Laney Tarr's Internship Reflection
As I finish my semester-long internship at Gambel Communications, I am filled with immense gratitude and pride. Over the past four months, I have fully immersed myself into the world of public relations, soaking up knowledge and expertise from seasoned professionals. I’m walking away from this meaningful experience at Gambel with a whole new skillset in PR, along with a deeper understanding of my career goals and interests.
At Gambel, I was not subjected to the stereotypical intern tasks. Instead, I was entrusted with responsibilities essential to the agency's operations. When I arrived at the office each afternoon, I received a variety of tasks to complete for the day, whether it was creating a media list, drafting a press release, designing a social media graphic or something else. Many of the projects I was assigned were completely new to me, but I was given the proper guidance to get it done and be equipped to do it on my own the next time. This type of one-on-one support I received was immensely helpful to my professional growth because it allowed me to ask questions when I needed guidance and receive significant feedback on my work.
One of the most enriching aspects of my internship was the opportunity to shadow experienced strategists in various meetings and events. Over the course of my internship, I attended multiple morning shows at different news stations, I took photos for a client at their anniversary event, I watched a news conference in-person, I attended a press event where I met a Saints player, and I sat in on – and was encouraged to contribute to – multiple significant meetings. These real-life experiences contextualized the work I was doing in the office, and it helped me grasp what public relations really is and how to “do” it. Additionally, each event I attended provided an opportunity to converse with someone new, whether it was a businessowner, photographer for a news outlet, or a person on the production team of a morning show. Shadowing strategists exposed me to the New Orleans community in a way I had never experienced, and it gave me a greater appreciation and understanding of the city and the people that make it up. Meeting a wide variety of professionals all-around the city was a highlight of my semester in general, and the connections I made all came from Gambel.
Above all, the highlight of my internship was the opportunity I got to be a part of a team of accomplished women. Witnessing the professionalism and dedication of each strategist served as a beacon of inspiration for my own future endeavors. The open atmosphere fostered a supportive environment where my questions and contributions were embraced, leaving a positive mark on my professional trajectory. As I prepare to transition into the workforce, I am grateful for the mentorship, experiences, and connections forged during my time at Gambel.