By Zoe Doane
As I sit at home on the last day of my internship with Heron Agency, I want to reflect on my time at this amazing agency over the past four months. Even with the sudden and unexpected change our world has experienced in the last few months, social distancing didn’t stop me from learning as much as I could about the public relations industry, agency life and the ins and outs of the role of a PR professional.
I’ve loved every second of my internship experience at Heron. Noreen and the entire team welcomed me with open arms. They loved answering my questions about anything to help me in the PR industry. The internship program has helped transform my skills in writing, interpersonal skills and organization. I learned how to write enticing press releases and pitches. The program pushed me to succeed. I wanted to be a great asset to the team and get real experience and I have learned that what you put in is what you get out, and I am grateful.
My first day at Heron was a great day. When I entered the office, the team had their weekly lunch and themed workday: pajama day! Noreen and the whole agency, including my soon-to-be fellow interns, were rocking their PJs. It immediately put me at ease and saw that the group could have fun and that Noreen truly cares about her employees.
Heron Agency is a family and I am so glad that I got to be part of it. Noreen has truly inspired me to pursue anything that I put my mind to. Through hard work and determination, she has made her agency as one of the top PR agencies in Chicago. She has taught me that is crucial to go above and beyond with your clients and for your team members.
One of my favorite experiences at Heron was finding out one of my pitches was picked up for a client in RedEye Chicago. It showed all my hard work was paying off and I was so excited to get my first placement with the help of my supervisor Megan Gasper. She has helped me grow as a PR professional and as a communicator. During COVID-19, the Heron team still made sure I was getting a beneficial experience from working at home, ensuring that I was communicated with effectively, given projects that I could execute outside of the office and always checking in to see how I was doing.
Especially as a graduating senior, I will take all the skills that I have attained and apply them to my professional career in my new chapter of life. I am sad to leave, but I know that it is not goodbye. I will always remember my experience at Heron during this semester. I am forever grateful for these wonderful experiences and making new connections. As I journey forward, even during uncertain times, I look forward to what the future will bring.
Thanks for this priceless experience, Heron Agency!
