When shared, stories and experiences build strong connections. That’s what we do every day with our clients, the media and influencers we work with and through the content we create–build connections.
Today, our intern Hana is sharing a bit of her story, detailing her career journey and experience while working here.
If you don’t give your body time to recoup, you won’t be able to provide the best work possible.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT ABOUT YOURSELF!
My name is Hana DeMent, and I recently moved to Austin, TX but was raised in Sacramento, CA. At the age of 15, I began working and haven’t stopped since! By holding two to three jobs at a time while going to school full time, I quickly gained important skills in balancing a full schedule (as I later found–critical for a career in PR!). In the little free time that I did have, I enjoyed things like baking, crafting, photography and videography.
I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism with a focus in public relations from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. While in school, I completed a professional program as a digital producer at Cronkite News. I became knowledgeable in SEO and keyword research tools and hashtag research. I also gained experience in using Adobe programs such as Photoshop, Premiere, Muse, InDesign, and Illustrator, along with many other media research, creation and distribution programs.
I hope to continue with my passion in public speaking, relationship building and storytelling within my PR career.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE US FOR AN INTERNSHIP?
You stood out to me in the search for an internship mainly because of the industries that they support. During my time here, I have been able to research a large number of beauty, health, and organic food and beverage companies across the country–all industries I’d like to continue working in.
TELL US A FEW OF THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNED.
Communication is especially important while in an internship. This is a time where you are learning. The company that you are working with is there to help. If you feel stuck and don’t know which way to go, you just need to ask. Speaking up also ensures that everyone is on the same page and ready to move forward.
Using your personal voice is also important. Although a lot of my background is in journalism, PR is a completely different type of writing. Not always going by the book and including some personality in a piece of writing can actually be helpful. It shows readers that you’re relatable, and depending on the circumstances, writing that is a little less formal can create a stronger connection.
Shauna, the founder, also provides a lot of great advice. One tip that really stood out to me was “listen to your body and mind.” This industry can require a lot of hours and hard work, but if you don’t give your body time to recoup, you won’t be able to provide the best work possible.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS WHO MIGHT BE LOOKING FOR A PR INTERNSHIP?
Time management is important in pretty much anything that you are trying to do, but it is extremely important in an internship. If you’re like me, you’ll be doing your internship along with a part-time job and finishing school. So find a way to manage all of the different tasks that need completed.
Apply apply apply. Even if you don’t think that you qualify, apply because you never know what kind of opportunities and offers you will get.
Sharing and listening to each others stories helps us create environments where people feel invited and included, generating excitement to be there. I feel it as an intern here and hope that you feel it wherever your career path takes you.
