Grady InternViews: Sydney Palmer

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

Sydney Palmer is a fourth-year double dawg public relations and journalism student working with the Office of Government Relations at the University of Georgia as a Federal Relations intern.   Read on as she provides insight into what this internship looks like.

Briefly describe your internship and its associated responsibilities.

As a Federal Relations intern, I attend meetings with congressional staff, report on committee hearings, assist with communications and events and support the Federal Relations team with administrative tasks like compiling news clips and memos, tracking legislation, and creating graphics. 

What opportunities did you have during your internship?

Through my internship, I have had the chance to network with industry professionals from investigative reporters to communications directors. I also got to cover the hearing on strengthening child welfare and protecting America’s children and had the opportunity to watch Paris Hilton testify. Also, I met Raphael Warnock, one of the highlights of my internship and summer in Washington, D.C.  

What skills and knowledge have you gained from your internship?

My internship has strengthened my writing skills significantly as I am responsible for compiling memos, creating news clips, and crafting internal and external newsletters every week. I have also gained a better understanding of the legislative process and the institutional priorities of the university.  

What is one work you are proud of creating in this role?

I am particularly proud of the one-pager I created for the Office of Government Relations. It was fun to utilize graphic design to create something tangible that can be used both in the office and at federal and state retreats. Additionally, I had the opportunity to write a memo on Speaker Mike Johnson’s Fireside Chat on Title IX. It was a very comprehensive memo that taught me about Title IX and how it impacts both athletics and other arenas.

How did you balance your internship with everyday life?

This summer, I am interning with the Office of Government Relations, taking a summer class, and preparing for my role as Vice President of University Traditions for the Student Alumni Council. I must be very intentional with my time, so I typically use Sundays as my day to prepare for the upcoming week. I plan out my week in terms of meetings, homework, studying as well as doing tasks like meal prepping, washing my hair, and just overall self-care. This has helped me balance all my responsibilities and stay on top of important deadlines.   

What challenges have you overcome in this role?

Before stepping into this role, I did not have a great understanding of the legislative process or politics in general beyond the basic structure. This role has exposed me to a lot of new information and experiences. D.C. is a very political place and living here this summer has taught me a lot and I am looking forward to learning more and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.  

How has the Grady curriculum you’ve taken prepared you for this internship?

The Grady curriculum really helps to polish your writing. Writing is such an essential skill, and, in my internship, I have had to write every day. Through my PR Communications class with Tom Cullen, I was able to practice concise writing and utilize the inverted pyramid to structure important information. These skills that I gained through the Grady curriculum have really helped me with things like memo writing and creating newsletters. 

Who is one Grady Professor who has inspired you? 

My Reporting 1 Professor Tracy Coley has inspired me and really shaped my career trajectory. I always knew I wanted to work in journalism/news, but her guidance solidified my post-graduate plans, and for that I am grateful. She made herself available to me for questions, advice, and overall support. She is one of the best professors I have had in Grady. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to apply to similar internships?

Apply for any and every opportunity that sounds even remotely interesting. This internship was the last thing on my radar as my goal was to be interning in a newsroom this summer. However, this experience has been invaluable to me, and I would not trade the opportunities I have had this summer. Also, use your network because you never know what connections the people in your circle might be able to provide. 

How has this internship influenced your future career?

This internship has allowed me to build my network as well as navigate through things I like, and things I do not. I have been able to see the various paths that a degree in communications can provide and it has helped me as I prepare to graduate from the University of Georgia and take my next steps.  

How did you find out about this internship?

Last summer I was an Orientation Leader, and my boss Nic Laconico has been such a great mentor and friend to me over the past year. He not only sent me the opportunity but also wrote me a recommendation letter and advocated for me in the interview process. It is so important to build relationships with the faculty and staff at UGA because you never know what doors they can open for you! 

Editor: Shannon Lorusso; sel67411@uga.edu