MAR. 8 – INTERNSHIP PANEL

On Monday, March 8, Scripps PRSSA hosted an Internship Panel. The panel included five members of the chapter who shared their internship experiences and advice with the rest of the group. 

Alec Charron

Alec Charron is currently serving as a Client Engagement Intern for Fahlgren Mortine. Alec took this internship because he wanted to gain experience on the agency side of public relations, and because he was intrigued by the company’s diverse client range. This internship is enabling Alec to obtain skills that will be transferable throughout his career and to centime to expand his network.

Madison Foulkes

Madison Foulkes formerly worked as a Public Relations Intern for Marcus Thomas LLC. Madison was inspired to apply for the position because she could tell Marcus Thomas had a great company culture and she found their work appealing. In her time as an intern, Madison continuously allowed herself to learn through her experiences.

Beck Harhai

Beck Harhai was a Public Relations Intern for Kennywood Park this past summer. Though Beck’s main career interest is working the health field, she was able to grow as a professional in this entertainment-based internship. Beck is grateful that she was able to have an internship that was student-centered and allowed her to grow in the areas she wanted to.

Katherine Keber

Katherine Keber is currently working for Welltower, Inc. as an Internal Communications Intern. Kathrine got her internship through a connection with a Scripps PRSSA alum that previously worked in the position. In her time at Welltower, Katherine has been able to take ownership of the projects she has worked on and learned how to work with others at all levels of the company.

Megan Gordin

Megan Gordin is a Communications Assistant at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. Megan began this on-campus position at the end of her freshman year and has held it ever since. Megan’s internship has allowed her to become a more independent worker and has showed her that she is working in the right industry.

Key Takeaways

All of the panelists gave great advice about applying for and holding internships, here are some of the most important tips:

• Ask for help. Whether you have questions about the contents of your resume, class material or a task at work, do not be afraid or hesitate to ask for help.
• Know what you want to gain. As you prepare to begin your internship, consider what skills and experience you hope to gain during your time as an intern.
• Preparation is key. Take the time to create a well-written resume and cover letter, to research the company and position and to think about answers you could give to questions you might be asked during the interview. 
• Make yourself stand out. There are a variety of things you can do to stand out amongst other candidates. Be sure to leverage your skills and connections. Put together a leave-behind portfolio for your interviewer. Mention a connection you have that have experience with the company/position. Most importantly, be your true, authentic self. 
• Apply! Don’t be afraid to apply for any internship, regardless of the industry it’s in or the company it’s for. No internship is too big or too small. If you’re on the edge about applying—do it! You never know who’s going to be interested in you and your skills.
• Don’t give up. The internship application process can be discouraging at times, but it’s important that you don’t give up on applying.

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