From Caitlin McKelvey, a graduating senior who interned with Himmelrich PR this past semester.

As a University of Maryland student, my classroom course content focused on producing various writing products used in public relations. As a Himmelrich PR intern, the understanding of the PR process and how the writing product is used in a marketing strategy became apparent—and came with lessons learned.

My internship was more than intern busy work, and gave me the opportunity to work with a team of PR pros—brainstorming, devising messages, themes and taglines, and finding advertising opportunities—to problem solve so we could meet client goals. I also provided input on proposed project plans and developed pitches for online publications and bloggers. Every day offered new learning experiences and new chances to explore a variety of public relations tactics.

I’m closing this chapter of my education with a new understanding of the process of public relations, especially these key lessons:

- It takes a village—no individual can create public relations success. It takes a team to communicate effectively, and rely on each other for support to create greater opportunity for success.

- Outcome comes from input—the work and experience is equal to the dedication— asking lots of questions, conducting extensive research and putting in the hard work will yield successful results and positive rewards.

- Show, not tell—no one wants to be simply told information. The challenge is in finding ways to make even the most simple concepts or news an opportunity to share, check-in or update.

- There are no mistakes, only learning opportunities—things usually don’t go as planned. Constructive criticism, learning from mistakes, and moving forward means that the next project will be even better.

As my final semester ends, and I prepare for graduation, I move on with direction, goals and a new found confidence in my future in PR—confidence that could only come from my recent real world experience.

From Blair Johnson, a Himmelrich PR intern who will be graduating in May from Towson University:

When asked in my interview for my internship at Himmelrich PR, “How do you define public relations?” I scrambled to come up with an answer. I can tell you examples of good PR and bad PR and I’ve created a fake PR campaign for class, but when asked to define the top subject that has been the sole focus of my higher education, I drew a blank. It might have been interview jitters, but maybe I struggled because I didn’t completely understand PR. Being an intern has helped me grasp not only the concept of PR, but has taught me valuable, practical lessons that I will be able to use in the future.

Being an intern at Himmelrich PR exceeded any expectations I had. Not only did I get to do meaningful work instead of just mundane tasks, but I was actually asked for my input. I saw a successful, fast-paced work environment first-hand and grasped a better understanding of what effective public relations consists of. The most valuable lessons I will take away from my internship are:

- Get to the point. Press materials, media pitches or emails shouldn’t be too lengthy. You want to get your point across in a concise, captivating manner.

- Don’t pass up any opportunity. Attend client meetings when given the chance. Join group brainstorming efforts. Participate in as many conversations as possible. Find a way to put yourself out there and contribute.

- Speak in different voices. Having an understanding of the client’s point of view, voice and vision is essential in writing effective social media content, press releases and other communications that represent them.

- It isn’t by the book. While you may learn a lot in classes, it’s the real world experiences that will teach you the most. Don’t be afraid to take chances, lose the fear of being wrong or taking missteps—you’ll get much more out of your internship that way.

In addition to these lessons, I now know that public relations is not just one thing, or singularly defined. I was able to see it’s an ever-evolving approach to meeting the varying aspects of client’s goals—whether it’s planning events, generating attendance, coordinating sponsorships or facilitating a rebranding project. I will always be grateful for the skills I have developed this past semester, and for the better understanding I have of a field I now know I want to pursue a career in.

Eager undergrads interested in using their PR prowess in their pursuit to becoming a PR professional: look no further! Spend your summer with us doing real work, for real clients, in a really cool work environment, and with really nice people. Internships at Himmelrich PR provide the opportunity for college students to apply their studies and continue increasing their knowledge in public relations.

Interns support our client teams directly by working on diverse projects, including:

- writing press materials, newsletters and other publications
- creating content for social media
- planning events
- researching media and promotional opportunities
- developing media lists

If you’re ready for a summer of opportunity, please email a cover letter and resume to internships@himmelrich.com.

Priority will be given to candidates with academic course work or prior experience in public relations, marketing or communications. Internships are unpaid and can be used for academic credit.

No phone calls, please.

Last week, our Account Executive Jessica Fast was invited to serve as a guest lecturer at the Sixth Annual Flagler College Communication Week in St. Augustine, FL. As an alumnus of the College, Jessica was asked to speak with communication majors as an expert in the PR field.

In addition to speaking to Public Relations classes, Jessica sat on a panel of successful alumni to field questions and offer advice to hundreds of undergraduate students. She was one of only three alumni representing “agency life.” In helping students understand the many different ways that public relations is handled, Jessica was able to point to her success in promoting events in Boston, Philadelphia and Baltimore, and her leadership in branding and identity projects for non profits. The most memorable moment from Jessica’s trip was overhearing a student say, “I hope to be successful enough to be invited back to Communication Week one day.”

Every day we use our talents to reach our clients’ goal, but it’s also nice to help future PR pros reach their goals too.

While most people are wrapping up 2012, Himmelrich PR is ready for 2013– planning events in Baltimore, monitoring editorial calendars along the East Coast, and researching sponsorship opportunities across the country.

If you’re an aspiring PR pro who’s also ready for your future, we are ready for you! We are looking for a great intern to join us for the spring 2013 semester.

Internships at Himmelrich PR give college students an opportunity to apply their studies and continue learning about the public relations industry while having fun and building their resumes.

As part of our team, the intern will work directly on client projects, including:

- writing press materials, newsletters and other publications
- creating content for social media
- researching media and promotional opportunities
- developing media lists
- tracking media

Interested applicants should email a resume and cover letter to internships@himmelrich.com.

Priority will be given to candidates with academic course work or prior experience in public relations, marketing or communications.

No phone calls, please.

PS – Our intern last spring was also thinking about the future…on your behalf! Check out Gabi’s tips for a successful internship (see: Dear Future Intern,)

Our new Account Executive is a fast learner. In her first few weeks, she has talked to dozens of artists and craftspeople about their inspiration, researched the leisure habits of older adults, and subscribed to countless newspapers and magazines throughout New England.

Our new Account Executive is on the fast-track. Following a position at a public relations firm in Florida, she most recently served as Senior Marketing Associate for a nonprofit association where she organized media activities around the country, managed national marketing campaigns, and coordinated large scale events.

Our new Account Executive is fast on her feet. She is an avid runner in training for her first marathon. She is also hustling to complete her Master of Science in Marketing degree from the Johns Hopkins University in Spring 2013.

Our new Account Executive is Jessica Fast. We welcome her to the Himmelrich PR team.

Home and Garden Show
Great press attracts awesome crowds
(And we bought some rakes)

Craft festival time
A rare weekend with no show
Next week: Somerset

Beautiful weekend
Until we watched the Ravens
43-13

We’re busier than we thought we would be—and it’s not going to stop, so we are creating a new position. We are looking for an Account Associate to support our event promotions teams.

The Account Associate will:
- conduct media research and create press lists.
- write press materials.
- develop relationships with online and print media.
- coordinate traditional, online and social media activities.
- post event information on websites.

This is a great position for someone who wants a creative and collaborative environment, ongoing education, an opportunity to grow, and a fun experience working with some great people.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@himmelrich.com.

No phone calls please.

Two new clients… six new markets… and one new Account Executive position open at Himmelrich PR.

We are currently looking for an experienced public relations pro to work with some of our largest and most visible clients. The Account Executive will handle local and national media, and will develop and manage creative promotions. The AE will take the lead in managing client relationships and will provide support and guidance to our client teams.

Who are we looking for? Someone who:
- has at least 3-5 years of public relations and media experience, preferable at an agency or as part of a marketing department
- has proven success identifying, pursuing and placing prominent media coverage, including pitching media
- is a strong writer for all types of media
- has experience managing teams and projects
- has experience developing and managing promotional activity
- is a self-starter and can work independently while being part of a collaborate team
- is well-organized, well-spoken and well-read.

Interested? Please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@himmelrich.com.

Know someone who might be interested in this great opportunity? Feel free to spread the word.

Today marks new Account Associate Kate Estes’ fourth week at Himmelrich PR. To celebrate the occasion, it’s about time we introduced her:

Kate is obsessed with two things: news and to-do lists.

Kate’s natural (or perhaps unnatural) curiosity drives her to immerse herself in newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, blogs and social media. As for the lists, whether it is ‘develop press list’ or ‘do laundry,’ Kate thrives on the satisfaction that comes from crossing off a task. Her appetite for media and compulsive planning are what makes her effective at supporting the public relations and marketing activities that meet our clients’ goals.

Previously, Kate worked with small business clients on behalf of an online marketing software company and held positions with two regional public relations firms. She holds a bachelors degree in public relations from York College of Pennsylvania.

Welcome, Kate!