to Public Relations. I remembered how we built PR plans, starting with research, identifying audiences and setting objectives. That framework helped guide the decisions our team made.
My team worked on #ForYouPath – now The Path Project – a free resource hub for students and young professionals looking for that extra support. We developed a social media strategy that revived trends like “Mentor Mondays” and “Tip Tuesdays” to highlight mentors and internship opportunities. Leading this account taught me how to manage timelines, collaborate with teammates and make sure everyone felt heard. More importantly, it showed me that leadership is about communication and accountability, not just creativity.
Turning Experience Into a Strong Portfolio
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that experience alone is not enough. The way you present that experience matters just as much.
Instead of simply listing roles on my resume, I built a case study for my portfolio that focused on strategy, responsibilities and results. In interviews, TPR often becomes the experience employers want to discuss because it allows me to clearly explain what I learned and how I approach teamwork and problem solving.
Learning Through Different Internship Formats
My first internship was fully remote. Using collaboration tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Slack to stay connected with teams, I gained experience in media monitoring, audits, competitive analysis and developing PR materials such as press releases, backgrounders and media lists. Seeing how classroom skills translated into professional settings helped me feel more confident in what I was learning.
My second internship looked very different. It combined in-person and remote work at a lifestyle and entertainment-focused agency. I helped support slide decks, created face sheets and worked events, including the MrBeast Games Season 2 premiere and a Santa Monica event called “Party on the Pier.” The work was fast-paced and sometimes overwhelming, but it gave me a better understanding of agency life and helped me realize I enjoy working in fast-moving environments.
I am currently interning in the consumer products and travel sector, which has been another new experience. I attend client calls, review agendas and conduct audits. Seeing how daily client work comes together behind the scenes has helped me better understand how strategy manifests into real campaigns.
Networking Beyond the Surface
Networking goes beyond attending panels or adding connections on LinkedIn. It requires follow-ups, curiosity and genuine effort.
After attending PRSSA panels, I made an effort to connect with speakers and ask thoughtful questions. One coffee chat helped me better understand a fellowship I was considering and gave me insight into what the role and company were really like. Conversations like these make the professional world feel less distant and remind me that everyone started somewhere.
Advocating for Yourself
One lesson that continues to stay with me as I prepare to enter the professional world is the importance of advocating for yourself. Skills and experience matter, but learning how to communicate your value and take ownership of your growth can make a real difference.
This idea stood out to me during the CSUF PRSSA Entertainment Panel last November, when panelist Justine Landeros, senior manager of strategic promo planning at Fox Entertainment, spoke about intentionally building your personal brand. She reminded us that no one will advocate for your career more than you will.
Hearing that changed how I approached internships and portfolio building. I became more intentional about how I spoke about my experiences and how I presented my work. Instead of waiting to be noticed, I learned to ask questions, express my interests and look for opportunities that aligned with my goals.
Reframing Competitive Opportunities
Internships at companies like NBCUniversal, The Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros. Discovery are highly competitive, with students from across Southern California and beyond applying for the same roles. Because of this, many students hesitate to apply or feel discouraged before even trying.
It is normal to feel intimidated by these big names, but applying is still worth it. The worst outcome is hearing “no,” and even then, you gain experience applying, interviewing and learning how to tell your story better next time. Not receiving an offer does not mean you are unqualified. Sometimes it simply means the timing or fit was not right.
I have reached final interview rounds without receiving an offer, and those moments were disappointing. However, in one case, a recruiter later reached out and invited me to interview for another role. Experiences like that remind me that opportunities do not always end with one rejection, and persistence often opens unexpected doors.
Final Thoughts
As someone currently in their third internship, which is paid and full time, I have learned there is no need to rush the process. College is a time to explore, learn and develop skills at your own pace.
Try different sectors. Pay attention to what excites you and what does not. I have explored entertainment, lifestyle, travel and consumer products, and each experience has helped shape where I hope to go next.
Preparing for the professional world takes time, patience and persistence. Trust the process, stay proactive and continue advocating for yourself, even when opportunities feel limited.