While tirelessly searching for an internship, it is always important to use everything that is right in front of you. This is precisely what Sarah Caruso, a junior communication major, has done.
Deginning in her freshman year, Caruso worked in the Manhattan College Office of Marketing and Communications as a student assistant. From there she decided that she wanted to declare a concentration in public relations, something several students have done.
This job gave her the experience she needed to be able to succeed in her area of study. “That job has been like an internship for me since my freshman year because I was able to see how a PR office operates,” Caruso said. “That has helped me to practice my writing and revealed that I have a love for working events.”
This spring, Caruso will be putting all her experience to the test. She landed an internship with Allied Integrated Marketing and is working on the account for Paramount and Open Road studios.
As a promotions intern she has worked on several jobs in New York City, one being the premiere of “Zoolander 2.” “I help to plan, pitch and execute promotional events on college campuses, as well as community events,” she said. “I am in the process now of planning events for upcoming films, Triple 9 and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.”
Not only has her experience at Manhattan College’s Marketing and Communications office assisted in her success as an intern, but also her involvement in extracurricular activities, like Manhattan College’s chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America. As a part of PRSSA, Caruso has access to countless internships through the society’s website.
Utilizing the tools right at her fingertips has made all the difference. “My advice for students wanting to get an internship in NYC, especially in communication, PR or marketing, is to start interning young, or get involved on campus as soon as possible,” Caruso said.
Caruso feels most excited about this internship. She is highly involved in planning events and being a part of the team, which undoubtedly is the best kind of learning experience there is. “Now having had experience with three past internships, I was looking for something highly involved, in an industry that I felt passionate about,” she said. “The fact that it was PR/ Marketing and that it was more hands-on and involved made this feel like a great fit.”
Of course, there are always nerves that come along with starting a huge new job or internship, but the benefits that come from great opportunities are ones Caruso knows very well. A passion for the job is always important and loving your field is of the utmost importance.“The reason that I attended Manhattan College was for the internship opportunities available,” Caruso said. “I cannot speak on behalf of all companies, but I feel like experience is the most important thing when it comes to getting an internship.”