AKCG welcomes interns each semester to gain hands-on public relations experience. Our interns work directly to support our 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: Brandon Muzyka
School: Rowan University
Year: Senior
Summer 2018
Three words to describe your internship experience:
- All-encompassing
- Motivating
- Rewarding
How did you find out about AKCG?
One of my professors at Rowan informed me of the internship opportunity.
Describe your internship experience.
My past internship experience was in the government sector, so prior to interning at AKCG, I wasn’t sure what to expect from an agency internship. I was excited to witness firsthand how a PR firm operates and to build my portfolio through hands-on experience.
Throughout my internship, I was given the opportunity to conduct proactive media relations which included writing press releases, pitches, articles and media advisories. I was also given the opportunity to conduct research on media outlets and prospective clients. I gained experience with media tracking software and clipping media for clients. The team always made it a point to include me on weekly meetings, such as media calls, workload meetings and brainstorming sessions. Every member of AKCG cares about interns’ experiences and growth as PR professionals and will treat you like a valued member of the team.
What information/experience did you find most rewarding during your time at AKCG?
The most rewarding experience during the internship was getting to travel to our client, St. Mary Medical Center, and assist the team in helping to facilitate a major internal communication campaign to engage the hospitals’ employees prior to launching a new advertising campaign. I was able to see the process of event planning from beginning to end and appreciate the amount of work that goes into making everything come together.
Where do you hope to end up in the future?
I hope to begin my career in Philadelphia. My goal is to secure a communications position within the sports and entertainment industry, specifically with a professional Philadelphia sports team.
What advice would you give to future AKCG interns?
Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Each team member is always willing to help in any way he or she can.
I truly enjoyed my time at AKCG. Every day, I looked forward to coming into work and eagerly awaited the next set of tasks and challenges. I’m extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from and work with such a great team.
Name: Victoria Pedata
School: Rowan University
Year: Senior
Summer 2018
Three words to describe your internship experience:
- Vital
- Exciting
- Impactful
How did you find out about AKCG?
I discovered AKCG through Rowan’s PR advisor.
Describe your internship experience.
I did not expect this agency to be so inclusive toward its interns. The chance to draft copy for real clients went above and beyond my expectations. Throughout the internship, I sat in on client calls, researched and compiled information for the clients, drafted news releases and pitched to national and local reporters. I began my internship drafting pitches for the account team to send, but as my writing and understanding of the client developed, I was able to pitch the media myself.
What information/experience did you find most rewarding during your time at AKCG?
Working with real clients, drafting news releases and pitching ideas to national and local reporters were all very valuable experiences. Getting a chance to write news releases has helped strengthen my writing.
Where do you hope to end up in the future?
Following my graduation this December, I hope to use my experience from my AKCG summer internship by taking what I’ve learned into my career in PR.
What advice would you give to future AKCG interns?
Never doubt yourself. An internship is a learning experience, and you cannot expect to be perfect. Learning from my mistakes helped me refine and develop my writing. It is important to work hard, do the best you can and never hesitate to ask for help from any of the AKCG team members. Additionally, taking a break from a task when you begin to get frustrated and tired can be beneficial to your mind and your writing. I’ve found that taking a small break from a difficult assignment can help you look at your writing more clearly.
As a college student, I’ve worked mostly in the service industry. AKCG’s summer internship was unlike any work experience I’ve ever had. I felt like I was valued as a part of their team, making my time here extra special to me. Finally, gaining real-word experience in my field makes me feel confident and excited for my future in PR.
Name: Colleen Scott
School: Rowan University
Year: Senior
Spring 2018
Three words to describe your internship experience:
- Rewarding
- Culminating
- Reaffirming
How did you find out about AKCG?
I saw an email announcement about the internship opening from my academic advisor at Rowan.
Describe your internship experience.
Prior to my time at AKCG, I was definitely nervous. This firm is well-known in the South Jersey and Philadelphia area, and I didn’t have previous internship experience at a PR firm. My previous internship experiences consisted of working in-house. I was excited to learn about how a firm manages and handles work for several clients all at once. After the first week of interning, it was easy to see that everyone who works at AKCG has a passion for public relations and thoroughly enjoys working at the firm. There was a strong sense of camaraderie, which made me feel welcomed and part of the team.
Throughout my internship, I was given the opportunity to write news releases, articles and media advisories for clients. I gained experience in tracking and clipping client hits. I learned about overall client strategy and service. Whenever there was a potential learning opportunity, the team included me and always clearly explained things to me and answered any questions I had along the way. This was one of the best internship experiences I’ve had and one of the best a student can ask for. The AKCG team cares about your learning, growth and success.
What information/experience did you find most rewarding during your time at AKCG?
The most rewarding aspect of this internship is the fact that the team includes you in on the entire process of client projects, from start to finish. This was something that I valued and appreciated.
Where do you hope to end up in the future?
I hope to start my career in Philadelphia. So far, I’ve had experience interning in agency, nonprofit and higher-education PR, and all three of these areas interest me. I hope to move to Boston in the future.
What advice would you give to future AKCG interns?
Ask questions! If there is something you are unsure of or would like to learn more about, let the team know.
I loved my time at AKCG. I always looked forward to coming in to work. I am so happy to have had this internship at the end of my undergraduate career, as it was a great way to practice what I’ve learned so far, while also gaining exposure to new things in the field of public relations. Each member of the AKCG team has been nothing but friendly and respectful to me. I have gained experience of great value.
Name: Nicolette Giordano
School: Rowan University
Year: Senior
Fall 2017
Three words to describe your internship experience:
- Transformative
- Rewarding
- Welcoming
How did you find out about AKCG?
My school’s PRSSA chapter shared the internship listing with its members.
Describe your internship experience.
This internship completely exceeded my expectations. While my main purpose was to act as a social media counsel and help with the firm’s online social presence, I was also entrusted with client services. My experience ranged from uploading and tracking online community calendar listings, writing news release and articles and assisting with tracking client wins.
What information/experience did you find most rewarding during your time at AKCG?
Not only have I gained firsthand knowledge of the PR industry, but I also gained valuable team work skills, which I can apply moving forward in my educational studies and future career.
What advice would you give to future AKCG interns?
If I am being completely honest, I was nervous my first week. AKCG is such a well-known and respected firm, which added to the pressure I already put on myself. My biggest fear was being thrown into this well-oiled machine and messing up the gears or rusting over completely. The obscure feelings and fantasies were thrown from my mind after my first day. From the moment I walked in the door, I wasn’t just “Nicolette, the intern,” I was “Nicolette, new member of the AKCG team.”
There are not enough words to express my gratitude toward the entire AKCG team. I am truly blessed to have had such an incredible experience. My last few days will be hard, as I hate saying goodbye, but I leave, knowing I am a better person — professionally and personally — because of this experience. The connections I have made during my time here will last a lifetime.
