As we mentioned before, PDXSX is continuing to interview and highlight some of the talented young professionals interning in the SX program. As always, in addition to a professional and personal spotlight, you will be able to download a copy of the individual’s resume.
This week, PDXSX is incredibly lucky to be able to feature Ms. Ali Fishner. Not only is Ali interning at R/West Communications, but she is also leading her internal academic Turnbull PR team who are in the midst building a remarkable fair-trade social media campaign for 10,000 Villages and several of their partner organizations in Portland.
Now let’s see what the talented Ms. Fishner has to say!
Professional
Where are you spending your SX internship?
R/West Communications
Have you had previous internships, if so, where?
Previous to the Senior Experience (SX) I have interned for:
- The Ulum Group
- Grrrlz Rock! Concert Series
- Eugene Adaptive Recreation Services
- MR Magazine in New York
What do you like the best about your internship?
I love the atmosphere and the people! Because R/West is a boutique, full-service marketing, design, and public relations agency it has a unique team-centered atmosphere. To add to this, having in-house design outlets enables the public relations department to be as creative as our minds and clients allow. The cohesiveness at R/West even filters to media relations, where we have extremely strong relationships with prominent media resources.
What do you find most challenging about your internship?
As with any new job, it is always a challenge to learn the ropes of the company and clientele. In a given day I may work on projects with up to four clients. I have to know each client’s history, markets, target audiences, and relationship with R/West in order to produce quality work.
What is one piece of advice you might give someone looking to participate in the SX program?
As coined by Nike, “Just Do It!” There is no such thing as bad experience. Even if you intern at a company you can’t envision yourself staying at for the next 20 years, you never leave an internship without learning something about your profession or yourself.
What is something new you have learned as a result of your SX internship?
I have learned the importance of communicating and sharing knowledge within an agency. Every day I receive e-mails from others in my department discussing interesting news pertaining to our clients or inspiration for future promotions. Sharing this knowledge lets us keep on top of what is going on so we can give our clients a competitive edge.
How do you think your internship has better prepared you to enter the professional world?
Let me count the ways… Above all else, I have learned more efficient PR processes. Each company or organization I have interned for uses different methods for reaching the media, sending press releases, and organizing research. The more I am exposed to these different methods, the greater knowledge I gain about how to maximize time and efficiency.
What is one thing you wish you would have known before starting your SX internship?
Honestly, I wish I would have known the Portland area a little more. The first few weeks I got lost too many times to count. Sometimes the beauty of living in a new place is discovering your own way, but sometimes it’s just darn right frustrating.
How do you believe social media has or will change your industry?
This is the most common question in public relations right now. For most PR professionals, if you don’t know social media you might as well step out of the game. The economy is pushing companies to try alternative methods for reaching a greater population without digging deeper into their wallets, and social media is the answer.
For the rest of Ali’s interview, please click here.
May 20, 2009 at 2:25 am |
[...] Here’s a post from my Professor, Josh Netzer, about my experience with the Senior Experience offered through the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication: Read the Article Here! [...]