Intern Diary: Asia
I didn’t expect a simple message in an Auburn PRSSA GroupMe to lead me to one of the most impactful opportunities of my college career.
As a PR student at Auburn University, I received a message about an internship opportunity at JMG PR, where Auburn alumni were part of the team. At the time, I wasn’t fully confident in agency work and wasn't sure I really understood what an agency environment looked like. I questioned whether I had enough experience or if I was truly prepared.
However, recognizing the power of networking pushed me to take a chance on myself and apply anyway. After researching the agency and connecting with the Auburn Alumni on LinkedIn, I realized this was an opportunity I didn’t want to pass up. Looking back, I’m so grateful I took that leap.
From the very start, JMG PR trusted interns with hands-on work. There were never “filler” tasks just to stay busy. I was given real responsibilities that allowed me to work on client materials and grow my PR skills. From researching contacts to pitching, building briefing documents, and creating press summaries and clippings, it was rewarding to see the full cycle come together.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned from this experience was adapting to a fast-paced environment. PR moves quickly, and priorities can shift at any moment. From this internship, I learned to take on a variety of tasks with flexibility and to become more trusting of my own work over time.
I truly could not have grown the way I did without my executive, Elyssa. As a fellow Auburn alumna, she mentored me throughout the semester, which meant a great deal to me. She consistently encouraged me, gave thoughtful feedback, and pushed me to become more self-assured in my work. Even when I made mistakes, she gave me the chance to learn from them and try again, which played a huge role in my growth. To Elyssa—thank you for everything. You’ve been one of the most impactful people in my PR journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for what I’ve learned from you.
Overall, this experience taught me to never underestimate myself or my potential. If I had let the fear of not feeling ready stop me from applying, I would have missed out on the growth I’ve experienced this past semester. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is how important internships are in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. The key isn’t about knowing everything from the start; it’s about trusting that you can learn and adapt along the way.
I started my internship at JMG PR questioning whether I was prepared for agency life, and now I’m leaving with more confidence in myself than ever before.
