InternViews: Aubrey Skinner

InternViews is a series where we ask Grady College students to describe their internship experience.

Aubrey Skinner is a fourth-year public relations and political science major from Alpharetta, Georgia. She is also earning a Certificate in Public Affairs Communications. This year, she’s spending her summer on the Grady in D.C. program as a communications intern in the office of Senator Raphael Warnock. Read more about her internship experience below.

How has the Grady curriculum prepared you for this internship?

My Grady curriculum greatly prepared me for this internship and my future career opportunities. My Grady professors gave me opportunities to learn and complete assignments very similar to the work I do in my internship. They greatly prepared me for the work I have been doing in the real world.

Did you receive any mentorship or guidance? How did it impact your experience?

I’ve received great mentorship through the PAC certificate by Joe Watson and Amanda Maddox (advisor for the DC program). Their advice and teachings were invaluable in my search to find an internship and my experience during my internship. Having their guidance has made this experience easier and smoother as a I experience new things.

What challenges have you overcome in this role?

I’ve had to overcome the challenges of a fast-paced work environment that is constantly changing. Being at the mercy of the 24 hour news cycle definitely makes Congress challenging and exciting at the same time. The work in my office often changes depending on what stories are breaking and what is happening in the world. 

What is the most valuable piece of advice you gained from this experience?

The best advice I’ve received during my time in Senator Warnock’s office is to learn from everything I’m doing and to always continue growing.  Communications is such an experience-driven field so I’m trying to use all my experiences here in D.C /to become a better writer and communicator.

How has this internship influenced your future career?

This internship has definitely given me more clarity on what I want to do post-graduation. I’m hoping to come back up to D.C. to work as a press assistant in a House of Representatives or Senate office.

Editor: Sarah Kate Maher, skm01341@uga.edu