Addressing voters’ concerns, coordinating political fund raisers and recapping the local news for a United States senator all equate to an awesome internship experience for one Southeast student.
Natalie Hamrick, a junior mass communication-public relations major from Senath, Mo., discovered that her internship in U. S. Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond’s office was an experience that will set her apart from her peers when she graduates from Southeast.
“I was able to see how public relations plays an integral part in supporting a public figure,” she said.
As an intern for Senator Bond’s office in Cape Girardeau, Natalie helped represent him, attending Red Cross and Chamber of Commerce events, addressing voters’ concerns and coordinating special events. Additionally, Natalie monitored local television news coverage and clipped local newspaper articles. In turn, she wrote a brief daily synopsis for the senator.
Natalie also put some classroom theories to work during her internship.
“Putting your client’s needs first” was a beneficial academic lesson she found quite useful when addressing voters, she said.
Natalie plans to attend graduate school after she graduates from Southeast.