While most of RLF’s interns join our team for one semester, some are extended an offer to stay with us for another term as a part-time communications specialist. We are committed to recognizing and rewarding top talent with this opportunity to further students’ learning experiences and hone their skills.
In addition, when we hire entry-level employees, we often look to our intern pool. Students who are engaged and hard working, with the ability to juggle multiple projects at the same time, are among the ones who stand out as strong full-time candidates.
Our final spring intern spotlight is on Erica.
Continue reading “Spring Intern Spotlight: Erica Martin”
Tag: Intern
Spring Intern Spotlight: Marina Panagopulos
At RLF, a large part of our culture revolves around our open door policy. Not only does it foster teamwork and collaboration, but it gives our interns a great opportunity to learn from our senior team.
If interns are curious about the process for developing a billboard ad, they can head over to our creative director’s office. Or if they want to hear all about B2B communications, they can pick the brain of our director of financial & professional services brands. We always strive to be welcoming and open to any questions our interns may have.
Today, our spring intern spotlight is on Marina.
Continue reading “Spring Intern Spotlight: Marina Panagopulos”
Spring Intern Spotlight: Carolyn Kuzmin
One of the goals of RLF’s internship program is to offer students unique opportunities that are beneficial to their professional development. Since networking can be a great asset to young professionals, we recently developed a new program called “Mentoring with Monty.”
During each semester, our interns get the chance to have a one-on-one lunch with RLF’s CEO Monty Hagler and pick his brain about anything from current industry trends to skills valued by employers. Building connections and learning from seasoned professionals can help students tremendously as they begin their job search.
This spring, we are welcoming back former intern Amanda Limoges as a communications specialist, and introducing three new interns to the team: Carolyn Kuzmin, Marina Panagopulos and Erica Martin.
Let’s first meet Carolyn.
Continue reading “Spring Intern Spotlight: Carolyn Kuzmin”
Spring Intern Spotlight: Kara Damiano
Once you’ve decided on a career in public relations, what’s next? Well, there are still many different industries and areas to choose from within the field. For instance, do you want to work for a nonprofit? A government organization? How about a fortune 500 company?
At RLF, we offer interns an inside look at a full-service, strategic communications agency where we work in a variety of industries with companies both large and small. And by exposing students to different aspects of agency life, we can help them narrow down a specific career path based on their interests and goals.
This spring, we are excited to welcome back fall intern Victoria Dolan, as well as introduce three new interns to the team: Kara Damiano, Allie Andrews and Alexandra Obradovich. Our first spotlight is on Kara.
Kara Damiano
I’m a senior at Elon University majoring in strategic communications with minors in business administration and leadership studies. I’m originally from North Reading, Mass., which is just 20 miles north of Boston. My internship and extracurricular activities at Elon keep me very busy, but when I have free time I enjoy being active and traveling with friends and family.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
If I could travel anywhere in the world it would be back to Italy. I studied abroad in Florence the first semester of my junior year and absolutely fell in love. Since the day I was born, I was immersed in Italian culture. My parents were born in Italy and raised my sisters and me with rich family values. It was incredible to travel back to the country that has played such a big role in my character, and experience the joyful, welcoming way of life there. Needless to say the food there was delicious too… I’ve been craving it since the moment I left!
Do you have any hidden talents?
People wouldn’t expect it, but I can eat a lot in one sitting. One time I finished a one-pound burger in less than 15 minutes!
What activities or organizations are you involved in?
I absolutely hate being bored and always try to get involved in as much as possible. At Elon, I am an account executive for Live Oak Communications (Elon’s student-run PR agency), a university guide for the Admissions Office, the historian reporter and recruitment chair of PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America), and I am also a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. This semester, I will be spending my time choreographing a Greek Week Dance for Zeta Tau Alpha, which is a five-minute production featuring more than 50 girls and performed in front of our peers!
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston! As a girl who spent more than 15 hours a week in dance classes growing up, I have a passion for dancing. When “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” comes on, people can’t help but dance to it! It is one of those songs that can instantly make you be happy and want to have fun.
What advice would you give someone looking for a PR internship?
Never underestimate the power of networking. Almost every opportunity I have had in the industry, I obtained by reaching out to people I had mutual connections with. Contacting people that work at companies you are interested in prior to applying there is a great way to make yourself stand out from other applicants. Even if the conversation doesn’t lead to an internship, it’s still great interview practice!
Follow Kara online at @KaraDamiano or karadamiano.wordpress.com.
To apply for an internship at RLF, please send cover letters, resumes and writing samples to interns@rlfcommunications.com.
Fall Intern Spotlight: Kate Cheney
Trying to land the perfect PR internship? Don’t forget to show off your writing samples!
At RLF, we look for interns with writing experience. Lots of it. This can range from drafting press releases at a prior PR internship, to compiling clips from classroom assignments, to even creating content for your own personal blog.
Writing plays a big role in our internship program as interns work side by side with RLF team members to draft media advisories, press releases, social media content and advertising copy. So don’t forget to brush up on your AP Style!
Our last fall intern spotlight is on Kate Cheney.
Kate Cheney
I’m a senior strategic communications major and history minor at Elon University. I’m from Williston, Vermont, a town right outside Burlington. While school and interning keep me very busy, I like to spend my free time outdoors and traveling with my friends and family. When I graduate this spring, I plan on searching for a job in public relations and building my career from there!
What is your dream job?
Doing PR for a big museum. I’m a communications major and a history minor so this seems like the perfect combination!
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
Abe Lincoln. I love history, so I would definitely like to have a conversation with such an influential figure.
What is a fun fact about you?
I was born and raised in Vermont and have lived there my whole life.
What is your favorite blog?
I don’t have a favorite blog in particular, but I have a few lifestyle, health/fitness, and fashion/beauty blogs I like to browse when I have a chance.
What is your favorite part of interning at RLF so far?
I like being able to learn about different industries and work for several companies all in a day’s work!
To apply for an internship at RLF, please send cover letters, resumes and writing samples to interns@rlfcommunications.com.
Fall Intern Spotlight: Victoria Dolan
Branding is an integral part of any organization’s success. How do we want our consumers and clients to think and feel about our services? This is a question we ask ourselves every day at RLF. Branding also stretches beyond business into the hiring process. How do we want potential employees and interns to think of us?
Here at RLF, we are proud to offer a hands-on internship program for college students year-round. Our interns are given real-world experience through their active involvement in agency brainstorming sessions and team meetings, and public relations and advertising work.
This fall, we are excited to welcome back summer interns Liz Jester and Heather Harder, as well as introduce two new interns to the team: Victoria Dolan and Kate Cheney. Let’s first meet Victoria.
Victoria Dolan
I am a senior marketing major with communication and classical studies minors at Elon University. Although I have lived in a number of different cities and states, I call Connecticut my home. When I am not studying, I spend most of my time running, reading or updating my personal blog.
What is your dream job?
My ideal job would be an integrated marketing manager or a social media manager in the fashion industry. I love fashion and working in fast-paced environments.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would have to be Jenna Lyons or Ashton Kutcher. Last semester I did a project on J.Crew’s management and became obsessed with Jenna Lyon’s creative direction and style. She is the definition of cool, and Ashton Kutcher is just hysterical.
What is a fun fact about you?
Last fall I studied abroad in Barcelona. I miss it every day!
What is your favorite blog?
I am obsessed with a lot of fashion blogs but my daily read is Pink Peonies. I adore the author’s classic style, and I find it easy to translate it into my own wardrobe.
What is your favorite part of interning at RLF so far?
Outside of the close-knit work environment, I have enjoyed all of the writing assignments I have been given. I have always loved writing, and RLF has given me the opportunity to challenge my skills through writing pitches and blog posts for clients.
Follow Victoria online at @victoriaadolan.
To apply for an internship at RLF, please send cover letters, resumes and writing samples to interns@rlfcommunications.com.
Summer Intern Spotlight: Heather Harder
How do RLF interns gain real-world agency experience? They work on a variety of projects for clients in industries ranging from travel and tourism to commercial real estate. An average day might be spent writing a pitch for a national publication or joining an interactive team meeting to discuss project updates.
Our last summer intern spotlight is on Heather.
Heather Harder
I am a strategic communications major at Elon University. As an active Public Relations Student Society of America member and leader, I have been able to travel across the country and learn from public relations leaders. When I’m not practicing public relations, I like to spend time outdoors swimming and hiking.
What is an important lesson you have learned in college?
You can’t do everything. Set priorities, and choose to pursue the things that matter most to you professionally and personally.
What is your dream job?
Media and presentation trainer. I love public speaking and interviewing.
Which summer flick are you most excited about seeing in the theater?
I’m more excited to catch up on old movies, but I’m a Johnny Depp fan, so I’ll say “The Lone Ranger.”
What is a fun fact about you?
I grew up on a wheat farm in eastern Washington.
What is your favorite part of being an intern at RLF so far?
I like the sense of a small community where everyone collaborates on projects. Everyone is very supportive here.
Follow Heather online at @HeathHarder.
To apply for an internship at RLF, please send cover letters, resumes and writing samples to interns@rlfcommunications.com.
Summer Intern Spotlight: Liz Jester
RLF holds an intern boot camp each summer to introduce new interns to best industry practices and past agency projects. Our team members give interactive presentations on social media, advertising, media relations, crisis communications and more. RLF President Monty Hagler recently shared tips he learned at a WORLDCOM global partners meeting in South Korea two months ago.
RLF has four enthusiastic interns this summer. Today’s spotlight is on Liz.
Liz Jester
I am a rising senior at Elon University. I come from Atlanta and am majoring in marketing and international business.
What is an important lesson you have learned in college?
An important lesson I have learned in college is that the older you get, the better it is to be unique. In high school I always thought I was supposed to be normal, but college has taught me that a person’s quirks can help them in their personal and professional life.
What is your dream job?
My dream job would probably be sports or travel related – maybe even both if I’m lucky! I would love to do marketing, brand management, or PR in either of the industries I mentioned, or at an agency.
Which summer flick are you most excited about seeing in the theater?
The movie I most want to see this summer is “Monsters University.” I love Pixar movies. It comes out on my sister’s birthday so hopefully she’ll let me drag her to see it as a “present.”
What is a fun fact about you?
I spent five months last fall as an exchange student in Singapore. I got to travel throughout Southeast Asia during my time there.
What is your favorite part of being an intern at RLF so far?
So far, I love the upbeat atmosphere and how friendly everyone is. I also like getting to do hands-on work; I feel like I have already learned so many new things, particularly about media relations.
Follow Liz online at @elizjester.
To apply for an internship at RLF, please send cover letters, resumes and writing samples to interns@rlfcommunications.com.
Summer Intern Spotlight: Trey Newstedt
Not only are internships important for learning valuable industry skills, but also for building diverse portfolios. At RLF, we encourage our interns to keep track of each press release they write, media list they build, and research document they create. These work examples are perfect for creating a portfolio to show future employers.
RLF welcomes four interns to the office this summer. Our second intern spotlight is on Trey.
Trey Newstedt
I graduated from Elon University on May 25 with a major in strategic communications. I am from Winston-Salem, the birth place of Krispy Kreme.
What is an important lesson you have learned in college?
The most important lesson I learned in college was how valuable relationships are. It is important to develop meaningful relationships, both personally and professionally. Strong relationships are what made my college experience so memorable.
What is your dream job?
My dream job would be PR, advertising or marketing for something related to sports, but especially golf. I would really like to work for the PGA Tour because I really want to go to The Masters.
Which summer flick are you most excited about seeing in the theater?
I’m excited about “The Internship” with Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson. They were great together in “Wedding Crashers” and I’m hoping they’re just as good this time around.
What is a fun fact about you?
I studied abroad in London for three months in the fall of 2011. While in London, I also interned at a boutique PR agency.
What is your favorite part of being an intern at RLF so far?
I like the fact that we’re able to participate in real world media relations. It vastly improves your communications skills when you have to get the attention of journalists.
Follow Trey online at @trey_newstedt.
To apply for an internship at RLF, please send cover letters, resumes and writing samples to interns@rlfcommunications.com.
Summer Intern Spotlight: Cody Jeffery
When hiring entry-level employees, public relations agencies look for candidates with great communication and writing skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and most importantly, internship experience.
At RLF, we are proud to offer a hands-on internship program for college students during the spring, summer and fall semesters. Our interns gain real-world experience while working with seasoned professionals on public relations, marketing and advertising projects.
This summer, we are excited to welcome four interns to the agency: Cody Jeffery, Liz Jester, Trey Newstedt and Heather Harder. Let’s meet Cody first.
Cody Jeffery
I am currently a rising sophomore at Meredith College and I am majoring in business administration with minors in communications, economics and professional writing. I am from a tiny map-dot town called Silk Hope where Farmer’s Day is the most anticipated event of the year and truck pulls are the epicenters of social life. My life revolves around riding horses and giving lessons, and I hope to one day work for an equine publication.
What is an important lesson you have learned in college?
Although I’ve only finished my first year of college, I have learned that money management is key to survival. I came to school with obsessive time management and organizational skills, but my ability to save money was less than perfect. I suppose driving a vehicle that got more than 12 mpg would have helped!
What is your dream job?
Without a doubt, my dream job is to become an equestrian journalist or editor for a quarter horse publication. Fusing my two passions of horses and journalism would be a dream come true any day for me.
Which summer flick are you most excited about seeing in the theater?
I’m not a big movie person, but I love going to country concerts in the summer. In July, one of my best friends and I are going to see the Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, and Thompson Square concert.
What is a fun fact about you?
I have a lot of fun facts: I’m left-handed; I drive an old manual F-150; my mom is an Irish immigrant; I don’t have a middle name; I’ve never had the chicken pox or a broken bone; and my horse’s name is Red Velvet because she’s fat and red like a red velvet cake!
What is your favorite part of being an intern at RLF so far?
I love the laid-back atmosphere and being able to write as a part of my daily job.
Follow Cody online at @c_o_d_y_j.
Stay tuned the rest of the week to meet our other three summer interns. To apply for an internship at RLF, please send cover letters, resumes and writing samples to interns@rlfcommunications.com.