2016 2016: Marina Kowaleski: Public relations internship

Year: Class of 2016
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Rutland, MA
Internship: Marketing and Public Affairs Intern, University Marketing, UMassD
Leadership: Vice President of Relay for Life committee
Next steps: Career in public relations

Internship in social media marketing

As a business student, my internship in the UMass Dartmouth Marketing and Public Relations (PR) departments has been an incredible learning experience.

The main focus of my internship for the past two years has been assisting in managing and creating content for UMassD’s main social media channels. As millennials, we're exposed to social media every day, so my experience has been extremely insightful as to how businesses use these channels as marketing tools and how each channel is used differently.

Aside from the social media aspect, I've learned so much about both PR and marketing. From drafting press releases and serving as the liaison between media and faculty, to staffing university events and writing content for our alumni magazine, I never knew what kinds of new and exciting tasks I would be walking into on a given day.

Fascinating stories, remarkable people

In a fast-paced university environment, there is always an event going on and a story to cover. I loved this aspect about my internship, as I always knew about the fascinating research stories and remarkable people that make up the UMass Dartmouth community.

It's been very interesting to use what I’m learning in classes and apply this knowledge to my internship, and vice-versa. My classes have taught me the framework of writing and business, while my internship has helped me apply these skills to real life situations and actually make a difference.

I believe that my internship experience has provided me with a broad variety of skills that will have a lasting impact on my education from UMassD.

Career in public relations

Following graduation, I plan to pursue a career in marketing with a focus in public relations. I would love to work more with social media, as it is extremely important for businesses to have a strong social presence today, and it will only continue growing and changing. Writing has always been a passion of mine too, so I would love to use this skill to help manage and market a growing business.

My classes have taught me the framework of writing and business, while my internship has helped me apply these skills to real life situations and actually make a difference.

Giving back to the community

My experience as vice president of the Relay For Life committee for the past two years has had a significant impact on my time at UMassD, and on me as a person. I'm very passionate about the cause, as we have all been affected by cancer in one way or another.

This opportunity has taught me how to manage a group of people, organize one of the largest events on campus, and fundraise for an amazing cause. Over the last four years, our event has raised more than $100,000 for the American Cancer Society, which has directly benefited lifesaving cancer research and cancer patient services.

I'm extremely grateful that UMass Dartmouth has provided me with the opportunity to help others and give back to the community during my time here.