2021 Student Spotlights
The Capital Chapter is regularly amazed at the talented and hard-working students in Tallahassee. So much so, we’re spotlighting them. And if you are studying public relations, communications, marketing, advertising, editing, writing, or another related field – tell us your story! Fill out this form and we may choose to feature you. All high school and college students in the Tallahassee area are welcome to submit.
Abby Ellis, Recent Graduate, FSU- College of Communication and Information
Hometown
Jacksonville, FL
What is your focus of study?
My focus of study was public relations. As far as being more specific than that, I love to do a bit of everything (including social media, writing, videography, email newsletters, graphic design and more).
What is a recent project you did that you are proud of?
Last Fall, I was an intern at Fiore Marketing and got to work on Tally Connection, a website that highlights local events throughout Tallahassee. What I really enjoyed about this project was that I got to take the lead and do a lot of different things. I started a social media calendar and an excel sheet for bi-monthly tracking of social media analytics. I got to write multiple blogs for the website and be in charge of updating the website and adding events. I even got to write a guide for future interns to use when they are starting out. I loved getting to do a bit of everything and leave behind some structure that future interns can use.
Why are you interested in communications? What do you enjoy learning about?
I love communications because it’s a little bit of everything. It includes creativity and art, planning and strategizing, writing and analytics and so much more. I’d love to get a job in the future where I get to do a bit of all of it. What I’ve enjoyed learning about recently is analytics. While I’m certainly not in love with math, I have found it so interesting to dive into the ways that you can show in numbers how your PR campaigns have been helping your company or client. It’s also been very interesting to learn about all the information that you can get from analytics.
How do you stay current on the latest PR trends and news?
I love LinkedIn! I have learned so many interesting things about PR trends by following different companies and leaders in the field. I also love going to FPRA meetings (both state, student and Capital Chapter) because they tend to focus on the trends. For example, in December I attended the webinar on the top 2021 trends and found it so interesting.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love to read (my favorite series is “Anne of Green Gables”) and hang out with my roommates (We love to watch “Bachelor”/”Bachelorette” together).
View Abby’s Portfolio
Connect with Abby on LinkedIn
Emily McCarthy, Senior, Florida State University
Hometown
Fleming Island, FL
What is your focus of study?
I am a Media Communication Studies and International Affairs double major but I focus my studies on political communication, public relations and crisis communication.
What is a recent project you did that you are proud of?
I am proud of one of the latest articles with the FSView and Florida Flambeau, of which I am the Arts and Culture Editor. I wrote an article about the Warner Brothers film TENET. For the article, I got to see an advance screening and even interviewed John David Washington. I’m proud of this especially because of the hard work and creativity I put into my writing.
Why are you interested in communications? What do you enjoy learning about?
I am interested in communications because it is what I consider to be my purpose in life. I’ve always been a natural-born communicator and getting to pursue communications for my career is beyond exciting. I enjoy learning most about crafting messages and creating press materials.
How can the FPRA Capital Chapter help you?
FPRA can help me by continuing to invite experienced and talented professionals in the field to events. I love getting to speak to experienced PR professionals and networking with them. It helps me learn!
How do you stay current on the latest PR trends and news?
I work for RB Oppenheim Associates as an Account Coordinator currently and stay on top of the news that way. I also read the news daily. It is important to always know what’s going on in the world as a PR professional.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy reading, going to local concerts, watching movies, running around Tallahassee (whether it be on trails or downtown) and trying new restaurants and coffee shops.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is to be a public affairs specialist, press secretary or some other related communications professional in Washington, D.C. Most of all, I want to do work where I know I am making a positive impact in my community, nation and world.
What is your favorite joke?
I feel like inside jokes are the best because they’re personal but on a silly note:
What’s black, white and red all over?
A sunburnt penguin. (Not a newspaper!)
Connect with Emily on LinkedIn