Eliza Kjar, a senior in public relations from Akron, Iowa, spent her [required 400 internship hours](/internships/) inside the 510 Marquette building, located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. As last summer’s public relations intern for Weber Shandwick, Kjar gained valuable work experience at one of the world’s leading PR agencies.
What did it mean to you to secure an internship position with Weber Shandwick?
Securing an internship with Weber Shandwick was one of the most memorable moments throughout my college experience and professional career. I still remember receiving the call from HR and accepting the summer position – I couldn’t believe they picked me! It seemed surreal. From that day on, my curiosity and passion for the industry completely changed.
How did you prepare for your interview(s)?
My first interview was a Skype interview, so I rented out a room in Gerdin. I prepared for questions such as, "Why do you want to work in PR?" and "What makes you different from other applicants?" I told myself that it was important to be myself during the interview, and that if it was meant to be, it would happen.
How did this internship prepare you for a career in public relations?
Working for Weber Shandwick introduced me to all branches of public relations and what they mean. I was assigned a department, but not limited to specific work. I was encouraged to take on projects in all departments of the office. Once I was given the OK, the learning officially started and my interests as well as skills grew rapidly.
About Weber Shandwick’s Internship for Greenlee Students
For the past few years, Weber Shandwick’s Minneapolis office has offered a summer internship specifically suited for a public relations student at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication. In addition, the agency works with the intern to fulfill credit for PR 499A. Barbara Riedesel Iverson, a 1976 Iowa State University journalism graduate, Greenlee School Advisory Council Chair and former president of Weber Shandwick’s financial services practice, helped initiate the internship program.
If you would like to be considered for this summer’s Greenlee internship at Weber Shandwick, make sure to submit your application online by Feb. 2, 2018.