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The power of relationships

A communication major shares her experience interning with a public relations and marketing firm in downtown Baltimore
Julia Mulry, Communication Major

When Julia, a communication major specializing in public relations and advertising, met with a Loyola graduate for coffee and career advice, she wasn’t expecting to walk away with an interview for an internship. Little did she know she would end up with an invaluable experience with 212 Communications, a public relations and marketing firm in downtown Baltimore. Julia shares her experience with the internship and how it’s prepared her for her future.

Illustration of three cartoon people connecting

The Value of Networking

The way I got this internship truly underscores the value of networking, making connections, and getting involved on campus outside of academics. In my first year at Loyola, I joined Loyola’s chapter of PRSSA (the Public Relations Student Society of America) and now serve as president. My involvement in the society has completely set my college experience apart. I have made connections with alumni and industry professionals alike over the years, many of whom I’ve stayed in touch with.

Photo of Certificate of Recognition from the City of Baltimore and a vase of sunflowers sitting on a table
Mulry worked an open house networking event for a client. Pictured here is a certificate from the Mayor of Baltimore welcoming the business' new Baltimore office.

As I entered my senior year and the impending post-graduate decisions began to near, I reached out to a previous PRSSA speaker and Loyola graduate to meet for coffee with the intention of discussing her transition from collegiate to professional life. What began as general career advice turned into an offer to interview for an internship position at her company, 212 Communications. After interviewing with the rest of the team, I was offered a position for the fall semester.

Illustration of Earth

Gaining Real-World Experience

My favorite aspect of the internship was the real-world, applicable, and hands-on experience I gained. I was the sole intern during the semester, a unique experience in comparison to being part of an intern cohort in my previous internships.

I was treated like a part of the team, and truly was able to work on valuable client deliverables.

The biggest takeaway and most practical application for my future was getting firsthand experience with external relationships. While I did back-end writing and social media calendaring and content creation, I was able to take it a step further and pitch content to local news outlets and become the point of contact for this information. This was invaluable to cultivating my public relations skills, and something interns are not always entrusted to complete. I feel that this gave me confidence in my work and in just how much my Loyola education has prepared me for my next chapter.

Photo of a long conference table and chairs in a modern office in downtown Baltimore
The chic and stylish conference room at 212 Communications in downtown Baltimore.

My industry fluency definitely advanced as a result of the internship, and I feel more confident in my decision to pursue a public relations career after graduation. Understanding industry jargon and organization is just as important as cultivating the technical skills, and I am so happy to have had this comprehensive experience.

Illustration of iconic Baltimore landmarks

A New View on Baltimore

Working with many local clients and pitching to local media opened my eyes to so many wonderful qualities and aspects of Baltimore. With an office located in the historic Fell’s Point district, I was able to appreciate the beautiful waterfront views during lunch breaks and explore all the different reasons why they call it Charm City.

Loyola is beyond lucky to be located within such an easy commute to the downtown area. This internship made me fall in love with Baltimore even more and has provided such amazing real-world experience.
Photo of a cobblestone road in Fells Point, downtown Baltimore
The historic Fell’s Point neighborhood in downtown Baltimore.
Illustration of an arrow moving clockwise around a clock

Looking to the Future

My experience at 212 Communications has channeled my interests into pursuing a post-graduate job in the agency setting.

I have always found that my Loyola education, founded in liberal arts and Jesuit ethics, has set me apart. I feel holistically prepared to enter the workforce because of the rigorous, progressive element of my education. In the communication department, new and innovative classes are offered every semester to keep up with the changing industry, something I am confident is effective and critical to our success.

I feel holistically prepared to enter the workforce because of the rigorous, progressive element of my education.

Sara Magee, Ph.D., Tania Rosas-Moreno, Ph.D., and Veronica Gunnerson in the communication department have all been fundamental to my development in public relations. They have all encouraged and prepared me outside of the classroom for this opportunity, and so many more [See Learning beyond the classroom with PRSSA]. I am forever grateful to have had them as professors and mentors, and owe my preparedness to their guidance and support.

Saying goodbye to Loyola this spring will be truly difficult, but I know I’ll never be too far. After four amazing years, I just may have to show how much I love Baltimore by moving in!

There are certain experiences that stay in your heart forever, and my time at Loyola is undoubtedly one of those.

Julia serves as president of PRSSA, vice president of Lambda Pi Eta, social media student lead in Loyola’s office of marketing and communications, writer for the Evergreen Annual yearbook, and is a Greyhounds Give Ambassador.