AKCG welcomes interns each semester to gain hands-on public relations experience. Our interns work directly to support the AKCG team and our clients in proactive media relations efforts. Take a look at what some of our recent interns had to say about their experience with us.
Name: Brittany Eng
School: Rowan University
Year in School: Senior
Three words to describe your internship experience:
- Rewarding
- Informative
- Structured
How did you find out about AKCG?
I initially found out about the agency while I was taking Basic PR Writing during the fall semester of my junior year. Mid-semester, my professor invited AKCG team member Darrah to speak to the class about her career and experience working for an agency. By the end of the semester, she was one of the guests to critique our final presentations. Over a year later, my advisor, Lori Block, emailed an internship opportunity at AKCG. It’s funny how things come full circle.
Describe your internship experience at AKCG.
This was my first-time having exposure to how an agency functions. From day one, the environment was welcoming. I jumped right into working on new-business research, and I felt like a member of the team. These past three months flew by very quickly between drafting news releases, future articles, pitches and social media posts, as well as conducting research, tracking community calendar listings, observing client calls and attending meetings. I gained hands-on experience working in proactive media relations and occasionally supported the crisis communications team.
“The most rewarding aspect of working at AKCG is being on a highly motivated team that goes above and beyond to deliver results.”
What information/experience did you find most rewarding during your time at AKCG?
The most rewarding aspect of working at AKCG is being on a highly motivated team that goes above and beyond to deliver results.
Where do you hope to end up in the future?
I see myself working in New York City, my favorite city. I hope to be surrounded by a team of strong, intelligent people at a dynamic company where I can be challenged to develop my skills and take on interesting projects.
What advice would you give to future AKCG interns?
Every workplace functions differently, be OK with not having all the answers. Go in with an open mind and ready to learn.
Name: Matthew Magliozzo
School: Rowan University
Year in School: Senior
Three words to describe your internship experience:
- Challenging
- Enlightening
- Beneficial
How did you find out about AKCG?
I was first made aware of AKCG by my school advisor, Mrs. Lori Block, who suggested that the firm’s internship program would make for a rewarding experience. She explained that many Rowan alumni currently work for the agency, and that it would be a great way to make new connections.
Describe your internship experience at AKCG.
I was initially quite nervous to begin work for the agency. I am an advertising major with very little prior experience in PR, but AKCG team members Thomas Logue and Darrah Pilieri felt my unique background might contribute something new to the team. I was confident in my writing skills but anxious as to how I might adapt to the team’s style. Needless to say, my transition into PR work felt fun and rewarding thanks to the incredible team at AKCG. The staff was attentive and always willing to put time aside to help me better understand my responsibilities.
I began my internship by drafting various press releases, media alerts and pitches, a process that I found to be both informative and fun. By the time my internship came to an end, I was helping draft content on social media, as well as occasionally supporting AKCG’s crisis management team. Being given these additional tasks was rewarding because it gave me an opportunity to improve my writing, and it helped me discover some new passions such as digital marketing and crisis management work.
“One of the most rewarding benefits of working at a small agency is the availability of the team around you.”
What information/experience did you find most rewarding during your time at AKCG?
During my time at AKCG, I was able to strengthen my writing skills through working various writing tasks that were new to me, such as drafting news releases, media alerts and pitches, as well as submitting community calendar listings. I also became acquainted to the agency’s identity and writing style. It was a rewarding experience, as it taught me to broaden my approach to writing and to write using the voice of the organization, rather than just my own.
However, I believe that some of my most rewarding experiences at the firm (as well as the most exciting) came from working with the crisis management team. I learned how to practice writing in scenario templates and responses, which presented a challenge. This prompted me to practice writing using the voice of a client, a skill that I will, without doubt, utilize throughout much of my career.
Where do you hope to end up in the future?
I am currently searching for a position at Advertising/PR agencies in New York City, though given my experience, I am unsure of what type of position I will be pursuing. Prior to my time here, I did not initially see myself working in PR, and I envisioned this opportunity to serve as an addition to my resume and skillset. However, my experience at AKCG has given me greater confidence in my writing, as well as a newfound interest in issues/crisis management work.
What advice would you give to future AKCG interns?
One of the most rewarding benefits of working at a small agency is the availability of the team around you. Take advantage of this. Ask questions and seek feedback on your work! Working at a larger firm might often mean feeling lost in the mix, and your concerns will not often be the priority of the rest of the staff. Here, I was encouraged to ask questions and take responsibility for my own assignments.
Additionally, I would advise that future interns reach out to the staff and ask if there are any client-related activities that they can sit-in on or observe. Take notes, ask plenty of questions, and treat every opportunity like a learning experience!
