More than 100 interns converged on Fleishman Hillard’s New York office to receive career advice and industry insights from senior agency professionals, HR managers and former interns. The event kicked off with a keynote speech by Council Chairman and Ketchum CEO, Ray Kotcher, who discussed his humble beginnings in the industry as well as the profound impact today’s young professionals will have on the industry’s future.

 

PR specialists Steve Bonsignore (Cohn & Wolfe), Rob Longert (Peppercom), Jaycee Pribulsky (Waggener Edstrom) and Meredith Topalanchik (CooperKatz & Company) emphasized shared tips on how to best contribute and grow within a firm. Amidst much discussion that day about social media, these pros also stressed the importance of knowing traditional PR practices. 

 

A panel discussion of HR professionals Stephanie Howley (Cohn & Wolfe) and Joann Divito (Fleishman-Hillard), along with former interns Mai-Lise Nguyen (Weber Shandwick) and Andrea Betts (M Booth & Associates) advised the interns to be persistent in their job search and the importance of constantly expanding their professional networks. Lastly, Jessica Lee (APCO Worldwide) led a discussion on personal branding which included tips on how one should safeguard their online profile.

 

For additional information on the 2009 Internfest please read Converting your PR Internship into a Full Time Job from The Firm Voice