New Fusion Intern Blog Web Site

Hello All,

For all future intern blogs, as well as past posts, please visit the new site at http://blog.fusionpr.com/?cat=951.

In addition, you can browse other Fusion blog posts (non-intern related).

Hope you enjoy!

Bennie

A Running Start

By Leilani Needham, 2009 Intern

It has almost been a year since my experience at Fusion Public Relations. My time there was an interesting experience, meaning I had the opportunity to see PR work first hand. I met with a variety of people in the PR business and I learned what I can expect from the industry and what will be expected of me.

When I left Fusion and went back to school with my fellow classmates, I knew right off the bat I had a running start into the job field. What we are learning in our classes now, I have already seen and applied at Fusion. What I learned at Fusion was applicable and will be very useful to me when I enter into the job field.

One thing I really appreciated about Fusion was not only did I learn how to set up a press release or how to develop a new client presentation, but also they made the work environment enjoyable. I enjoyed all the employees and clients I interacted with.

I graduate from Brigham Young University-Idaho in April and I know if I apply what I learned at Fusion, I will have a head start in my career, no matter what path I decide to take.

Unforgettable First Experience

By Kara Anderson, 2007 Summer Intern

It’s almost time to kick it into gear for the job search and reflect on everything that has gone by way too fast. Since my internship with Fusion in the summer of 2007 (my first internship ever) I’ve ventured into a number of areas in the communications industry. My internship wasn’t just a summer at a PR firm, it was an experience I can definitely say launched my career and my interest in media.

Immediately upon returning to the University of South Carolina, I took on an internship with ECI-Find New Markets where I used a lot of what I learned the previous summer – those info sessions proved helpful! While working on PR campaigns, marketing and graphic design sparked my interest. Since then I guess you can say I’ve been all over the place, but in a good way. I’ve worked my creative genius designing Web sites, logos, brochures and writing content, but working on full-fledged branding campaigns has been the most rewarding.

Before long I had to make summer plans again and I knew I couldn’t resist another New York experience. A class trip to the city proved worthwhile; after interviewing at MediaVest Worldwide, I was to start as a digital media planning intern on the Walmart team two weeks later. I certainly got to see a different side of the industry that summer – I had never worked at an office that offered 20 different flavors of coffee drinks on every floor. On a more serious note, I don’t think I had ever put in to practice what I learned over three years of college more – I definitely felt like a professional. And I can’t go without mentioning the bonuses that came with the work - dining at the restaurant of an Iron Chef, my first visit to a shooting range and endless Crumbs cupcakes.

As much excitement as I’ve had, the east coast couldn’t keep me for too long. Within a few weeks I was off to attend the University of Hawai’i as an exchange student, which, needless to say, was the most thrilling time I’ve had in the past four years. However, it can’t compare to the city. I’m 100 percent sure I’ll be back for my first job – a lot of thanks to Fusion for providing me with an unforgettable first experience in New York.

A Good Visit

by Bennie Sham, Internship Program Lead (@beesham)

Yesterday's visit from BYU-Idaho students and faculty was a bit daunting. There were about 25 attendees (give or take a few) and I'll be the first to admit that I still get nervous presenting to a large crowd. But I'm glad we had the opportunity to speak with the students, learn more about what they want to do and give them an overview of life at Fusion. They asked some great questions and SVP Stephen Andrews provided some very comprehensive answers.

Additionally, Account Exec Meghan O'Hara's brainstorming activity was quite a hit. We separated the students into six groups and each group was given a brown paper bag with three very random objects inside. Each team represented a company, whereby they had to somehow relate the objects to one another and pitch us (as faux reporters) a story topic. They did very well and showed some great creativity.

Now we are preparing for the next batch of students coming in for a tour - these from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. Can't wait!

From PR to Law

By Dave Eisele, 2009 Spring Intern

Well, since my time at Fusion, I’ve returned to BYU-Idaho. I’m studying Communications and I’ll be graduating this winter. Also, I’m preparing for law school. I’ve been studying for the LSAT and narrowing my school choices. Unfortunately, I don’t believe I’ve been able to implement everything I learned during my time at Fusion (mostly because I work at the on-campus Testing Center).

However, my experience helped me decide I wanted to go to law school. That being said, I know that my time wasn’t wasted. The skills I learned at Fusion are necessary for any career. I know that whatever path I choose, I’ll be a better person, worker, etc., because of my time at Fusion.

BYU-Idaho Students Tour NYC and Fusion

By Meghan O'Hara, Internship Program Coordinator (@meghan_ohara)

This week, we are excited to be welcoming a group of students from BYU Idaho to our New York office to learn more about Fusion and the world of PR. This group of students was selected to come to New York City to visit several companies to learn more about each company's work and intern programs.

It's great to see students proactively taking steps to learn more about their field of interest and the opportunities that are available. Internships are vital to not only building your experience, but also to ensuring that you are selecting the right career for you. We hope this trip will be informative for these students and that they are able to narrow down the types of careers and work environments in which they would like to work.

If you or any of your fellow classmates would like a tour, please let me know and we would be glad to have you come to our office to learn more about working in a New York-based PR firm.

After Fusion. After Graduation.

By Kemba Francis, Spring 2009 intern

Since graduation, the job market has become worst. Every job interview that I have been on has been a let down. On the verge of giving up, I began reading a variety of magazines and specifically looking for topics dealing with the economic downturn and the job market. Not to my surprise, the main focus in almost every article has been creativity. I took that word and created different approaches for myself - a new career path and the possibility of becoming an entrepreneur.

Words of advice for 2010 graduates: be professional and be knowledgeable. Always dress in professional attire when attending an interview and complete a thorough research of the company as well as the individual you are interviewing with. You are amongst many others out there after the same position. Be creative in your approach to attain that interview. At the end of the day ask yourself this one question, "Why should I be chosen?"