By Deja Watts I had the pleasure of interviewing, via email, Laura Miller, Executive Vice-President at Greentarget, a business-to-business Public Relations (PR) agency that helps professional services firms build and communicate authority to guide more intelligent conversations. We discussed her intern experience as a college student, how she began her career at Greentarget, and how low-income students can effectively compete for high-quality internships. Ms. Miller shared some very insightful information and tips. Following is the interview. DW: Where did you attend college, and what was your major? LM: Tufts University and International Relations DW: What activities were you involved in while in college? LM: Sailing, Tufts Daily (newspaper) DW: Did you interview anywhere? If so, how was that experience? LM: I did not know during college. In the ‘90s, internships did not seem to be as common as they are today. Instead, I had summer jobs as a sailing coach and at a department store. Post-college, I interned for a United States senator, which ultimately led to a full-time role in his office. DW: How did you begin your career at Greentarget? LM: The senator I had been working for since college decided to retire from public service, and I had to decide on my next steps. My primary role in his office was as press secretary, so I found myself torn between some political opportunities and those in the communications space. Either way, it was imperative to pursue a career that impacted the world and allowed me to continue championing essential causes. Greentarget was opening its doors (technically the neighboring office’s door as the agency did not yet have one) and offered the opportunity to take the leap into professional services work while continuing to pursue my interest in public affairs working with political campaigns. Eventually, I shifted entirely into work with professional services organizations, where Greentarget is focused: we help sophisticated organizations articulate their unique value, build meaningful relationships and grow to their full potential. DW: What are the qualifications for applying to Greentarget’s intern program? LM: Greentarget interns are generally in their junior or senior year of college or have recently graduated. While we do not expect anybody – intern or otherwise – to join the firm with knowledge of the clients we represent (large law firms, consulting firms, financial services organizations, etc.), we do look for candidates interested in learning more about these sophisticated businesses. A solid written and oral communication background is a great benefit, as is the ability to work independently and within a group. Ultimately, we look for people who match our values: authenticity, hard work, intellectual curiosity, good teammates, and challenge-seekers. DW: Financial barriers, however, often prevent low-income students from accessing high-quality internships, many of which are unpaid. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds may need a summer income to pay for college, leaving the career-rich opportunities unpaid internships provide off the table. What advice do you offer low-income students competing for high-quality internships? LM: Personally, I am not a fan of unpaid internships in large part because of the systemic issues you just described. If an organization is unwilling to commit financially to investing in future practitioners and does not have some extremely compelling tradeoff in exchange, it is worth wondering whether they are an organization whose values match yours.
DW: What can those offering high-quality internships do to help support low-income students? LM: My experience has been that organizations that offer high-quality internships also tend to be the organizations that invest in people and see the value in a team with a wide range of backgrounds.
DW: Any other thoughts you would like to share? LM: I imagine the internship process can be intimidating for anyone, so seek out resources, including teachers, career offices, and other students who have worked for companies that interest you. Moreover, while you may not be in the driver’s seat for the application process, do not shy away from asking critical questions to help ensure a good fit and a positive experience:
Source: Green Target: About us https://greentarget.com/about-us/
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7/5/2023 09:10:21 pm
We’re proud of our lasting relationships – many of our clients have been with us since the start, and we continue to support our candidates long after they settle into their new roles.
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AuthorBowie State University SPR Group Student Blog Archives
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