I graduated from Berry College this past spring with a newly earned communication degree. Upon graduation, I was eager to make like one of the three little pigs and set off to the big city to seek my fortune (while averting the bad wolf, I hoped). Cut to my birthday on August 21, when I received a phone call offering a three-month internship at the public relations agency enshrined on my vision board. (Yes, I have a vision board.)
What did I think it would be like?
I imagined a big-city environment with a Southern spin. I suspected that I may be allowed to assist with simple tasks pertaining to leg work on various projects, while catching glimpses of what makes the world’s businesses and industries go ‘round. I hoped to subtly slip in my creative voice while subconsciously affirming my chosen career path. I expected quick decisions and a fast pace.
What is it really like?
I am in a comfortable, spacious cubicle with all of the resources I need at my fingertips. I look above my manufactured hedges to see my team actually connected to me. We email, call, meet, help each other, and sometimes do lunch! There is a wide variety of accounts and with four weeks under my belt, I’ve dipped my toes in nearly every pool. Interning at Cookerly has allowed me to learn about industries I otherwise wouldn’t, while discovering professional areas of interest.
I correctly predicted that the environment would have a Southern spin. The office is rather posh, but with a corn hole set and large paintings of country landscapes.
What I hadn’t anticipated was the ease of access to every member of the Cookerly team, which has been a huge perk. Whether an AAE or EVP, I have been able to learn and assist, spend one-on-one time, listen-in on calls, and brainstorm with nearly everyone in the office. The culture here is welcoming and I would feel comfortable walking up to any teammate to ask a question or seek advice.
Notable experiences after one month include:
- Monitoring news coverage for a retail operation in Georgia, for which I help compile a daily report
- Assisting with interview prep and joining calls/conversations pertaining to a financial client
- Contributing to research in areas of finance, healthcare and much more
- Observing the Cookerly team in action as they manage crises
- Connecting/inviting the press to a client’s grand opening
What have I learned?
As a fully immersed intern, I have learned to roll with the punches, stay healthy and well-rested, value differing perspectives – and that when you put good in you get good out. I’m improving on skills such as prioritization, organization, and communication with co-workers, clients and the media. I’ve learned how to build media lists, to follow business etiquette, to always come prepared and that five minutes can make a 15-minute difference when it comes to traffic.
I have much to look forward to, including the remainder of my internship and a full-time career in public relations. There’s no question that my Cookerly experience is helping me build a house of bricks.
Spencer Watts is an intern at Cookerly PR.
As design director at Cookerly, Tim serves as the creative lead in the development of branding campaigns, print collateral and digital media for clients across a broad range of industries, including consumer, professional services, healthcare and technology.
As a senior vice president at Cookerly, Mike Rieman is a strategic communications leader specializing in media relations and reputation management. With a proven track record of securing high-profile placements in top-tier outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN and USA Today, he excels at crafting compelling narratives that resonate across print, broadcast and digital platforms.
Mike Touhill is vice president at Cookerly Public Relations, where he helps lead traditional, social and digital media programs for B2B and B2C clients in packaging, telecommunications and technology, among other industries. As a communication leader, he develops and executes public relations strategy, provides proactive and reactive counsel to C-level executives and secures earned media coverage for client initiatives and product.
Andrew Agan is a vice president at Cookerly Public Relations, overseeing the agency’s internship program and leading media relations, content strategy and social media initiatives. He provides counsel and executes campaigns for clients across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, hospitality, technology, automotive and many others. Andrew excels at crafting compelling stories and building media relationships, resulting in clients being featured in notable outlets such as CNBC, Associated Press, Business Insider, Fox Business, HBO, Inc. Magazine, Sirius XM, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today, among others.
As vice president of Cookerly, Sheryl Sellaway uses her extensive corporate communications background to lead consumer PR efforts, deliver strategy for marketing programs and share expertise about community initiatives.
Way to go Spencer! Sounds like a great company to learn from! So proud of you!
Congratulations, Spencer!! Keep up the good work!!