 Kennedy McTigue, 2026 Summer Intern Ask me what I did at work today, and you might get a very long answer. That's because there's never just one answer. Over the course of a day, I may film a reel at the library, attend a court hearing, photograph a Riverwatch, and write a news release. I never expected public relations to look like that, and honestly, that's what made me love it.
Looking back, there are three lessons that I’ll carry with me long after this internship. 1.Every Day Is a New Adventure Before this summer, I pictured myself working a typical 9-5 desk job. I expected to spend my days writing, planning content, and attending weekly meetings. While I did do those things, I quickly found out PR is so much more than that. Throughout the summer, I found myself all over Hamilton County - attending events, visiting libraries, sitting in on a meeting with the Indiana State Health Commissioner, observing a court hearing, and even wading through a river. The unpredictability was my favorite part. Every day brought a new opportunity to learn, meet new people, explore a different part of the community, and experience something I never expected. 2.Stories Start with People One of the biggest things I learned this summer is that every organization has a story to tell, but every story begins with people. From librarians and public health professionals to local government leaders, I was surrounded by people who truly cared about making a difference in the community. Most of all, I was inspired by Tammy and Madi's passion for helping their clients tell those stories in meaningful ways. By the end of the summer, I was reminded that public relations isn’t just about promoting an organization. It’s about helping people tell their stories in a way that builds trust, creates meaningful connections, and helps others see the impact they’re making. 3.Learning from Great Mentors The best part of my internship was the people I got to work with and learn from. From day one, Tammy and Madi believed in me, trusted me, and encouraged me to take on new challenges. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to trust myself and grow throughout the summer. Tammy is someone I truly look up to. She always made me feel like my ideas mattered and reminded me that there isn’t just one “right” way to do things. She taught me that mistakes are part of growth. Madi was equally supportive. She was always willing to answer my questions, offer feedback, and share her knowledge. Beyond everything they taught me professionally, Tammy and Madi also made work genuinely fun. The skills I gained this summer are important, but the relationships I built are what I’ll carry with me the most. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to learn, grow and begin my journey in public relations.
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