Name: Emma Hynek
Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC
Major: Mass Communications
Tell us about your internship at North:
I am a Public Relations and Marketing Intern for North. I have been with the firm since June and I absolutely love it! I get the opportunity to have hands-on experience working with clients on a variety of communications and media related projects. I also assist with external company projects, which gives me a unique perspective into a wide range of daily public relations duties.
What’s been your most challenging task so far?
One of the challenges I have faced during my internship is learning the ins and outs of working with different clients. Each client has their own way of doing things, with different audiences, and unique PR needs, but each requires our best effort to be put forth. It has been a challenge learning to balance each client at first, but is a crucial part of the job.
How has your internship connected with your coursework?
I am a Mass Communications major, so I have classes in several different communications sectors. I am able to see how the things I have learned in my classes are applicable to my internship, and vice versa. Having this internship has given me more insight into what I’m learning in school and has also taught me how to combine my education and work experience in a way that is beneficial for my future public relations career.
What has been your favorite thing about your internship?
My favorite part of this internship is the real-world experience I’m getting and the fact that I learn something new every week. Each day at North is different. Some days I’m working on an event for a client, doing graphic design or editing a blog post while the next I could be working on North’s brand strategy and social media or an advertising campaign. I love that I have been given a large amount of responsibility and that I have learned to work in a fast-paced environment!
What have you learned about yourself?
My internship at North has allowed me to realize how much I am capable of, both professionally and personally. I have realized that public relations is something I can excel at and succeed in and this motivates me each day to put forth my best work. Though this year has been difficult and has brought some big changes, my internship (and the North team!) have taught me that I can balance many different things in my life and still be successful.
How has this internship increased your professional confidence?
When I first began looking for a summer internship, I wasn’t sure what I would find as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. I hadn’t been looking for a public relations internship specifically but when North hired me, I was grateful to have found something in the communications field. I quickly realized that this was the best opportunity I could have gotten. I immediately loved the work I was doing and realized I want to pursue a career in public relations. My internship at North has prepared me for a variety of professional opportunities. I have learned so much about the industry over the last five months and am confident in my ability to transfer my intern experience over into the professional world.
What advice do you have for those looking for an internship in this field?
Take advantage of the opportunities you are offered! Reach out to people, ask questions and put yourself out there. This is a time to learn, and the experience you will gain from an internship is valuable. You never know what kind of opportunities you will find along the way!
