NYC Summer Internship Highlight
by Francisca Zakowicz Blanco
Q&A with Jillian Botch, Vice President of PRSSA
Q: Where did you intern last summer & how would you rate the experience for your professional growth?
Jill in NYC this past summer
A: “This past summer I was a Public Relations Intern at Biosector 2, an agency within Syneos Health Communications’ New York City office. The main account I worked on was a breast cancer drug produced by a pharmaceutical company. This drug was in the process of being approved for a different stage of breast cancer, so a lot of my work was centered around preparing for that campaign.
This experience provided me with more professional experience than I could have ever anticipated. I was fully immersed in the corporate environment and had the opportunity to learn about the healthcare sector of PR, which I had never previously considered. I gained the confidence to speak up in meetings, present my work and build connections within the office. I gained tangible PR skills like media monitoring, building quality slide decks, interacting with clients and ultimately improved my writing skills every day.”
Q: What is something you wish you would have known before starting your internship?
A: “I wish I knew right away that I could show up as myself. I can be an introverted person in new settings, so moving to NYC and showing up to work was intimidating. Throughout my internship, I learned that showing my true personality in the office allowed me to connect with my co-workers and mentors in ways that would benefit my work and make me feel more confident. It takes time to adjust to a new environment, but being yourself and trusting that you provide value to the team makes it easier.”
Q: What was your favorite day/moment at the internship?
A: “My favorite day in the office was my second to last. Our entire team of 20+ people was in the office for a team-building workshop, so I got to meet team members I had only known virtually. Our team leader called me out in the meeting and applauded my work, saying that she would love to have me back following graduation. At that moment I felt like all of my hard work during the summer had paid off!”
Q: Are there any skills or connections you acquired through PRSSA that helped you during this internship?
A: “The advice I had access to over the last few years through PRSSA meetings essentially carried me through the interview process as well as my internship. Professionalism tips, networking experience and industry secrets made me feel more confident presenting myself in the workplace.”
