This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois chapter.
When it comes to mastering the art of balance, Hanna Handler has it down. No stranger to taking on numerous responsibilities, Handler interned at the world’s largest public relations firm, Edelman, this past summer in Chicago and also fulfills a number of other public relations roles at Illinois. Her Campus got the chance to hear about her intern experience and how she maintains her rigorous and remarkable schedule.
Her Campus: How did you get involved with Edelman and what was your internship position?
Hanna Handler: I had been interviewing with Edelman for over a year before I started my internship. I visited the office last summer and then again during spring break. I received my offer during the last few weeks of April and began in early June. I was placed on their New Business and Marketing team with one other intern and I worked closely with the Chief of Staff and office President.
Instead of having a specific client or two, my “client” was essentially Edelman. I helped put together two major office events: the Academic Summit and the Edelpalooza summer celebration party. I also shadowed and met and worked with Edelman employees from all over the office on digital, design, consumer and crisis teams.
HC: How was your experience being the youngest intern at Edelman?
HH: Being the youngest intern in the office was definitely daunting at first. Even though I was younger than my colleagues, my workload and expectations were no different from anyone else.
HC: How do you think your internship prepared you for future responsibilities?
HH: My internship experience at Edelman has definitely improved my work ethic and professionalism in my schoolwork and extracurricular activities. I have found myself to be more
confident in all of my public relations-related responsibilities.
HC: How has working with Edelman influenced your view of the public relations field?
HH: Working with Edelman has provided me with a clearer picture of life and PR work post-college. Before my internship, I had an “idea” of what the industry was like, but after working
with the largest public relations agency in the world, I feel as though I have a stronger grasp of what I am getting myself into.
HC: Describe your involvement with public relations on campus.
HH: On campus, I am currently the Vice President of Public Relations for Panhellenic Council, Vice President of PRSSA, Public Relations Chair for the Illinettes Dance team and a campus
ambassador for Intern Queen Inc. During my time on Panhellenic Council, my major projects have been creating the PHC Blog and the PHC recruitment phone application. As Vice President of PRSSA, my primary responsibilities include scheduling speakers for our meetings and organizing our networking trip in the spring. Additionally, I run all social media for the Illinettes Dance Team and collaborate with the Intern Queen staff to promote certain brands.
HC: Is it difficult balancing your PRSSA and Panhellenic duties with Illinettes and Intern Queen?
HH: At times, it can be a challenge balancing all of my work, but my involvement with the Illinettes Dance Team has significantly improved my time management skills. We have a very
rigorous practice schedule, and after three years of experience on the team, I am conscientious when it comes to scheduling other activities.
HC: What are your plans for summer 2015?
HH: Ideally, I would love to work with another agency or return to Edelman! With one summer’s worth of new business and marketing skills under my belt, I am interested in working on digital, crisis or paid media teams.
To learn more about life as the youngest intern at Edelman, you can read Handler’s Huffington Post article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/intern-queen/navigating-the-office-as-_b_5…
Photos courtesy of Hanna Handler