My Summer Internship in New York City
By Elaina Sanchez, B.S. Public Relations 2023
Elaina Sanchez participated in a summer internship at advertising agency Terri & Sandy, coordinated through the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications’ CJCxNYC program, in summer 2022.
Prior to CJCxNYC, I thought I knew exactly what New York was like – even more than most because I spent each summer of high school in the city. But man was I wrong!
As times have changed so have I. When I participated in the program, I was 21 years old and entering a year of endless searching, applying and interviewing for jobs. This program couldn’t have come at a better time. From the start, CJCxNYC guided my professional development by engaging me through interviews and application processes, strengthening my confidence in my speaking skills, and reminding me the value of patience. Waiting to hear back from different companies, each with its own timeline, was an unfamiliar part of the process. I am grateful that I got to experience that before my senior year of college.
I was fortunate to intern at ad agency Terri & Sandy during the program, which is something I never considered as a Public Relations major. I gained new skills, from learning the fast-paced environment at an agency to new techniques and tools. Even just learning the layout and responsibilities of each employee at the agency was a big one! During my internship, I met with members of different teams to better understand their roles and how they fit into the bigger picture of the agency. I learned the importance of client services, like account management and new business, and I gained experience working in a team in a new environment outside of coursework.
What could’ve been a much more overwhelming transition was minimized by a constant support team within and outside my internship. Not only did I have a fellow Gator and CJCxNYC student in my cohort, but we were led by a CJC alum, too! I felt less worried about this process because I was surrounded by people connected through the College. I also valued the guidance offered by faculty and other students in the program. We frequently connected to share our experiences working in agencies and offered tips and advice to one another.
Aside from working, living in NYC proved to be a breakthrough moment in my life. I learned that living in a college town and going to classes daily is extremely different from working a 9 to 5, Monday to Friday job in a major city. This allowed me to assess what post-grad life in New York could be like. I saw the importance of work-life balance, how to budget, and most importantly, how to be independent and responsible. It made me think differently of the New York I thought I knew so well, and for this I am extremely grateful for CJCxNYC.
I truly enjoyed my summer because of the personal and professional development I gained. The friends and memories I made will always hold a special place in my heart and college experience.
Posted: January 4, 2025
Category: CJCxNYC Blogs
Tagged as: CJCxNYC, Elaina Sanchez
