Around this time last year, I was packing my bags and shipping boxes back home to Boston. Living 3,000 miles away from my family and friends had never been more difficult. I went through a lot last year — coping with homesickness, dealing with a broken heart and the stress of being accepted into the public relations program at San Diego State University was building up. All of this made my decision to move home easier. I decided that being in Boston where I was surrounded by those who loved and knew me best was what I needed most. Plus, finishing my public relations education at a school back home would be a breeze compared to the program I would endure at SDSU.
For those of you who don’t know, SDSU was placed sixth in the most recent national ranking of public relations programs in the United States. To be accepted into the major you must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and receive an 80 percent or higher on a grammar, spelling and punctuation test.
With that said, I thought I was ready to take the easy way out. I flew back to Boston to visit the schools I had applied to, only to realize I was making the wrong decision.
The more I thought about it, I wanted to be in San Diego for more reasons than nice weather – I strived for the challenge that SDSU offered me. Upon my return, I was accepted into one of the best public relations programs in the country, nominated as the director of special events for the Public Relations Student Society of America and landed my first internship at West Public Relations.
The West PR Team with Amanda
I am grateful to have been given a hands-on experience into the public relations profession during my internship at West PR. I wrote press releases, drafted pitches and created media alerts for local and national media outlets. I was also able to assist in preparing a Petco spokesperson for her TV segment on Fox 5 San Diego and learn all about Vocus, the “bible” of public relations. Being an intern at West Public Relations has not only allowed me to expand my portfolio, but it has given me the opportunity to create relationships with great publicists whose passion for their clients shows through their company’s success.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. As finals week fast approaches, my internship at West PR is coming to a close. I have learned so much working with this company and my passion for the public relations profession has grown immensely.
I’ve now realized that all the trouble I went through before was well worth it in the end. But isn’t it always that way with life?
Until next time,
Amanda Brophy
