Grady InternViews: Chandler Rebel

This is part of a series where we ask Grady College students to describe their summer internship experience.

Briefly describe your internship and responsibilities.

The company I am working for is the Institute for Energy Research, my title is Communications Intern and I am working in Washington D.C. It is your typical 9-5. I metro in with some coffee and immediately get to work on writing press releases and opinion-editorials (Op-Eds). In addition to this, I assist in the development of the company’s website as well as assist in research. I also closely monitor our blog and Twitter for trending hashtags and subjects to tweet about. I participate in calls with major contributors to the organization and assist with their podcasts releasing’s. In an environment such as this, I am always jumping task to task, writing for publishers, researching for material and keeping a streamline communications department on track.

How is your internship affecting the ideas you have about your future? 

It is more than confirming my future aspirations. Being able to work in a journalistic capacity covering a political issue is very rewarding and I like to think I am already making a difference.

What has been your favorite part about living and working in DC?

My favorite part about living and working in DC would have to be the friends I have had the chance of making along the way. And also an occasional Washington Nationals game.

When you look back on your internship 10 years from now, what part of your summer internship do you think you’ll remember most?

I think I will remember my fantastic organization taking a chance on me and pouring so much knowledge into my work ethic.

What is the most valuable lesson or skill you have learned during your internship?

Always edit, and after you edit, edit again and again. 

How do you feel that the Public Affairs Professional certificate in Public Affairs Communications has prepared you for tackling the job?

I feel that the PAC certificate has more than prepared me. I have a long way to go before writing flawlessly, but I have learned to do so adequately through the program. It has also contributed to being able to adapt with an ever-changing political environment

What is your advice for other students looking to take on a similar role, and what advice would you give them if they’re considering a PAC certificate?

By all means, do it! You have to have an attitude that desires personal growth and an invaluable opportunity. These internships, along with the PAC certificate, are the perfect way to continue this growth.

What has been the most memorable experience you have had during your internship so far? 

So far, it was walking out to grab something and seeing former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sitting at the conference table.

Editor’s Note: The Public Affairs Communications Program is a certificate program within Grady College that provides students with practical training in the strategy and practice of public affairs communications focused on public policy and politics.