Today’s Internship Ideas focuses on Senior Communication Studies major Emma Gallagher. Many of you may know Emma because she has done a wonderful job serving as President of Lambda Pi Eta for the past year (I’ve heard that she answers to “Madame President” in addition to “Emma”). Here we go…
Q: What is the name of the company where you intern and what do they do?
Emma: “I am currently interning at Andrew Freeman & Co. (AF&Co.), which is a restaurant and hotel public relations and marketing firm in the SOMA district of San Francisco.”
Q: How did you find this internship?
Emma: “I came across this internship on craigslist while searching for a spring semester internship. But before applying I contacted a friend and USF alumn who I knew was currently working for AF&Co. She confirmed that the company was looking for a PR intern and encouraged me to apply. She had me send over my cover letter and resume and personally delivered it to the head of PR with her recommendation. It’s all about connections!”
Q: Why did you choose to intern at AF&Co.?
Emma: “I chose to intern at AF&Co. because my background and main focus is in the food and wine industry. My previous internship was with a wine PR firm and so working with restaurants and hotels was the perfect next step. I hope to remain working within the lifestyle and hospitality area of PR.”
Q: What do you do on a regular basis at your internship?
Emma: “I work every other day during the week at my internship and so each day is a surprise! I work mostly with one account manager in the PR department and report to her for assignments. So far I have worked a fair amount on drafting press releases, creating client biographies, updating and maintaining clients social media accounts, creating media lists, scanning print media where clients are represented, checking google alerts and newsletters for clients, and delivering materials to hotels and journalists in the SF area.”
Q: What have you learned from this internship?
Emma: “Thus far I have learned by experience what a larger PR firm addresses for clients and what their goals are within the industry. Personally, I have developed a better understanding of social media, client events, local media outlets, and writing to pitch to media.”
Q: What advice do you have for other students looking for an internship?
Emma: “I would advise other students to reach out to Professors, alumni, and others already established in the industry in which you hope to enter. Any kind of personal connection you can have with an industry professional or company can help you stand out in the crowd of applicants. Once starting an internship make sure that you are always on time (or early!), be humble and willing to do whatever it takes or is asked of you, stay focused in the office, and dress professionally. If you have some time before graduating I would suggest trying to experience more than one internship. Being able to compare two experiences can really help to clarify what is a good fit for you before you start your career.”
Senior Emma Gallagher working hard at her internship
Thanks, Emma, for sharing your experience and advice! You have left big shoes to fill for future Lambda Pi Eta presidents!
Yay! Emma! Hope the internship leads to more! We’ll miss you around here, though 🙂