March 18, 2021
Wow, it feels like just yesterday I was Googling “how to pronounce interoperability” while Ubering to my first interview for an internship with Aria Marketing. Not only did I think I would never figure out the correct pronunciation, but I also never could have imagined what the following two years (and counting) had in store.
During my junior year at Lasell University, I attended a presentation that Aria CEO Scott Collins and EVP Jessica Cohen delivered to our school of communication. The duo offered insight on agency life and what it takes to be successful in the ever-changing world of public relations. Feeling inspired, I asked, “how do you predict soon-to-be-graduates and aspiring PR pro’s, like myself, will help you in the future?”
Fast-forward in time and I soon found out. An initial three-month internship turned into a full year, and ultimately, a full-time job offer at one of the coolest companies in Boston. My internship gave me an opportunity to hone my PR and marketing skills, gaining vital experience in media relations, social media planning and reporting for our health IT clients.
So without further ado, I would like to provide a few takeaways on what I learned during my internship and how they helped me transition into my current position as an account coordinator:
Be Proactive
You have daily responsibilities as an intern, but it never hurts to take the initiative and figure out how else you can go above and beyond to support various company and/or client projects. There’s a plentiful amount of opportunities at your disposal to learn and diversify your skillset, you just need to ask. Having this attitude helped me make the most out of my internship at Aria and allowed me to hit the ground running when I started working full-time!
Ask Questions
Ask questions whenever you can! Chances are, you don’t know everything, and that’s okay. Working in communications means you have a lot to be mindful of, like preparing clients for media and analyst interviews, recommending strategic events and awards, or ensuring the byline you’re copyediting has consistent messaging throughout. I found it’s best for me, and my colleagues, to ask questions ahead of time to ensure I fully understand my tasks and can put forth my best effort. This not only helps me learn, but also provides an opportunity to see the real purpose behind my work.
Master Time Management
Time management is one of the most important skills to have in your toolbox. In the crazy, unpredictable world of PR, you’ll have slow days, and you’ll for sure have plenty of busy ones. It can be stressful, but the best way to handle it is by staying ahead of projects with deadlines so that tackling that last-minute pitch plan for your client’s announcement will be a piece of cake (There’s always work to be done!).
Collaborate
Collaboration is everything. Even as an intern, collaboration is encouraged and you should never be afraid to speak up and bring your valuable ideas to the table. You’re not expected to always have the right answers, but that’s why you have a team! Scheduling calls (and hopefully in-person meetings soon) for brainstorming sessions helps you map out your vision, and introduces you to other ideas.
Take Risks
As cliché as it sounds, you should never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. I had little experience working in a healthcare-related field prior to Aria and was far from an expert. However, I always believed the best way to learn was to challenge myself, no matter the opportunity.
Long story short, I discovered a passion for working in the healthcare industry, and what better place to work than a boutique health IT marketing and public relations agency?
Oh, and good news! If you’re passionate about healthcare like me, and looking for a company to grow with, you’re in luck – Aria is hiring! Motivated candidates can email their resumes to careers@ariamarketing.com.
