 By Nuhami Miller
During the summer after my sophomore year, I spent my time working as the Social Media Strategist for Cardinal Rental. Now that I’m a senior and getting ready to graduate, I’ve been thinking about that job and how much it actually taught me about how companies communicate to their audiences. This was one of the first times I could apply the skills I was learning in my classes to a real workplace scenario. It’s More Than Just Posting I used to think social media was just about picking a good photo and hitting post, but at Cardinal Rental, I realized there is way more to it. I had to develop a real communication strategy to ensure we were actually reaching the right people and helping the business grow. I spent most of my time on:
What I Noticed About Customers The coolest thing I learned had nothing to do with social media; it was seeing how much people truly care about a company’s values. I realized that customers aren't just looking at the products. They want to know the people behind the business. This changed how I wrote my posts. Our engagement numbers shot up once I started showing what Cardinal Rental stood for, instead of just listing what we had for rent. Wrapping It Up Even though I did this internship a couple of years ago, I still think about it now while wrapping up my senior year. It really helped me see the "big picture" of how a brand works. It taught me that good communication isn't just about being fancy, it's about being consistent and actually connecting with people. It was a solid experience to have under my belt before I head out into the real world.
0 Comments
By Paige Johnson Comparison Holds Us Back Throughout college, you constantly hear, “Network and make connections. That’s how you get a job.” What gets left out sometimes is how to begin. As a transfer student arriving at Kent State my sophomore year, I felt behind. I hadn’t joined organizations, built a portfolio or created a network. Competing with students who already had a head start was intimidating, and for a while, it kept me from getting involved. I thought the train had already left the station. But I was wrong. It wasn’t too late. By the middle of my junior year, I finally pushed myself out of my comfort zone. The looming internship requirement and the shift into upper‑level classes made me realize I needed to take action. That’s when I found the supportive, ambitious community that changed everything for me – PRSSA. I began building my portfolio through the National PRSSA Bateman Case Study Competition. It was challenging, but it opened doors for me. I met fellow members, gained confidence and proved to myself that I was capable of more than I realized. Bateman became my entry point into becoming an active PRSSA member. Small Connections Lead to Big Opportunities In Spring 2025, PRSSA hosted a meeting on AI, LinkedIn and résumé development. Jill Rebuck, senior project manager on Davey Tree’s corporate communications team, was a guest speaker. We connected instantly and later connected on LinkedIn. Little did I know, I was doing exactly what people had advised from the beginning. I was connecting. I was networking. That same night, Jill messaged me saying her team was hiring an intern and encouraged me to apply. I was thrilled. When the posting went live, I applied immediately. After several interviews, I received the offer and accepted on the spot. That moment made me reflect. I had only recently joined PRSSA. I wasn’t the student who had been involved since freshman year. Yet here I was, landing an internship I once thought was out of reach. It taught me a valuable lesson: it is never too late to get involved, make connections or pursue the opportunities you want. I worked on media relations, event planning, influencer strategy, corporate content and more during Summer 2025. Davey’s corporate communications team invested in my learning and gave me a well‑rounded experience that prepared me for the job market once I moved on. Or so I thought. From Intern to Full-Time During the first week of my final semester at Kent State, my supervisors offered me a full‑time position. I was stunned and incredibly grateful. I would have never guessed in a million years that I would accept my first full-time position five months before graduation. When I asked myself how I got here, the answer was clear – PRSSA. PRSSA helped me build my résumé, portfolio and network. These were all part of the foundation of my professional journey. Without it, I wouldn’t have the opportunities I have today. If you’re a student who feels like it’s “too late” to get involved, here’s my advice: start now. Whether you’re a freshman or an upperclassman, you can still build meaningful connections and open doors you never expected. PRSSA is the perfect place to begin.  |
|
RSS Feed
