PRSSA Welcomes Grady Alumna, Sports PR Professional, Vira Halim Who Currently Works For The Miami Dolphins 

By: Raynor Manley

Meet our Panelist!! 

Vira Halim – Football Communications Coordinator for The Miami Dolphins 

Vira graduated from UGA in 2019 and majored in journalism with a minor in Spanish and a Sports Media Certificate. She was very passionate about sports from a very young age. Her first big experience in the NFL world was when she served as a summer Public Relations Intern for The Washington Football Team in 2018. In 2019, she got to work on the PR staff for the Super Bowl LIII. She then interned with the Atlanta Falcons from July of 2018 until April of 2019. Throughout her time at UGA, she worked many different jobs for the UGA Athletic Association ranging from football to tennis and more. She expressed that the different things she was involved with while at UGA helped her get to where she is now. 

Vira currently serves as the Football Communications Coordinator for the Miami Dolphins. She began with the Miami Dolphins in July of 2019 and worked as a Football Communications Staff Assistant for two years before being promoted to her current role as the Football Communications Coordinator. 

Throughout talking with Vira, it became very clear that she loves what she does. She claimed that “wherever you are, the culture and organization of your company will matter more than any specific role.” She expressed that during super busy times of the training season or regular season, she might have to put in 80 hour work weeks, but she loves it. While taking time to yourself is important, surrounding yourself with things you enjoy and forming close relationships at work make the long hours worth it.

A few quotes Vira wanted to leave us with are: 

  • “I got this job, by not getting another one.” 

Sometimes redirection can lead you to your dream job. A no hurts, but these connections can lead you to an even better job that works great for you. 

  • “CARE.”

It’s very important to care about what you are doing and care about the people around you. 

  • “Be a sponge.” 

Constantly ask questions. Be curious and be observant. 

  • “Find the extraordinary in the ordinary.” 

This trickles down to everything. Your attitude is what is going to get you through your long days. 

  • “Professionalism and anticipation.” 

Anticipation is huge in PR, you always need to be ready for what’s coming next. It’s all about having a positive attitude, being a leader, and conducting yourself in a manner that you and your department can be proud of. 

  • “You never know.” 

You might be dead set on one job but you never know what will work out. Vira faced rejection but was led to her dream job and is now exactly where she wants to be. 

She expressed that no day is the same. Her various responsibilities include media availabilities, players media prep, credentials, player programs, community events, story pitching, organizational support and issue management. One of her favorite parts of her job is getting to know other people and helping others become the best version of themselves. 

Working in the sports field as a young woman can be unknown but Vira believes women bring an incredible perspective. Her boss is a woman who not only has become a role model and mentor but also a friend. Always make sure to stand up for yourself and don’t let others treat you differently because you’re a woman. Trust yourself! 

Moving to a new city after graduating can be tough. So make sure to do your research and lean on the people who are there. Keep an open mind. 

For those seeking sports internships: 

  • Reach out to people for informational interviews. Be strategic about when you reach out for these and be sure not to reach out during busy season or football season. Building your network is one of the most important things. The worst thing people can say is no. Reach out and lean on your connections. Get to know them as much as you are getting to know you. Feel free to reach out to people and follow up with them after an interview to see what you could have done better. 

Feel free to connect with Vira on LinkedIn and reach out with any questions!