Many students complain about unpaid internships, but I have had three internships, all unpaid, and I can't say that I have anything to complain about! I have gained experience and made memories that are worth far more than any amount of money.


My first internship was for five months during my sophomore year of college. I worked as a public relations intern for The Norman Weekender, a weekly publication. This internship allowed me to conduct interviews, write a weekly article, and gain experience with buying and selling ads. I learned so much about the nightlife in Norman and Bricktown. And I have to say, I was rewarded with lots of free food and yummy drinks! 


Last summer, I spent a couple of months interning in the marketing department at the BOK Event Center. I was able to write press releases, conduct demographic and psychographic research, and brainstorm headlines and catch phrases for email distributions and social media posts. Part of my job description included working shows, which included LMFAO, Big Time Rush, James Taylor, and an annual dodge ball tournament! Show days always included Krispy Kreme donuts and free arena food! I also loved working in the middle of downtown Tulsa! 


For 10 weeks this summer, I was honored to work as an intern at The Brides of Oklahoma Magazine in Oklahoma City. This internship was my main inspiration for starting a blog. My day-to-day tasks varied during the first half of my internship. I spent most of my time creating content for a nation-wide website, WedSociety.com. I would brainstorm social media posts, locate images for graphics, and write short blog-like posts for engagements, bridals, after-I-do, weddings, and styled shoots. 


During the second half of my internship I had the privilege of working on a public relations campaign to help improve awareness of WedSociety.com. I never thought that I would have the opportunity to apply everything that I had learned in the classroom to a real-life campaign! My boss was originally from small-town Oklahoma but moved to Washington D.C. several years ago to work on Capitol Hill. Talk about intimidating! 


Throughout my internship, I was also given the opportunity to attend several photo shoots and a bridal show. It is safe to say that I am officially IN LOVE with all things wedding! Because of all of the wedding sites and images that I have liked on Facebook, a couple of people have asked my mom and me if I am getting married! The answer is a big fat "NO!", but  I would love to work in the wedding industry after graduation in May! And I would highly encourage brides-to-be or wedding lovers, like myself, to pick up a copy of The Brides of Oklahoma or The Brides of North Texas magazine and to be sure and follow BOO, BONT, and WedSociety on social media!


I am thankful for all of my internship experiences. Although I have (hopefully) completed my last unpaid summer internship, I am considering applying for one more internship during the spring semester of my senior year - I truly do love interning!