Our spring intern, Niveen Saleh, gives us an inside look into her experience working at Heron PR this semester.
From crafting press releases and pitching stories, to attending press openings and live radio segments, Niveen tell us about her all around experience working at the agency and what her future has in store for her after graduation.
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn,” is the Benjamin Franklin quote that comes to mind when I think of my amazing experience at Heron PR. Disclaimer: I have really exciting news at the end.
When I first started as a public relations intern, I was your typical college senior, filled to the brim with feelings of confusion, worry, and excitement. I knew that an internship would be the perfect way to channel that beautiful mess of emotions, but I still had no idea what to expect from this opportunity and no clue about my future. But according to every adult in my life, I will spend my whole life figuring that out. Yikes.
Before I tell you all about the exciting memories I’ve made, I want to underline the fact that I was a completely different person before I began my internship. First and foremost, I had trouble with my confidence and gaining that proved to be essential; participating in a classroom discussion is nothing like contributing to a successful agency. So, if I can tell my fellow undergrads anything of use – gain your confidence and the opportunities will rush toward you.
In these past few months, what I thoroughly enjoyed most about working for Heron PR is the relevant, real-world experience I gained. Every week I had a new skill that I could showcase on my resume. Whether I crafted press releases, pitched stories to the media, attended event openings, or networked with clients, I soaked everything in happily.
I firmly believe that the seamlessness of the experience was because Heron PR trusted me with urgent responsibilities and treated me like an employee. Never did I feel as though there were any difference between myself and other staff members; we were a team and every intern played an important role in that dynamic. This type of learning was nothing like I was used to, the entire process was progressive, encouraging, and ever-growing…and that’s how it should always be.
Anyone’s senior year of college is a sentimental and unforgettable time, and now that I am going to graduate in a couple of weeks, I couldn’t be more appreciative of Heron PR. I learned public relations from the best and I couldn’t have found a more perfect place to grow both professionally and personally.
And now for the good news I promised – With the confidence I gained, the new skills I can offer, and the amazing kick start that Heron PR gave to my career, I was just recently offered a position as a Public Relations Associates at an agency located in Northbrook. And for all those who are wondering, I squealed like a little girl when I got the news.
I am beyond grateful to Noreen and her team for granting me this opportunity, and happy to blog about my adventurous (to say the least!) semester. This is an agency who puts pride into their work, cares for their clients, and anyone would be fortunate to know them. Thank you again Heron PR.
-Niveen Saleh
Very insightful!