By: Nicole Renna, TBC Summer Intern 2024

As a rising senior at the University of Delaware, studying public relations and psychology, I went into this summer with no clear idea of what my future career would be. To help me in my decision-making, I knew that real-life work experience and hands-on learning would help me in my pursuit of clarity. I wanted to find an internship where I would be able to grow, learn and utilize my knowledge in communications. I found that by interning at Thomas/Boyd Communications (TBC).

Interning at TBC has allowed me to make meaningful connections and gain insight into the world of public relations. Throughout my internship, I worked on a long-term competitive analysis report which included interviewing TBC’s clients and partners to gain a better understanding of how public relations works in different industries – including nonprofits, event planning, journalism and healthcare. This gave me a glimpse into prospective career paths and helped me realize how versatile a career in public relations can be.

Learning from the TBC team, their partners and clients, has enriched my understanding of public relations. Observing the TBC team’s work, attending their strategy sessions and witnessing their brainstorming has been eye-opening. This has demonstrated the dynamic and fast-paced nature of public relations, far different from my experiences at school.

One of the most rewarding parts of this internship was witnessing each TBC team member’s eagerness to teach me and passion for public relations. To be a part of not only an incredibly welcoming and warm team but also to learn from each team member is something I did not envision for my first internship. I was provided the opportunity to sit down with a member of TBC for a weekly educational meeting to gain insight into the various roles and responsibilities TBC has as a PR agency. I can confidently say that TBC’s willingness to help me grow and learn is what I enjoyed most about this internship.

My internship at Thomas/Boyd Communications is an experience I will never forget. I achieved what I set out to do this summer – gain clarity on the various aspects and career opportunities in public relations and get a real look into the world of public relations.