By Sydney Kerrihard, Summer 2025 TBC Intern

Deadlines. Brainstorms. Client calls. Crisis emails. I expected agency life to be busy, but I didn’t know it would be this thrilling! As a Media and Culture major at West Chester University with a concentration in Strategic Communications, I had studied the principles of public relations in the classroom, but it wasn’t until I started my summer internship with Thomas/Boyd Communications (TBC) that I truly experienced the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of agency life. From juggling multiple assignments to managing tight deadlines, I saw firsthand how quickly priorities shift and how each day brought new challenges. This internship experience revealed to me the dynamic and energizing side of public relations that agency work offers.

Agency life is fast paced, with each client bringing in a distinct set of needs, wants and priorities. One minute I would be working on a news release for a client in the healthcare industry, and the next, I would be drafting social media content to promote a local nonprofit’s upcoming campaign. I watched the TBC staff seamlessly adapt to shifting priorities, smoothly transitioning from one task to another as needs changed. I’ve learned that not every day is the same. As someone who thrives on variety and energy, I was drawn to the pace of agency life, as it demands adaptability to tend to the changing needs of clients.

While TBC serves a variety of different clients, each client’s needs are equally important. Client work is thoughtfully planned out and delivered with care, precision and close attention to detail. I’ve seen team members plan their day around one client’s needs, only to pivot quickly when urgent work arises for another. Despite the shift, they always return to their original task once the priority work is handled, ensuring that all their responsibilities are completed with attention and efficiency. TBC’s ability to balance competing demands while upholding high standards highlights its commitment to every client and their work.

Agency life is collaborative. Throughout the summer, I shadowed and learned from various TBC staff who work together to strategize, create and execute campaigns that align with their clients’ goals. I saw firsthand how TBC team members consistently support one another, jumping in when client priorities shift and engaging in regular brainstorming sessions and peer reviews to keep ideas fresh. I have been pulled in on client calls, contributed to meetings and worked on different client assignments, where they encouraged me to contribute my own thoughts and ideas. Their collaboration extends beyond internal work, as TBC frequently communicates with clients, media contacts and partner organizations to ensure delivery of successful results. All in all, the teamwork-driven environment at TBC keeps everyone aligned and motivated, fueling creativity and providing effective results.

Blending creativity with analytics, agency work engages both the creative and logical sides of the brain. Tasks like writing news articles, crafting social media posts and designing media kits allow staffers to use their strong storytelling abilities and engaging writing style to make creative decisions. On the other hand, responsibilities like reporting analytics, conducting social media monitoring and team strategizing demand an elevated level of critical thinking to evaluate and grow an account. TBC works in the realm of creativity and research, constantly challenging and sharpening their versatile range of skills.

My time at Thomas/Boyd Communications immersed me in the fast-paced, continually evolving world of agency. Seeing TBC work with a diverse range of clients from different industries gave me a behind-the-scenes look into the complexities of public relations: a field that challenges you to think quickly, communicate clearly and collaborate effectively. Additionally, this internship experience equipped me with essential professional skills like time management and adapting to quick turnarounds, which will assist me in whatever career path I plan to continue down. Ultimately, I am incredibly grateful for the real-world experience I’ve gained at TBC, and I leave with a clearer vision of the kind of work I am passionate about pursuing.