Public Relations and Advertising Major Kayla Snyder is a New Business Marketing Intern with Beyond Spots & Dots Ad Agency

Meet Kayla Snyder

Job Title & Employer: New Business Marketing Intern, Beyond Spots & Dots
Major/Program: Public Relations & Advertising
Graduation: April 2020
College Activities: PRSSA, Honors Program, Admissions tour guide, The Globe, WPPJ
Scholarships: Trustee
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
High School: Shaler Area High School
Hobbies & Interests: Attending concerts, binge watching TV shows, drinking coffee and tea

"What impresses me about Kayla is her confidence. She really knows her subject matter. On day two of her internship, she was talking about doing a S.W.O.T. analysis approach to the research for a prospective client trying to create a market for a new product. It's refreshing to see her excitement and passion for advertising."

Teena Brown, sales manager/new business development, Beyond Spots & Dots

"The urban location makes it so easy to secure multiple internships. Without the proximity to so many companies, I would never have been able to secure five internships in my time here. If you want to know the ins-and-outs of a textbook, choose a different school. If you want to know real-world knowledge that's applicable in internships and jobs, choose Point Park. You won't regret it."

Kayla Snyder

What steps did you take to secure your internship?

In October, I started looking for something to do in the spring. Everyone says that your spring internship is usually the most important. At the time, I didn't have an idea of where I wanted to intern. With having four under my belt already I didn't really feel like I needed to, but I still thought I should look. I was searching LinkedIn late on a Sunday night and came across internship listings at Beyond Spots & Dots. I applied and the next morning received a call for an interview. At my interview, I was offered the position on the spot.

Tell us about the work you are doing for Beyond Spots & Dots.

As a new business marketing intern, I work closely with my supervisor to research potential clients. This could include anything from website analysis, general research, going to discovery meetings, creating media lists and sometimes even getting to be creative. My day-to-day varies, which makes it fun and exciting. I learn about different organizations and industries every day.

How has the education and training you’ve received at Point Park prepared you for this experience outside of the classroom?

The knowledge and experience that Point Park has given me helps me stand out in interviews. As I'm beginning the job search, I have tangible experience from the classroom whether that be through special event planning or IMC campaigns. My experience and knowledge about IMC plans landed me a spot on a team for a statewide competition in the fall in which we advanced to the finals in Wilkes Barre. Without my education and training, none of that would've been possible.

Why did you choose Point Park University?

At first, I was easily drawn to the urban campus setting. It's non-traditional, but being in the city was super appealing to me. But reflecting on my time here, I chose Point Park because of the opportunities that I was given. I quickly realized at open house that I wouldn't have these types of opportunities at larger, more traditional schools. I was able to get involved from day one even as a freshman.

What advice do you have for a student considering Point Park?

Trust your gut. My older cousins told me that I would know right away which college was right for me. I toured one other school, thought I loved it, and then I found Point Park and actually loved it more. From there, I knew that this was the place for me. The urban location makes it so easy to secure multiple internships. Without the proximity to so many companies, I would never have been able to secure five internships in my time here. If you want to know the ins-and-outs of a textbook, choose a different school. If you want to know real-world knowledge that's applicable in internships and jobs, choose Point Park. You won't regret it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Camille Downing and PRSSA. PRSSA has helped me grow into the young professional I am today and allowed me to make connections with so many people from varying industries. I helped plan a PRSSA conference last year and we're currently planning another this year. You never know where your education will take you. Mine has taken me to conferences, an international trip and more. Take those experiences and make connections. You never know what could come out of it. I can't thank Point Park enough for the experiences I've had.

Photo by Nick Koehler, senior photojournalism major

Public Relations and Advertising Major Kayla Snyder is a New Business Marketing Intern with Beyond Spots & Dots Ad Agency Student Profile