Employer
Ford Motor Company
Internship Title
Communications Intern
What were your duties?
My internship was project-driven. I focused on publicizing the company's corporate social responsibility efforts through formulating press releases, crafting employee profiles, planning events, and presenting a research project on nongovernmental organizations.
What did you most enjoy about your internship?
I most enjoyed learning about the inner-workings of a Fortune 10 company. Interning with a company that has such a far reach and seemingly endless resources helped me realize what it takes to maintain a global brand.
What was the most difficult aspect of the internship?
The most difficult aspect of my internship was finding the courage to dip into as many aspects of the company as I could. I was only assigned to work on the CSR team, but I was interested in Ford's other communication branches, like smart mobility and crisis communications. Asking to be included in these teams' meetings was a little daunting at first, but I learned quickly that I would rarely be told 'No.'
How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your internship?
John Wirtz, my introduction to PR professor, was instrumental to my success at Ford. The material he taught was practical and applicable to my experience this summer. I would also like to thank Brant Houston, Jennifer Follis and Jean McDonald. My journalism professors taught me how to write an article that people would actually read, and how to edit it.
How has your internship prepared you for a career?
My internship has given me a better idea of what I want to do after graduation. I always knew I would be in the field of media, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to go into public relations or journalism. Now I know what I look for in an employer, and what to expect in the field.
What recommendations do you have for other students about doing an internship?
I recommend that students apply for everything, even if they don't meet all of the qualifications. Many students would be surprised to find how few people apply to certain internships. I would also recommend that students prepare well for interviews. Resumes are important, but an interview can leave a lasting impression.
