Intern Diaries: Marisa D.

Graduating college in May 2020, right in the middle of a global pandemic, has definitely been challenging, but I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to intern at JMG Public Relations during these crazy times. I first heard about this company and their internship program from my friend and former JMG intern, Lucy Walsh. She loved her time at JMG, so when I found myself looking for opportunities in New York, I knew that this was where I wanted to apply.

This was my first internship at a public relations firm, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was a dance minor in college, and all of my experience up to this point was in the performing arts. I really wanted to see other aspects of the public relations industry, and I definitely got to do that.

I worked with such a wide variety of clients like Mike McFall, CEO of BIGGBY Coffee; Wheyward Spirit, a brand-new kind of spirit made from whey; and Space Mask. Another great thing about this internship is that the team at JMG will give you opportunities to do unique projects. I enjoy writing and wanted to add some pieces to my portfolio, so I got to interview Lauren for a Medium article “Why Your Startup Needs PR.” I also interviewed Jenna, Lauren and Frances to write “5 Tips to Make the Most Out of a Remote Internship” for the Secret Life of a PR Girl blog.

I had heard that company culture at firms can be much more intense than working in-house somewhere. I did find that the work was very fast-paced and that you need to be able to switch from client to client very quickly. But thankfully, everyone at JMG was so kind and supportive. One of my first days at JMG, Frances told me that one of the most helpful pieces of advice that Jenna gave her about working in public relations is that it’s not rocket science. We’re just talking to people. That was really helpful for me too. It takes some of the pressure off of having to be perfect, while still striving to do high quality work. I have become a more well-rounded professional this semester. I also learned that I also enjoy doing PR outside of the performing arts, and that will be really helpful knowledge to begin my career.

Overall, this time for me after graduating college in these unique times has taught me resilience. There will be challenges in life that come out of nowhere and that you never expected. But I’ve learned that you just have to keep going and try your best to make lemonade. JMG PR was some of my lemonade, and I am so grateful that I got to be a part of the team.