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Stepping Away from the Classroom and Putting My Passions to Action

By Sarah Rodden, Intern 

Sarah Rodden graduation picture

The anticipation of the post-grad transition felt like a slow burn. I had become so accustomed to the structure and predictability of college life, and I felt excited but uncertain of what to expect from the next chapter. My nervousness and indecisiveness were soothed when The Hoffman Agency hired me as an intern.

I’ve always loved to challenge myself to try new things and immerse myself in new opportunities. And that’s how I approached this position in the tech industry — a new challenge.

I felt slightly intimidated entering a field that was so foreign to me. As anyone who knows me can attest, I may not be the most tech-savvy person, but I’m excited to broaden my horizons and expand my knowledge, especially since tech has become intertwined with virtually all industries. I am grateful to have the opportunity to grow in this field.

What most excited me about this internship is what drew me to the PR industry — the ability to combine storytelling, business ventures and current news to connect with a broader audience. My biggest passions revolve around harnessing communication for advocacy and change, and I feel inspired to learn from the expertise of the dedicated professionals around me, while finding my voice in the process.

Entering a career in PR during an influx of systemic changes and reformation, I feel determined. The last few years has instilled in me a great sense of adaptability and resilience that I look forward to implementing in years to come.

Large societal changes remind me why I wanted to embark in a career in PR: to be able to be at the forefront of these changes and to grasp a better understanding of the world around me. Public relations inspires me because it is so versatile and applies to all facets of life. I am fascinated by how it can be used to amplify a message, advocate, create meaningful connections and expand an organization’s outreach.

I’ve been handling post-grad life as a new challenge. I have enjoyed accepting the unpredictability and embracing new changes. I am enjoying saying “yes” to all opportunities that present themselves and learning from those around me. My favorite part, however, is the ability to apply my knowledge from the classroom to hands-on experience and put my passions into action.

My favorite after-work activities revolve around the outdoors. I feel so lucky to live in a place full of natural beauty waiting to be explored. I adore going on relaxing runs by the river, trying new hiking trials to explore new places and going on long sunset walks with friends.

 

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