Jackson Free Press

When I was first deciding where to intern, my immediate choice was the JFP. My sister's boyfriend, Jonathan O'Keefe, was an intern here a couple of years ago, and my roommate, Holly Harlan, began as an intern last year and ended up having a job as a graphic designer. It only seemed right that I follow in their footsteps, and I'm very glad I did. The first day I began working was May 11th. I quickly noticed that everyone was extremely nice and helpful.

I am currently a senior at Millsaps College and since I was in high school I knew that I wanted to pursue some kind of career that dealt with sales, working with people, and fabulous events. Interning at the JFP is an awesome opportunity that has started to give me insights on just that. I love the idea of team work in order to make an event the best it could possibly be. The first event that I was given the chance to work on was this year's BOOM party. The turnout was amazing, and the venue was extremely neat.

Trying to balance an almost full-time job, as well as summer school while interning at the JFP has been somewhat of a challenge, but I figured that if I make myself available as much as I can, I will receive nothing but benefits in return. Yes, I'm coping with the lack of sleep this summer compared to past years, but I think after I graduate in May it will be well worth the dark circles under my eyes. (Thank God for concealer!)

One of the most important things that I have learned thus far is just how vital it is to follow up with clients. FOLLOW UP as much as you can! Calls, e-mails, letters, cards, WHATEVER... it makes such a huge difference in the way they perceive you. I've spent quite a bit of time sending out e-mails and doing followup calls for the BOOM event as well as the Chick Ball. Although it is tedious, calling a long list of people, I definitely found that it is well appreciated on the other end of the line. Clients remember you if you keep yourself in their train of thought, period.

Before my internship, I was extremely unsure of what exactly I wanted to pursue post college. Now, working in marketing and PR is something that I'm starting to think I can handle. Not saying that I don't have obscene amounts to still learn, but the Jackson Free Press has planted that little seed of hope that's pushing me to see what's out there, and I am so grateful.