Grady InternViews: Tristin Byrd

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

Tristin Byrd is a fourth-year double dawg public journalism student interned with Home Depot as a Federal Government Relations intern as a part of the  Grady D.C. program.  Read on as she provides insight into what this internship looks like.

Briefly describe your internship and its associated responsibilities.

The Home Depot has a government relations office located in Washington, D.C. that deals with federal and state government realtions as well as external communications. I was the federal government relations intern which allowed me to assist in lobbying efforts by attending meetings with offices of Members of Congress and I researched, analyzed, and tracked legislation that pertained to the values of The Home Depot. 
 

What opportunities did you have during your internship?

I was able to plan and attend many fundraising events for Members of Congress including Rep. Gabe Amo and Rep. August Pfluger. I also attended the John Lewis Gala where I met President Bill Clinton and other Members of Congress including Rep. Lucy McBath and Rep. Alma Adams. 

What skills and knowledge have you gained from your internship?

I’ve learned that lobbyist is not a bad word! It is crucial that professionals representing a brand, industry or cause have access and communication with Members of Congress and other public officials. The Home Depot alone has over 400,000 employees and actions taken by lawmakers could impact those workers and their livelihoods significantly. A skill I have taken away from this is the importance of messaging. Lawmakers hear from a lot of people every single day, and if you want to get your point heard, it must be memorable. 

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

I am very proud of a video piece I completed for The Home Depot during our fly-in event with members of the PAC called Aprons on the Hill. I shot over 10 hours of footage which included interviews with these PAC members and meetings with offices of members of Congress. I compiled and edited the footage into a 2-minute video that was shared to over 400,000 Home Depot employees.

How did you balance your internship with everyday life?

Since I was a part of the GradyDC program which takes place over the summer, I only had to juggle one class. However, even with that workload and the other pressures of being a college student, I understood very quickly that it’s incredibly important to rely on your fellow students who are also going through what you are.

What challenges have you overcome in this role?

A challenge I overcame was imposter syndrome. I was around and meeting with very accomplished and highly intelligent individuals on a daily basis, which made me feel incredibly inadequate for the spot I was in. However, talking with other former UGA alumni who were in the spot I was once in, I learned that almost everyone feels that way at one point or another and it is important to remind yourself just how far you’ve come and that you are completely capable of anything you put your mind to. 

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

Without having taken video journalism and other core Grady classes I would have been knee-deep in trouble. Knowing how to work a camera, do’s and don’ts of shooting footage, how to edit videos and basic storage of your files is invaluable information to have. Even if a role you step into doesn’t initially require these skills, it is always very impressive to your superiors and could easily come in handy.

Who is one Grady Professor who has inspired you? 

Amanda Maddox herself. Anyone who aspires a career in public affairs communications can easily find a plethora of knowledge and expertise from Professor Maddox. Her class that I took while in D.C. for two months was the most inspiring and valuable time spent in a classroom. It truly is an honor to even know her.

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

Start early and meet everyone you think could be of value to you! Internships are easily gained by the people you know, so it helps if you build your network sooner rather than later. Plus, a lot of people have been in your shoes before you, so ask for help and advice!

How has this internship influenced your future career?

It reaffirmed just how much I would love to work in D.C.. The office I was so lucky to be apart of allowed me to explore all the different avenues that are offered in the D.C. market and I truly found a love for the atmosphere that D.C. brings.

How did you find out about this internship?

I was able to find out about the opening through UGA connections!

Editor: Shannon Lorusso; sel67411@uga.edu