Texas Tech Scholarship Luncheon

Recent Mass Comm graduates attest to the value of an internship

Michelle Stephens

“Position requires experience.” You may have noticed this particular line in many job descriptions and thought to yourself, “How can I get experience if everyone wants experience?”

Current Texas Tech students could learn a great deal from Michelle Stephens. Stephens graduated from Texas Tech University in 2001 with a degree in public relations and a minor in communication studies. She said Tech gave her great opportunities to get involved. Stephens was a member of PRSSA, RaiderComm, an honors fraternity and the Texas Tech Honors College.

In addition to school organizations, Stephens interned for two years in the public relations department at Covenant hospital. The internship provided her with career direction, experience and a network of references.

“I found my niche in life,” Stephens said. “(An internship) is the best thing you can do for yourself while in college; it helps you test drive a career.”

When her internship ended, a position in the department opened. Stephens became the hospital’s publications specialist immediately after graduation. She was responsible for creating newsletters and publishing brochures. Stephens is now the communication specialist at Covenant. She is in charge of media and customer relations and maintains the employee Web site.

“Interning helps you decide what you want to be; there is nothing better than an internship,” Stephens said.

Emily Bruce

Emily Bruce graduated from Texas Tech University in December 2004 with a degree in public relations.

While at Tech, Bruce served as president of PRSSA and was an account executive in RaiderComm. She also gained valuable experience through internships with the American Heart Association and Covenant hospital.  

Bruce said her experience at Tech was very special, and she feels the College of Mass Communications prepared her well. She is currently working for Michael and Partners, a public relations firm in Dallas .

As an account coordinator, Bruce is responsible for creating media lists and making follow-up calls to clients. She said good communication skills are very important in the public relations field.