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Summer Internship Series: Kelsey Pohlman

June 27, 2016

Summer Internship Series: Kelsey Pohlman

Kelsey Pohlman

Strategic Communication Major, Public Relations Intern, SBC Advertising

Public relations professionals continuously repeat the same phrases: “Make sure you know what you like,” “Try out everything before you apply for a job!” and “What sector do you want to work in?” When I hear these adages from professionals far more experienced than I, all I want to say is, “that’s what I am trying to do!” or “I am figuring it out!” It can be frustrating when you are attempting to get all of this experience while people keep telling you just how important that experience is.

It sucks, but it is totally true. I am a senior graduating in December and I recently started my third internship. To some people, I am underachieving, and to others, I am trying way too hard. Either way, I am happy with where I am and I have enjoyed every internship experience I have had so far.

My summer internship
This summer, I am interning in the Public Relations department at SBC Advertising in downtown Columbus. Before this, I was a hostess, a server, a customer experience specialist, an associate and a partnership coordinator. In this internship, I finally have the job title I have always wanted: Public Relations Intern.

My first day at SBC was May 9. On my first day, one of the coordinators had the other intern and I take a selfie together somewhere in the office, and then come up with a list of expectations for the internship and what I hope to get out of it. Most of what I wrote are things I have already done in my short month at SBC: plan events and lead their execution, build solid relationships with our clients and have creative freedom over pieces I write. I am overjoyed this agency lifestyle allows me to do all of this and more.

Interning at SBC Advertising

I had never experienced agency life and that was the most exciting part about starting this internship – being exposed to something new. I am one of those annoying people who hates downtime and loves being busy. Agency life is just that. My hours were set in stone at the beginning of the internship, but I end up coming and going at a different time each day. I work on a multitude of communications projects, for various clients, most who have nothing in common with one another. I write blog posts, press releases and pitches, I brainstorm with a team, plan events and research media lists and new ways to get our clients involved with their audience. That is just the tip of the iceberg to what I do at SBC.

I have made friends with my PR colleagues, I have been constantly busy with various projects and I have loved it. I can’t wait to see what the next two months at SBC have in store for me!

Meet all of the 2016 summer intern bloggers and read about their experiences.