From Intern to Insider: My Journey in PR

By Jessica Woods, Assistant Account Coordinator

They say the most valuable lessons aren’t taught in a classroom, they’re gained through real experience. That couldn’t be more true for me.

As a Communication Studies major specializing in Public Relations at Mercy University, I always knew I wanted a hands-on internship that would help bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. One of my favorite professors often emphasized how transformative the right internship could be, especially in the PR industry, where relationships, storytelling, and strategy are best learned in action. That advice led me to apply for a summer internship at CIIC PR in 2024 – and it’s safe to say it changed everything.

From day one, CIIC felt different. I vividly remember meeting Carolyn Izzo, CIIC PR’s Founder and CEO, during the early days of my internship. She made it clear: this wasn’t going to be your typical coffee-run kind of internship. At CIIC PR, interns are immersed in the real work, participating in client brainstorms, building media lists, planning events, developing social media content calendars, and contributing to press release distributions. The energy was fast-paced, creative, and incredibly supportive. It felt like being invited into a true team that valued my ideas and was invested in helping me grow.

That summer turned into a fall internship, and after graduating in December 2024, I was beyond thrilled to officially join the CIIC team as an Assistant Account Coordinator. Now, nearly a full year into this next chapter, I can honestly say: I love my job. I love the people I work with. And I’m learning more than I ever imagined, about PR, about collaboration, and about myself.

At CIIC, mentorship isn’t just a buzzword, it’s part of the culture. The team goes above and beyond to ensure everyone, from interns to clients, feels heard, guided, and empowered. Whether I’m researching awards for a hospitality client, event planning or curating content for a food and beverage brand, I know I’m supported every step of the way. The leadership at CIIC PR truly believes in fostering creativity and independence while encouraging initiative and curiosity. That balance has helped me grow more confident in my abilities while staying hungry to learn more.

Looking back, I’m so grateful for my internship and the journey it launched. From intern to insider, my path at CIIC has been one of discovery, growth, and immense gratitude. If you’re a student or aspiring PR pro wondering where to start, my advice is simple: find a place that believes in you, challenges you, and gives you room to shine. For me, that place was CIIC PR.

For more behind-the-scenes at CIIC PR, follow us on Instagram @ciicpr.