My first day - Challenges/Solutions

Yesterday was my first day at the SOOC. And I must admit, I didn't know what to expect. It didn't help I was in business casual attire versus the casual attire I was used to at my last internship. (Mind you, I don't mind wearing business casual clothing -- I wasn't feeling well yesterday.)

After a brief introduction with the Special Events & Programs Manager, the Regional Director typed up a list of tasks we briefly discussed last Friday. Priority tasks include proofreading a press release, creating a general media list, pitching the press release, etc. I wouldn't say it was overwhelming, but because this is in-house work and a nonprofit, I am facing a couple challenges.

Challenge #1:
No existing media contact database

Opportunity/Solution:
At my last internship, if you wanted to find a media contact or publication, you went straight to CISION. Unfortunately, that is not the case. So, I did what anyone in my position would do - I researched online. Fortunately, I was familiar with the community newspapers in Orange County and now that I'm a little more familiar with Excel, I added frequency and circulation as a reference. Great tip: Ask to see who else used to intern with the organization, they might be helpful. Case in point, two friends from CSUF assisted with a campaign for SOOC and actually had a media list they used last semester. SCORE!

Challenge #2:
Press release writing/proofreading

Opportunity/Solution:
I'm not saying I can't write a press release, but I do want to say that it will be a challenge for me because my previous internships did not involve a lot of writing. But this is a great opportunity for me use my AP Style book as well as go back to my previous assignments from PR Writing.

Challenge #3:
Lack of Communications Department

Opportunity/Solution:
I was told the one thing the SOOC lacks is a communications department. I wasn't told WHY they didn't have one, but because they don't have one I am faced with the challenge of doing most tasks myself. I guess you can say, without the feedback and supervision from a communications director/manager, I may second guess myself. Though on the positive side, it provides me the chance to run a whole department independently.


We'll see how this turns out. I mean, it was only my first day.

I got an internship!

I got it. I got (one of) the internship(s) I applied for. After a couple weeks of revamping my cover letter and resume over 10 times and then sending it out to directors, managers and human resources staff, I finally landed an internship I am proud to put on my resume.


Ready?


I am the Communications Intern for the Special Olympics Southern California - Orange County Region.


Yee! It's great. This internship not only combines community relations and sports, but I have a chance to utilize my skills I've obtained in my previous internships.

Originally, I applied for the Regional Sports Management Internship that I found through the main website, but apparently, the Regional Sports Manager was looking to fill those spots for the Sports Management Grad students from CSULB. So, what does he do? He forwards my information to the Regional Director.

Moreover, the rest is history. The director e-mails me, tells me that with my background, helping them in communications with their "strategic goals and initiatives seems ideal." We e-mail back and forth, and finally, we set up an interview later in the week.

Well, I had my interview TODAY and I'm looking forward to helping out the organization with their events and programs, but mainly getting the word out. The funny part about this internship is how it flows with the other internships I applied/got.

My first internship was with the OC Fair and Event Center, which I applied via BeachLink, the Career Development Center's Job database. I applied and received a call setting up an interview and eventually getting the internship. My next internship was with Leader Enterprises, a sports marketing and public relations agency. I have already known about this agency for a year and a half when the VP came and spoke to our class about the different campaigns the agency worked on. A year and a half later, I handed my resume to one of the Senior Account Executives at Journalism Career Day and received a call later that day! Talk about great timing!

Anyways, this is a great start to a career in the sports/nonprofit field and I believe this will definitely help me land my future job at Major League Baseball in New York. :)