Intern Testimonials

The uneasiness of moving to a new city, knowing no-one, was what D.C. meant for me -- until I started at Spectrum. From the very beginning, the Spectrum family was very welcoming. The entire staff went out of their way to find meaningful learning opportunities.
I've learned so many valuable tools and have been encouraged to think in a manner that transcends classroom learning. I am eager to take an enhanced skill set back to the classroom for my senior year. I cannot thank the staff of Spectrum enough for being my family away from home and for giving me a first-class experience.

Leslie Irvine, Spring '08
Syracuse University
Colchester, VT

 

As the elevator doors opened on my first day at Spectrum I was greeted with a smile and a handshake from none other than John Seng, the president. I knew instantly this was not going to be a typical internship experience.

The interactive and hands on nature of Spectrum’s internship program is what makes this company unique. Tony Stockwell said “To learn something fast and effectively, you have to see it, hear it, and feel it.” This in mind, it is easy to see why I learned as much as I did in the last four months. Here at Spectrum, every single member of the staff was ready and willing to teach. More importantly, the staff wanted you involved in the day to day account activities. We were invited to the weekly staff meetings, as well as the annual conference. With that level of immersion, we were prepared to undertake our own proposal and new business pitch. The SpectrumU program even allowed us to present our ideas to the entire staff!

The relationships with the staff and other interns have proven to be invaluable and I am excited to continue my tenure with Spectrum as an Assistant Account Executive.

Bethany Fischer, Spring '08
University of Maryland
College Park, MD

 

Spectrum Science gave me a taste of what a real job at firm would be like. No other internship I had before had given me the responsibility to take part in completing an actual project, follow-up on it, and watch it make an impact on the account. I had real deadlines and made sure I did my part. At first, I was intimidated by the number of different projects flying at me at once since they treated me almost like an employee, but I soon learned to organize, multitask, and handle many things at once.

However, I wouldn’t have gotten through it without the help of other fellow Spectrumites, who were patient and eager to help if I had any questions. The internship program gave me various training sessions (which I’ve never heard of in other internships) and a mentor on top of my three internship coordinators. They would take me out to lunch, buy me coffee, and were just available to chat and talk about PR and careers in general.

I’ve gained a lot of skills at Spectrum that will be useful in PR and almost any other industry I can think of. I learned to do research, pitch calls, and draft correspondences with journalists and reporters. But the best part about Spectrum was meeting such intelligent and enthusiastic people in the field, who were so fun and exciting to work with.

Christine Lai, Fall '07
Cornell University
New York, NY

 

At Spectrum I learned more than any class could ever teach me, was given the same respect and responsibilities of a fully integrated team member, and was guided to reach my full potential. I value the relationships I established while at Spectrum and found mentors that continue to offer me their guidance to this day.

Tessie Epstein, Fall '08 & Summer '09
American University
Washington, DC

 

I just wanted to thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to work here and making it such a wonderful and valuable experience. Going into this internship I had no previous experience in public relations. This was a little bit scary but I was wanting and willing to take the challenge and learn as much as I could. This experience has really taught me so much about the public relations industry and has provided me with so many opportunities to practice what I have learned. ... All of these opportunities have allowed me to sharpen my communication skills in one way or the other, whether it be writing pitch notes, advisories and emails or talking to a reporter on the phone, etc. I will certainly be using those skills for the rest of my life in the "real" world.
I am so happy I got the chance to work at Spectrum, not only because of the work you do here, but definitely for the people I have met. Thanks again for a wonderful summer.

Megan Minich, Spring '06
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, Penn.

 

When I began as a digital strategy intern in the fall of 2009, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the internship was not a "make copies and get coffee" job. After my first week at Spectrum, I was contributing to the Full Spectrum Blog, interacting with the VP of Digital Strategy regularly, and completing tasks that gave me a lot of creative license and responsibility.
At meetings, I was always included in the conversation as a member of the team. Coworkers, including upper-management, asked my input on projects, and I immediately felt welcomed and comfortable at Spectrum.

Molly Hippolitus, Fall '09
College of Charleston
Charleston, SC

 

Spectrum is such a great way to learn about PR. College classes are only going to teach a student theories of what works and what doesn't, but real world opportunities are what make all the difference. I am so lucky to have been able to work alongside communications specialists in the advocacy, public affairs and research media. It is such a safe and encouraging learning environment - you won't find this kind of company culture just anywhere.

Joanna Chao, Spring '06
University of California, Irvine

 

My summer at Spectrum was spectacular. I was able to participate in brain storming sessions, staff meetings, and presentations. I felt like I was a part of every account team on which I worked. I developed some wonderful friendships and gained valuable experience. Spectrum has convinced me that public relations is the career for me and the skills I learned will certainly help me in my future endeavors.

Caitlin Harris, Summer '06
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tenn.

 

I never expected to participate in an internship experience that would equip me with the skills necessary to begin my career as a young public relations professional. That is what my internship with Spectrum provided. With the support of a seasoned staff, I immersed myself in the health care communications industry.
As an intern, I was made to feel included in the day-to-day happenings at Spectrum. I participated in client calls, staff meetings, and even had the opportunity to present to Senior Staff.
The relationships I built while I was at Spectrum, are ones I cherish and will continue to foster and maintain as I continue on and progress in my career. I cannot stress enough how this experience allowed me to grow personally and professionally. I am eternally grateful, thank you Spectrum!

Binta Cisse, Fall '09
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC

I'll always remember the first Spectrum staff meeting I attended as an intern. Upper level management announced promotions for two staff members. It was really inspiring to see some of the employees who I had worked with get rewarded for their hard work, initiative and effective program results. Spectrum's CEO also talked about his vision for the future of Spectrum and I really recognized the company's drive for success, even with the struggling economy.
This internship provided great insights into what life is like at a communications agency and I would highly recommend Spectrum's program for students interested in public relations, especially those who are passionate about healthcare. Spectrum offers a structured internship program in a thriving office environment. Interns are placed on account teams and they actually engage in client work.

Kaitlin Doody, Spring '09
University of Maryland
College Park, MD

 

My internship at Spectrum began sitting in the lobby with butterflies, clutching my polished portfolio. I walked into the interview with hidden expectations and excited enthusiasm. Prior to my interview, I followed the traditional formula: Research the company and come prepared with knowledge. I specifically remember reading an intern's entry recalling an unexpected introductory handshake from the president, Mr. John J. Seng - I must admit, I doubted the same event would happen twice. However, and in all honesty, who was the first person I met walking into my first day of my internship? Mr. Seng himself. After a swift handshake and introduction, I attended the first of many Staff meetings. Within two weeks I had immersed myself in the Spectrum way on 20th and K.
The internship experience offered and opened the door to lifelong lessons. I interacted with and worked in tandem with almost every level of expertise and learned a lesson from each unique team. I walked into the internship with expectations of the curriculum and happily found that Spectrum mirrored and extended those goals. Working with numerous accounts, external and internal, I learned those lessons that classrooms cannot teach:  How to become a nimble communicator across multiple subjects.
Pulling from my father's advice, the opportunity to work as an intern allowed me to learn the heartbeat of the firm In retrospect, I realize that the internship simultaneously refined my communication skills and adaptability in the dynamic world of public relations.
As with any internship - you get out what you put in. With Spectrum, each intern has the ability to take part in a unique experience and learn lifelong lessons.

Megan Richter, Fall '08
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD

 

I learned more than I could have ever imagined and gained skills that I'll be able to take with me wherever I go. ... In the end, the most important part of this summer was that I learned new things, which is exactly what I came here to do. I couldn't have done it without all of your help and I thank [Spectrum] for being such great teachers. This has definitely been one summer that I will remember forever.

Brandii Smith, Summer '06
American University
Washington, D.C.

 

This summer was a first of many for me: my first summer in the city; my first public relations internship; my first experience in the "real world." They always ask you to sum up your experience in one word. It would have to be: Rewarding.
Interning at Spectrum turned out to be just what I needed in terms of career focus. Prior to Spectrum I was a little unsure of which direction I would go. I now have solidified my path a little more, and I'm excited for the future.

I want to thank everyone at Spectrum for making this an enriching experience for me and the other interns. I appreciate the time you spent teaching us the skills every PR practitioner needs.

Rose Huber, Summer '06
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, Penn.

 

I'll never forget my time at Spectrum, and I wish you all the best as you continue your careers here at this great agency. ... When I returned to school this fall and started searching for another internship, I received calls back from each place I applied. I interviewed with three different places and actually had my pick of where I wanted to work. All of my interviewers were very impressed with my internship at Spectrum and the knowledge I had gained. I am grateful for the experience and that you took such a chance on me last year as only a sophomore.

Beth Hoops, Summer '06
Bradley University
Peoria, Ill.