How PRSSA Helped This Student Get Her Internship!
By: Lilibeth Orozco
November 30, 2020
Jacqueline Garcia shares her personal experience on how CSUN PRSSA has helped her get her fall internship. She explains the different workshops, guest speakers and lessons that became a resource during the interview and currently in the internship now! Read more about her growth, aspirations and personal experience at PRSSA!
Q: How long have you been in PRSSA? What has your experience been so far?
A: I’ve been going to PRSSA meetings since junior year, fall semester 2019. I’ve been attending meetings as much as possible, but I am a mother of a 3-year-old, so whenever I get the chance I try to go! I love attending all the meetings to get all the beneficial aspects PRSSA has to offer. With the membership, I’ve really enjoyed accessing all the workshops and guest speaker events. I feel like PRSSA gives us an opportunity to check out the crucial tools to pave our careers in public relations.
Q: What industry of PR do you want to get into? (A little about her)
A: I’m still discovering which niche of PR I feel best fit for, but I’m really interested in fashion, non-profit, or entertainment. One thing I really like about PRSSA is that the club brings in a lot of different professionals from different backgrounds and I’m able to learn what interests me from each experience. I’ve always wanted to make my career purposeful and help others, which is why non-profit really catches my eye. I want to feel good doing my job! I recently landed my first internship at CreatorsTVOnline and it’s in the fashion PR realm. This internship really allows me to tap into my creative side and I was able to develop an idea that launched yesterday, it’s called “Fashion Meets Meditation”. I was really happy I was able to create this event that helped people who are feeling stressed or anxious during these hectic times gain some tips on wellness and guided meditation while still connecting it to streetwear fashion.
Q: Why did you join PRSSA? How did you find out about us?
A: I found out about PRSSA in one of my classes with Professor Zheng. One day, she announced how there was a club for PR students and when I went to my academic advisement, I ran into the past president and she connected me to the newsletter for the first meeting information. After the first meeting, I fell in love and thought, “this is my place, I need to be here and be surrounded by the people in this meeting.” The people are really there to help you out by networking with guest speakers, learning their journeys and listening to the best tips on skill sets I need to know. I also appreciate how the club informs me of what to expect in my career without the myths or rumors.
Q: Which workshops were the most helpful in getting you your internship?
A: I feel like the Pitching 101 workshop really helped me out because now I understand what pitching looks like, how to pitch, and how to go about it. My internship now requires me to pitch to journalists and PRSSA helped me learn that skill!
Q: What has been your favorite workshop/event?
A: My favorite event so far has been the NBC Recruiter & PRo Speaker Series event. It was very helpful, and I was able to learn in-house PR as well as talk to the VP and pick his brain. This event also taught me a lesson because I actually did go through the NBC interview process, but I got stumped when it came to the writing section. Although, after that meeting, I was able to talk to the recruiters and learned what I did wrong and what I can change for future interviews. These events and workshops teach you a lot of things that aren’t usually taught in a PR class.
Q: Favorite speaker?
A: It would have to be the NBC recruiters because they work in an industry I’d love to get into and during that meeting, I learned from my past mistakes.
Q: What has been one of the most important lessons of PR that you learned in PRSSA?
A: I think the most important lesson I’ve learned through PRSSA is the value of networking. If I have a question or need a favor, I know I have a group of people in PRSSA who can help me out. I think getting to know as many people as possible in the PR world is crucial.
Q: What is something you hope to learn more about in your internship?
A: I hope to learn more about the industry as a whole. There’s so much more for me to learn and try new things! The PR industry has so much to offer and I want to get that hands-on experience. I’m hoping to polish some skills like my written communication, drafting pitches and creating a stronger network.
Q: What’s next for Jacqueline? Some top goals right now?
A: My top goals right now are getting an internship for the spring and making sure I get back on the Dean's list! As for long term goals, I just want to evolve and grow, even if it’s reaching little milestones, I know I’m growing. I want to avoid being stagnant and move forward to continue to learn certain key areas for PR. Hopefully, I’ll find my perfect niche and find where I belong in PR.
