Job & Internship

May 2008 Internship Spotlight

Name: Olivia Maiers
Major: Jl MC
Emphasis: Public Relations
Company: Chandler Chicco Agency Santa Monica, California

Duties: While working for global healthcare PR firm Chandler Chicco Agency in Santa Monica, CA, I was able to assist the company by being the main point of contact for all media updates, writing weekly reports for various clients, securing all clips and media, and being the go-to resource for any research. Working with such a successful and intelligent company forced me to always execute quality work.

Two national campaigns I helped out with were for anti-aging skincare products, “PrevageMD” and “VIVITÉ.” Targeting these products primarily to women, I worked with a variety of national magazines and news stations in order to get these products into the media. Tasks included media monitoring, putting together sample baskets, working with key opinion leaders, and helping with the press, video and radio news releases. The hard work paid off and we had our products featured in magazines including Allure, Brides, SELF, and GQ, as well as The Today Show and other news stations.

Most Memorable Experience: I think my entire experience was its own memorable moment, but pitching VIVITÉ to assorted media outlets and seeing the products get picked up by several consumer magazines and national news stations was truly incredible. Also, helping CCA launch their “Be EcoChic” campaign, a campaign created to bring environmental consciousness to a mainstream level, showed me the many steps it takes to bring an idea to reality.

Special Contribution: A great perk of having a company that pulls you into actual accounts is you get to essentially see the fruits of your labor at work. I was able to go through nearly every process known to public relations. For instance, I pitched ideas to media outlets, was put in charge of creating media kits, worked with key opinion leaders on what they were to say to the media, and actively participated in our company brainstorming sessions.

Advice to Future Interns: Although the classes I have taken and the books I have read hit the tip of the PR iceberg, it is because of this internship that I feel much more prepared to enter the job field. Interning is always challenging at the beginning, but don’t get discouraged. Remember that your internship is an extended interview process that will affect your future in the job market and provide many networking opportunities.

Other tips include learning the importance of being a dependable, open-minded and receptive worker. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, get to know your co-workers and learn how to effectively manage your time.

Also, don’t turn in anything that you don’t consider to be great work because remember, you’re representing yourself. Think of all of your experiences, both good and bad, as learning opportunities.

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