nyc PR girls

PRofile: @KelsiRosenberg

Meet Kelsi Rosenberg, a sophomore at The University of Central Florida majoring in public relations/advertising. Just like us, she can’t live without her Sex and the City DVD’s, bold accessories and favorite fashion magazines (Vogue, Elle and Harper’s Bazaar). Her first internship was in the city last summer at Linda Gaunt Communications and since then,  fashion and New York City have a special place in her heart. While in college she’s had three other internships and we wanted to learn more about her experience and any advice she has for students like herself.

What made you want to get into public relations?

I always knew I wanted to work in the fashion industry and once I realized how much I loved to write, public relations just seemed like the perfect fit. My first internship really taught me the basics of the fashion PR field. Everything from creating press releases, planning events and communicating with editors, it has always been my dream.

How did you land your internship and what advice do you have for others?

I landed my first internship in the Big Apple as a freshman in college with absolutely no experience. I promise it is not as difficult as you think! During any interview, you must prove that you are interested and eager to learn.

Nowadays, social media has made the internship search much easier.  Every person looking to break into PR must be on Twitter. This has become the first place companies post internship opportunities so don’t be afraid to tweet them questions about their internship programs and who to contact.

Also, networking is key! Create a LinkedIn account to connect with fellow employers and students. Just remember rejection is inevitable in this industry, so never give up. Complete as many internships as you can while in college because the hands on experience will never live up to what you learn sitting through a college lecture.

What has been your favorite part of working in PR thus far?

For a fashion lover like myself, every part of the internship experience I had in the city last summer was exciting. I was able to attend designer press days with some of the best editors and stylists in the industry and I’ll never forget when I assisted during a Donna Karan event at her Urban Zen store.

However, I would have to say that my favorite part was going back for Spring 2011 Fashion Week in September; it was truly a life changing experience. I was able to learn every aspect that went into creating a successful fashion show. The late hours spent finishing seating charts, creating photographer lists and the many runs to Staples were all worth it. Being in the same room as fashion icons such as Andre Leon Talley and Linda Fargo is something I will never forget. If it wasn’t for my internship at LGC,  I would have never had these opportunities.

What are your future PR aspirations?

With two years left of college, I’ll continue to intern and network as much as possible. This summer I am heading back to NYC for another PR internship and couldn’t be more excited to spend another summer in the city that never sleeps. After graduation, I hope to land a job in fashion PR and call NYC my home for good.  Until then, I will continue to live vicariously through the nyc PR girls!

Read Kelsi’s column on  CollegeFashionista.com and follow  @KelsiRosenberg.

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PRofile: @ClaireMBiggs

The PR world is filled with hopefuls, students and professionals each  with a unique story. We’re profiling those who have a strong interest in PR and are headed in the right direction.

With that said, meet Claire –  a public relations student at Louisiana State University and lover of all things fashionable, charitable and impossible.  Never without heels or a Dr Pepper, she’s excitedly awaiting graduation so she can pursue a career in fashion or entertainment PR in New York City.

What made you want to get into public relations?

All  I’ve ever wanted to do is write and break into industries I loved: fashion, travel,  hospitality, non-profit, etc. I call public relations  my career in  ”life skills”  - being able to communicate effectively can get you anything you want or need in any field. What you learn while in school or interning teaches you exactly what you need to know to survive in any circumstance in your professional career. You learn how to negotiate, think quickly, act confidently – the works.

What has been your favorite part of working in PR thus far?

I was lucky enough to have a fantastic internship in New York City last summer. I learned from some of the best fashion and entertainment publicists and public relations professionals in the country. The best part – for a true fashion lover like myself – was a tie between being on the set of Gossip Girl and coming back to Fashion Week in September. It doesn’t get much better than that.

What are your future PR aspirations?

I moved up my graduation date  to  break into the PR world as early as I could, and right now, it’s all about finding a job. I’m planning to move to New York City when I graduate in May, and I’ll hopefully find a job working in the fashion, entertainment, or hospitality industry.  Hopefully this time next year  I’ll be living in  a tiny  NYC apartment doing what I love.

Check out her blog MSMPR:24seven and connect on Twitter @ClaireMBiggs.

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