Three Internships Prep For Big-Girl Job

This is a post by Ball State University graduate Kelsey McPheeters. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in public relations from Ball State University in May 2013, Kelsey McPheeters joined LMV Consulting as the marketing and communications intern. Not only does she maintain client websites and update social media, but also develops newsletters, among other various tasks.

As graduation was approaching, I began my job search hoping to land an account executive position with a public relations agency in Indianapolis. Early in my search, it became apparent to me that the positions I wanted to apply for required agency experience, or post-graduation experience.

Although I had two non-agency internships (Special Events at Indiana State Fair and Marketing/PR at IU Health Ball Memorial) under my belt, I decided to turn to Indiana INTERNnet to look for a third. After all, the third time’s a charm, right?

Kelsey McPheeters with friends at the Indiana State Fair

I found the marketing and communications internship at LMV Consulting through Indiana INTERNnet. As you may know, LMV Consulting is an association management company established by lobbyists and is located in downtown Indianapolis. Some of our clients include the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers, Indiana Hotel & Lodging Association, and the Indiana State Chiropractic Association. I’m now gaining valuable, post-grad experience.

On my first day, I jumped right into updating client websites, posting to social media and laying out newsletters. Although this is internship no. 3, it is my first internship that has allowed me so much hands-on experience within the first week. I have already worked on a variety of assignments and, at the close of week one, I can tell that this will be the internship that most prepares me for my profession.

Throughout my time with LMV Consulting, I will have the opportunity to write press releases, develop newsletters, update websites, manage social media, assist with events and much more. I’m treated like a co-worker with ideas and opinions that are valuable, but I also receive guidance that allows me to grow into an even better young professional.

“Internships have helped me figure out what type of company I will want to work for in the future.”

The public relations and communications field is broad, and having the opportunity to work in different areas of my field was important to me. Internships have helped me figure out what type of company I will want to work for in the future. Having a college degree doesn’t guarantee a job after graduation, but taking advantage of internships has allowed me to gain experience in a variety of areas that will in turn make me a more marketable candidate when I am ready for that “big-girl job.”