While internships can help recent graduates get their foot in the corporate door, they are a necessity for PR hopefuls. According to PR Daily, 66 percent of employers say that relevant work experience is the most important factor in their hiring decision. And we agree.
At RLF we strive to give our interns valuable work experience to help their transition into the workforce. By giving them the opportunity to draft press releases, help manage social media accounts and be active participants in meetings and brainstorming sessions, we hope to lead them down the path to post-grad success.
This fall, we are excited to welcome back summer intern Alex Rossetti, as well as introduce two new interns to the team: Taylor Smith and Amanda Limoges. Our first spotlight is on Taylor.
Taylor Smith
I am originally from Pittsburgh, but I have been spending a lot of time in North Carolina and plan to move here after graduation. I am a senior at High Point University studying strategic communications and event management. I am an active member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, Lambda Pi Eta-Communications Honor Society and the Public Relations Student Society of America. When I have free time, I like to read biographies and memoirs, write and attend yoga classes.
How did you spend your summer?
During the summer I traveled abroad to London, Paris, Bruges, Amsterdam, Switzerland, Venice, Florence and Rome! I studied European art and architecture, and really enjoyed the amazing food and beautiful sites. When I wasn’t traveling around Europe, I spent time with my family and our new puppy, and attended several country concerts with friends. I also worked at Hallmark where I have worked for almost six years!
What is your dream job?
My dream job would be to either work for a large PR agency that deals with clients in the fashion industry, or be a publicist for celebrities because I love all things pop culture.
Do you have any hidden talents?
From first grade until 10th grade I was a competitive figure skater, and after that I taught children the basics of ice skating. I haven’t been on the ice in awhile, but I’m sure I could still do some jumps and spins!
What food could you eat every day and never get sick of?
Not food per se, but I love tea and coffee. My Keurig is the best investment I’ve made since starting college.
What advice would you give to college students looking for internships?
Do not be afraid to put yourself out there and make connections. Networking is a great tool that can take you the extra mile. A simple way to network is to keep in contact with past employers or professors. Many college professors still have connections in the industry, and are usually more than willing to help students succeed.
Follow Taylor online at @Tay_Smithfc.
To apply for an internship at RLF, please send cover letters, resumes and writing samples to interns@rlfcommunications.com.
RLF recently held its annual summer intern bootcamp to welcome three new interns to the team. In an effort to introduce students to the company and give them insight into communications tasks they will complete, team members gave short presentations on industry topics. For example, Vice President Michelle Rash shared tips for making the most out of an internship at RLF and Communications Manager Alyssa Bedrosian pointed out effective uses of social media.
From drafting press releases to crafting social media posts, working in the communications field requires plenty of writing. And it’s especially important for students to develop and improve skills during their internships.