As I reflect on my time with Brock Communications, I look back at the person who walked through the front door for an interview. I realize that I now have a completely different perspective. No longer am I nervous and skeptical to enter “the real world”, but now find myself excited for new opportunities
I learned so much from my internship this summer and few interns can say that they were truly taught mostly through experience. Here are five key things I learned:
Organization, planning, attention to detail.
During my first month with Brock, I was able to attend my very first business trip to South Naples for a client’s grand opening event. Not as simple as a ‘to do’ list, planning an event requires time and attention to detail.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew; be selective.
I learned the importance of this at a strategic planning meeting with one of our clients. Stepping stones are important because they lead you one bit closer to achieving a goal. Being a small company, Brock has to choose quality over quantity every day and I believe that the same principles can be applied to alternative decisions.
How to separate the “fluff” from useful information.
This lesson is personally excruciating to admit because of my creative writing background. The multiple drafts of press releases and overwhelming amounts of red pen all point to an adjective-loving writer. Deciphering what information is useful and what is simply “fluff” is a huge skill in the PR field, and another lesson I learned from first-hand experience.
Importance of deadlines
Another rude awakening from the memoir of a creative writer: you don’t have all week to write. In the world of public relations, information not only needs to be full of useful information, but it also has to be in the hands of the press – pronto. I am still learning the art of fast-paced writing, however being put in situations that require deadlines helped me inch closer to that skill.
Don’t run away from “the new thing”.
Whether it’s technology, social media, or even a new app – embrace change. I consider myself to be old fashioned (I still use a paper calendar and refuse to update my iPhone). Brock has taught me not to hide from change but instead, embrace it.
Brock Communications has an atmosphere that can only be described as contagious. Working with such talented professionals gave me the confidence and competitiveness that I need to start my senior year and begin looking for my place in the workforce. Thank you, Brock Team!