Job Shadowing at ASPR

Megan Michaels spent time this summer job shadowing ASPR. She shared the following thoughts:

I took a course in public relations last fall. I didn’t find it particularly intriguing, but I didn’t want to close myself off from that world just yet. I reached out to Mr. Shapiro, hoping to learn more about what he does to give the world of PR another chance, and I am so glad I did. Learning a topic in a classroom is one thing, but seeing how those skills can be implemented in real time gave me a much more tangible understanding of what public relations actually is as a profession.

It’s working with companies and nonprofits, big and small, covering various topics, and figuring out how to best present their brand to the public. The experience I have gained from such a short period of time is astonishing. Simply listening in on meetings, hearing conversations, and asking questions, I have observed various skills necessary to be successful in the industry.

I loved the fact that no two clients we met with were the same, and even more so, the unique makeup of all the companies and nonprofits represented by ASPR. It was especially interesting to me how these clients, though vastly different, are able to sometimes collaborate with the help of a PR professional. The way that PR can take one brand and connect it with another for the success of both of them is something remarkable. Being the middleman in these situations is intriguing to me as it pertains to the profession, but also as something I could never understand the full capacity of without having witnessed it firsthand.

Another aspect of the job that pleasantly surprised me was how deeply invested Mr. Shapiro was in each of his clients’ work. His informed and thoughtful conversations demonstrated just how essential it is for PR professionals to develop a comprehensive understanding of the subjects they represent. This depth of knowledge, extending beyond surface-level facts to include industry-specific details and jargon, not only enables more strategic decision-making but also shapes a PR professional who is well-versed in multiple fields and how they intersect with public relations.

I found great value in meeting with others in the profession, learning about what they do, taking advice from them, and hearing about all of the different avenues available in public relations. Being in the same space as professionals, even when simply listening to them speak about their work experience, was enlightening, especially hearing advice from other women in the field, such as Stacey Finkel. She told me to ask questions, trust my gut, and advocate for what I want. It was empowering to hear this guidance from Stacey, who was once in my shoes, as a 19-year-old sorority girl studying communications.

Going from Zoom meetings to offices, meeting with people from a variety of clients, and the fast-paced work environment made this experience all the more rewarding. Being up close to something so elaborate has truly been a gift for me. I know I will not only take these skills with me into my sophomore year of college, but also as I enter the industry. As my experience comes to a close, I can confidently say that I would not have been able to learn any of this sitting in a classroom, which is why I am eternally grateful for this tangible learning opportunity given to me by Mr. Shapiro and all of ASPR.

The job shadowing experience included attending a National Digital Roundtable discussion. Left to right: Megan Michaels, Adam Shapiro and NDR Chairman Anthony Shop. 

Megan joined Adam (left) and ASPR Vice President of Operations Robert Gladstone for a dinner meeting overlooking the Washington Monument.