Public Relations and Advertising Major Interns at the Heinz History Center Friday, April 25, 2014
Meet Katelyn Howard
Internship: Communications Intern, Senator John Heinz History Center (located near Downtown in Pittsburgh's Strip District)
Major and expected graduation: Public Relations and Advertising, 2014
Hometown: Sarver, Pa.
High School: Freeport Area High School
College activities: PRSSA, Point Park News Service, Honors Student Organization, National Student Advertising Competition
Previous internship experience: Special Events Intern, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
What factors made you choose Point Park?
I started out at a larger university and felt lost in the crowd of 15,000 students (some of my classes had more than 100 students). I transferred to Point Park hoping for a more individualized experience and that is exactly what I got. My professors know who I am and what my goals are, and they go out of their way to help me achieve them. I was also drawn to the setting in Downtown Pittsburgh. I grew up in a small town surrounded by corn fields and I always wanted to be a city girl!
Why is your major a good fit for you?
I never wanted to have a job that would require me to do the same thing day after day, and that's what I love about public relations - in a world that seems to revolve around digital and social media, the industry is always changing and progressing.
What are your key responsibilities at this internship?
I complete a wide variety of projects at my internship. But my key responsibility is to help promote the museum to the public. I track media exposure, promote events and exhibit openings and complete a variety of professional writing projects.
What is your favorite thing about your internship?
I truly feel that I am gaining real-world experience, from attending press conferences to participating in planning meetings.
In what ways will your internship help you to achieve your career goals?
It's been an amazing learning experience. My supervisor explains the importance of each assignment I'm working on and how it will benefit the museum. This is so valuable in helping me to understand the different facets of my job and those of the industry.
How did you land your internship?
One of my professors suggested the opportunity, so I went on the Heinz History Center website for more information and sent in my resume.
Anything else you would like to add?
I hope that all Point Park students take advantage of the professional opportunities available to them so close to our Downtown Pittsburgh campus. Classes are very important, but nothing compares to gaining real-world experience.