- Graduation Year: May 2014
- Major: Advertising
- Hometown: Chicago, IL
- Hobbies: Traveling, cooking, & photography
Campus Activities
- Victoria’s Secret PINK Campus Representative
- Delta Zeta Sorority
Internship | PR/Communications Intern at Levy Restaurants
Duties
I was responsible for compiling a weekly email consisting of how many hits each of our properties received in the media that week. That newsletter was sent out to the marketing team and the president of Levy Restaurants. I also had the opportunity to conduct a three-month competitor messaging analysis, updated the blog on the website and archived articles that featured Levy Restaurants’ properties.
What did you enjoy most about your internship?
Levy Restaurants is a restaurant company that provides premium-quality food services to major entertainment and sports venues. Some of these properties include Spiaggia, Wrigley Field and U.S. Cellular Field. My favorite part about this internship was that I was able to see how PR and communication relate to food and entertainment. I was constantly reading articles about these venues and their new menu items.
I was also able to assist with media training geared towards Levy Restaurants’ executive chefs to prepare them for interviews and TV segments. It was awesome to meet these chefs and give them feedback on their camera, print and phone interview skills.
What was the most difficult aspect of the internship?
I was the only PR/Communications intern so I had no one to fall back on. It definitely taught me how to figure things out for myself but it also taught me that it was okay to ask for help when I needed it.
How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your internship?
My classes helped me understand and develop a strong knowledge of what is out there in the PR/marketing/advertising industry. I was able to take concepts from my classes and apply them to my internship.
How has your internship prepared you for a career?
My internship gave me a look into what it takes to succeed in the PR/communications industry. I was able to see what career path I wanted to pursue after graduation.
What recommendations do you have for other students about doing an internship?
Take full advantage of what your internship has to offer. Even if it is not the exact internship you had hoped for, make the best of it and you will leave with more experience than you had before. Also have fun and use the opportunity to network!