Nurturing Diversity and Professional Growth: Reflecting on PCI’s DEI Summer Internship Program

At Public Communications Inc. (PCI), we believe in investing in the future of our industry by offering internship opportunities that truly give a glimpse into the world of PR and agency life to foster a meaningful foundation for professional growth. We also believe in elevating individuals who bring unique perspectives, experience and ideas to the table because they are essential to the work we do as PR professionals. PCI’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is ingrained in our ethos, which is why these beliefs drive PCI’s DEI Summer Internship Program, which concluded its second installment this past June.  

About Our DEI Internship Program 

PCI worked with Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois, a designated Hispanic-serving institution, to develop a paid internship program, providing opportunities to help students from diverse backgrounds feel equipped when they enter the job market out of college. We served these students by: 

• Offering real-world experience and hands-on work with clients and colleagues, setting students up for success in their professional futures.  

• Helping them develop their passion and allowing their hard work to shine through, allowing them to grow and learn from our team. 

This summer, we had the privilege of hosting two exceptional students, Amer and Ingrid, from Dominican University for the program, which we reflect on with great pride. Throughout this year’s program, our interns had the opportunity to work across a number of PCI’s client teams to gain exposure to a variety of projects and contribute to the day-to-day process behind our work. Through collaboration and mentorship with our seasoned PR professionals, Ingrid and Amer were able to hone their strengths and areas of interest. Witnessing their growth was a gratifying experience for both the interns and our entire team. 

Ingrid Gonzalez – 2023 Summer Intern 

The supportive and collaborative environment at PCI made it really easy to express my interest in taking on different projects that I saw aligned with what I was passionate about. Getting to work on these projects during my internship allowed me to gain hands-on experience and learn a lot about the PR and communications industry. This opportunity motivated me to continue looking for ways I could apply the skills that I learned to make an impact in the world. 

Our internship program is not only designed to provide hands-on experience in the PR landscape, but to also prioritize applicants who represent communities and identities traditionally underrepresented in the communications field, including those from the BIPOC or LGBTQ+ communities and/or those with limited financial means. By collaborating with institutions like Dominican University which represents students from these underrepresented communities, it allows PCI to not only tap into a pool of talented individuals eager to make their mark in the communications world but to also create a space where these voices can thrive, contribute and learn. Through these partnerships, PCI has welcomed the opportunity of bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry experience for students and offer them a chance to apply their skills in a real-world setting. 

Amer Begic – 2023 Summer Intern  

Thank you, PCI, for creating an amazing environment that allows students to come in and instantly be welcomed to share their thoughts and perspectives. Being that this was my first internship, I was excited to join a team of knowledgeable and experienced professionals that contributed to my own growth within a communications role. I will take everything that I learned as an intern at PCI and utilize it wherever life may take me in the future. Thank you again!  

As we bid farewell to Amer and Ingrid, we are excited to see them take the lessons learned during their internship and translate them into successful careers. Their contributions to our projects were invaluable, and they leave a lasting impact on our agency. As we reflect on the success of this summer’s internship program, we’re excited to continue and improve our efforts in promoting DEI and nurturing young talent in the communications industry.