During my internship with GNFP Digital/Germinder, I got the opportunity to travel to Kansas City for the conference at the CVC and the Animal Health Corridor. As a college student, finding opportunities to get real world experience is absolutely vital. Since it was my first time traveling for work, I did not know what to expect or how things would work, nonetheless, uncertainty would not stop me from making this trip. I packed my bags, flew to Kansas City and happily joined Lea-Ann Germinder, the President & Founder of the company as well as the publisher of Good News for Pets.
Having the opportunity to travel across the United States for work was a huge step in my career. I knew that GNFP Digital/Germinder was investing a lot of money to help me grow as a professional. To me, this meant that I would aid in all the projects, help establish relationships, assist with any task, and provide the most outstanding results possible at all times. During the trip, my purpose was to build the company to the best of my ability. I hoped that the company would be recompensed with hard work and a positive attitude.
I tried to have everything ready at all times. In all situations, I tried to be one-step ahead of the game. This way Lea-Ann would have everything she needed without having to ask for it.
“Can you take pictures of the tradeshow?” – Done.
“Can you get the gift bags ready?” — Done.
“Can you help me pack the contents for our table?” — Done.
“Can you take pictures of the Investment Forum?” — Done.
I didn’t wait to be given instructions, instead I tried to anticipate what would be necessary and have it ready before hand. I tried to find ways to solve issues and facilitate projects so our schedule would run smoother (Lea-Ann agrees!).
My favorite part of the trip was attending the networking events at the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor. I got the chance to meet really incredible individuals that had achieved great things within the veterinary industry. I had a great time talking to industry professionals and building relationships with individuals from different companies. I was delighted to mix and mingle with all the CVC and KCAHC attendees! I met Kim Young, the President of the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor at the “Women in the Corridor” event; she was part of the panel of speakers. As I indulged in different conversations with people, I learned so much about my own knowledge and character. Apparently, 4 years of college prepped me enough to give me the ability to talk to strangers about the advertising industry (I’m an advertising/PR major) and to have the confidence to stand my ground when asked questions about my opinions regarding those topics.
Naturally, I enjoyed spending extra time with Lea-Ann and visiting Kansas City. I walked around The Plaza, I visited the WW1 Memorial and made new friends. Lea-Ann and I took some client prospects from the conference to eat at a traditional Kansas City BBQ at Arthur Bryant’s! We went to go get drinks afterwards to a Blue Room, where they played Jazz.
I also got the opportunity to attend a press conference. As an Advertising and PR major, I have read about press conferences, written papers about them and heard plenty of funny stories about all the things that could go wrong during a press conference. Very rarely, college students are given the opportunity to attend as part of the press. Even more rarely, do they get to attend a press conference and participate by live tweeting during the conference. Thanks to my company I was one of the lucky few.
I felt very grateful for the responsibilities that were bestowed upon me during the conference. Another incredible opportunity came up, when I was given the task to interview CVC speakers. While I was in NYC, I had done research on the background of the speakers. I had picked a handful that I wanted to interview, so I reached out to them and scheduled a time to meet. I met with young professionals who are successful women making their dreams come true. After each of their lessons, I walked up to them, introduced myself and asked to interview them. They were pleased with the questions I asked and felt grateful to be interviewed. We had so much fun filming and getting to know each other. They were both a pleasure to work with!
I grew in my knowledge of PR, in my professional abilities and in my character. I got the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone over and over again. Not only did I aim to step outside of my comfort zone, but to thrive in unprecedented situations.
This trip was once-in a life time dream trip for any intern starting at any PR agency. From attending the press conference, to the networking opportunities to interviewing the attendees– this trip was truly a blessing in my career.
And to add the cherry on top of the perfect weekend – I got to play with puppies.
