Professional Experience

Professional Experience

When I first came to SHU, I didn't necessarily know what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. When I finally decided on Communications, specifically Advertising and Public Relations, I was nervous about the entire internship process. I didn't have a great resume, I honestly didn't know what I was doing, and I didn't think any companies would want to work with me. When I finally realized and understood that I was capable of putting myself out there, my outlook on the entire process changed.

I met with the Career Center and revamped my resume entirely, it was a huge confidence boost. My first internship opportunity came about spring semester of my junior year. One of my greatest friends and staff members, Meg Keane, worked closely with a non-profit organization called LiveGirl. I absolutely loved everything that the organization stood for and knew it would be a great place for me to utilize the skills I learned in the classroom. When I tell you this organization is amazing, I really mean it - I couldn't have asked for a better internship opportunity. Meg put my name out there and I ended up connecting with LiveGirl's Program Manager, Alison. We talked via email and I went in for an interview, the process went fairly quickly. I not only met the amazing Alison, I also met LiveGirl's founder Sheri West (an absolutely fierce and amazing woman). I look up to Alison and Sheri so much. I never felt more confident walking into a room, they made me feel so comfortable and welcomed. I want to share their mission because it's truly amazing - "Founded in 2014, LiveGirl, Inc. is a Connecticut-based nonprofit organization that builds confident leaders. Our mission is to empower and equip the next generation of brave, inclusive leaders with the skills, community, and connections so that ALL girls may thrive and make a positive impact on the world." Their mission gave me so much confidence to believe in myself. I admire the leadership and mentorship I received at LiveGirl because they let me make the experience my own. They pushed me to use my skills and to always believe in myself and my ideas. Because of LiveGirl, I discovered my social media skills. I never knew that I could be creative and crafty on Instagram, but LiveGirl changed my mind. From social media, to campaign work for their summer camp, to advertising for their events, and much more - I'm beyond thankful. They basically allowed me to build my own personal portfolio from the work I did for them, it's still so amazing to look back on what I achieved. They made me feel like one of them, they gave me the confidence they preach to others, and taught me so much about myself that I didn't know. Leaving LiveGirl definitely wasn't easy, but I know that I can always count on them now and in the future.

At the beginning of my senior year, I was going through some personal things with family and I didn't think an internship would be good for me to handle. I thought about it for a bit before the deadline came about for paperwork and decided to push myself - I'm so grateful I did. I connected with an alumni that I worked with in Greek Life, shoutout to you Abby! She worked (and still works) for a beauty PR company called MP-IMC (Integrated Marketing Communications). She talked with her team and they offered me the position as intern for my senior year fall semester, I was so excited to learn about the field I truly wanted to go into after graduation - that being beauty PR. Her boss Melissa and co-workers Jess and Saira were so welcoming when I first met them. I felt like I related and connected with them in so many ways because Jess, Abby, and Saira all went to Sacred Heart. I learned SO MUCH from each and every one of them, things I never thought I could do. They taught me how to do media reports, which is probably my favorite thing (Abby thinks I'm nuts for liking these). This is where we compile all the press one of their clients received and simply make a report out of it so they can see it all. They taught me how to send out PR packages, which may seem boring to some, but I thought it was so cool. Why you may ask? Well, I've grown up watching YouTube influencers receive PR packages from brands and the fact that I was sending one out was quite bizarre to me. I researched press opportunities for their clients and they always supported the ideas I had when specific topics were brought to the table. They taught me how to write a pitch and at first I really doubted myself, but they always believed in my capabilities. I helped Abby with social media planning for one of their clients and it was always so fun to help with captions/pick pictures to use. Amidst all of this, I truly learned what it was like to work in the field that I wanted to after graduation. I enjoyed it so much so guess what? I went back for the spring semester and although the year was cut short, I'm still helping them remotely - it's just as fun. I am so beyond grateful and thankful, I wish I could intern with MP-IMC forever </3

Here I am, a senior at Sacred Heart, sitting in my living room at my actual house with family writing this. It doesn't seem right to be looking back on things that haven't ended yet in my head. Covid-19 really took a lot away from me. But I know that I can always look back on these professional experiences and say, I'm ready. I'm ready for you real world because I'm prepared and I'm so thankful for that. If you read to the end, I hope you know that you're capable of the things you think you can't do. Never doubt yourself or your worth.

Xo Gab