Fall Intern Spotlight: Amanda Limoges

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.
At RLF, we urge our interns to brush up on their AP Style, proof their work and build a portfolio of samples to show future employers. The ability to write a clear, concise media advisory or draft a fresh, versatile marketing plan is a must-have quality in the PR field.
Our final fall intern spotlight is on Amanda.

Amanda Limoges

I grew up in Philadelphia, but now I spend my time between North Carolina, Florida and the Jersey Shore. I am a senior at Elon University studying strategic communications with minors in professional writing and professional sales. I love to write, travel and I am always trying something new, whether it is training for a half marathon or learning to cook a new recipe.

How did you spend your summer?

I spent my summer interning at a boutique public relations firm in NYC, Sarah Hall Productions. During my weekends off, I split my time between exploring the limitless things New York has to offer, visiting my family and spending time at the beach, and jetting all over the East Coast to visit friends!

What is your dream job?

I plan to move to Washington, D.C. when I graduate and work at a top integrated marketing communications agency. My dream job down the road, however, would be to own my own communications firm!

Do you have any hidden talents?

I have an abnormally good memory and incredible face recognition. I could run into someone 60 years down the road and just see their eyes, and know who it is in an instant!

What food could you eat every day and never get sick of?

Sticky. Bread. Pudding. I’m just obsessed with bread pudding and sweets to begin with. I used to work at a bakery at the beach!

What advice would you give to college students looking for internships?

While RLF’s internship was posted online, many are not. If you want to work somewhere, you have to make it happen. Call the company and use all the contacts you have to get your foot in the door. Then you need to “wow” them in the interview. Show your personality, but also remain professional, and people will instantly like you.
Follow Amanda online at amandaklimoges.wordpress.com.

To apply for an internship at RLF, please send cover letters, resumes and writing samples to interns@rlfcommunications.com.

RLF Internship Program Gives Students Tangible, Hands-on PR Experience

By Alyssa Bedrosian

Just a few decades ago, attending college and having a decent GPA were enough to begin a career at a solid company. Fast forward to 2014, and the world of entry-level positions is more competitive than ever before, with companies seeking out college graduates who have significant, real-life work experience.

For public relations and communications majors, this means finding internships that allow students to do more than just pick up coffee and make copies. Public relations agencies, nonprofits and corporate communications departments are looking for individuals who know how to write, pitch, think strategically, manage social media, maintain a brand’s reputation and work collaboratively within a team. At RLF, we understand the importance of providing students with a quality, hands-on internship that prepares them to enter the ever-changing world of PR.

RLF is a small, full-service strategic communications agency, and because of the size and scope of our work, interns have the opportunity to experience the day-to-day activities of client account teams (starting with the signing of a confidentiality agreement). Under the close supervision and mentorship of RLF staff, our interns have the opportunity to write press releases, create ad copy, compile media lists, pitch reporters, attend brainstorming sessions, manage social media accounts, conduct client research and assist with the implementation of special events. Interns are also compensated for their work upon successful completion of the program.

We are proud to say that many of our former interns are already excelling in the industry. One former intern recently had an article featured in PR Daily, a leading public relations outlet, while another is working for a top public relations agency in New York City.

Finding the right job requires an intricate balancing act of maintaining a high GPA, gaining quality leadership and career experience, preparing for interviews, and knowing the right people. Yet in the end, hands-on experience in the industry trumps all. Our goal is to transform classroom lessons into tangible work for our interns – and ultimately lead them down a successful career path.

To apply for an internship at RLF, send a resume, cover letter 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.