With so many agencies in Southeast Michigan your internship options are vast, I choose MCCI because of its unique small size. As a Grand Valley State University student, and an active member of our PRSSA chapter (I’m the current VP of PR) I have been exposed to the many small/boutique agencies in and around Grand Rapids. This was intriguing to me not only because small-agency life came along with the adorably dynamic office space, equipped with things such as and a makeshift news studio for media training-complete with a backdrop and a camera. But also because small agency life offered me the ability to become a part of their close knit family, which meant that I would have the opportunity to learn more, get my hands on more projects and develop close relationships with my colleagues. Over the course of my internship, I learned the ins and outs of small agency life.
Here are a few reasons you should consider interning/working in a small agency…
- Everyone you work with wears a multitude of different hats. One single professional at a small agency can hold the title of up to four separate professionals in a corporation or large agency. This makes excellent time management skills a prerequisite to (small) agency life.
- You will be integrated as a part of the team. Because of the fast-paced environment, small agencies like MCCI offer hands-on opportunities rather than the urban myth of running around the city to get lattes. During my very first week I was able to put some of the things I learned in class to good use when I was assigned to create a media list for a real life client! (Shout out to Professor Penning!)
- You will get to know everyone you work with. Here’s your big networking opportunity - ask a lot of questions, be receptive to advice and take note of your colleagues best practices (did someone say mentor?).
Above all, you will learn if working in a small agency is something you can see yourself doing post-graduation. Similar to other internships, you will walk away with some real-world experience under your belt, contacts in your field of study and a few portfolio piece. But at small agencies, like MCCI, you will walk away much more…perhaps a freshly edited and up-to-date resume, new friends and an online portfolio, like me!
Happy Interning!
