How Internships Influenced A Global PR Manager At A Footwear Company
Olivia's undergraduate internships significantly shaped their career path, with a first part-time role at a small agency leading to an in-house internship at Oracle, ultimately resulting in their current position as Manager, Global PR. Olivia emphasizes that "you can definitely connect [career] dots looking back," highlighting the unexpected but impactful nature of early career experiences.
Internships, Networking, Career Trajectory, Resume Building, Practical Experience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Olivia Nelson
Manager, Global PR
Publicly-Owned Footwear Company
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
N/A
Creative Writing, Journalism
Apparel, Beauty, Retail & Fashion
Communication and Marketing
Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Internships significantly impacted career trajectory.
2. Early internships, even part-time, helped determine career interests and build a resume.
3. A sequence of internships led to a first full-time job and eventually the current role. Connecting the dots is only possible in retrospect
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
Internships totally changed my post-grad trajectory. If you have the opportunity to intern, I really recommend doing it.
Even part-time, it'll be beneficial. It helps you figure out what you like and start to build your resume.
I think about my internships and had I not gotten that first one at a small boutique agency in Orange County, I wouldn't have gotten my second internship in-house with Oracle. Ultimately, that second internship led me to my first full-time job post-grad, which then led me to my current job.
It's crazy. You can't really connect the dots looking forward, but you can definitely connect them looking back. That first part-time internship with that tiny agency in Orange County totally set me off on the path that landed me to where I am today. So, if you have the opportunity to intern, I totally recommend doing that.