What do you do at Merritt Group?

I’m a summer intern working on a variety of client and creative projects.

What’s your greatest moment — whether in work, school or marketing/PR — so far?

My greatest moment in PR so far is landing an internship at Merritt Group and being able to work with my friends and former VT PRSSA colleagues, Katie Pesek and Melanie Ford! I am a public relations major and although I’ve held internships in the past, this is my first at a PR firm. I really wanted to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to a real-world setting, and now I get that chance. It has been incredibly exciting to say the least.

Who do you love to follow on Twitter or Instagram and why?

I love following The Book Fairies on Twitter. They have a team of “fairies” that hide books in anywhere imaginable across the globe. Each book is labeled with their sticker that encourages whoever finds the book to read it and then hide it for someone else to enjoy!

What’s your favorite piece of technology?

My laptop – that’s where I can do all my writing!

What’s your favorite thing about living in the Washington, D.C., area?

I grew up in Northern Virginia and love that I am able to live in the suburbs while still being close to Tysons and D.C. My family and I visit D.C. all the time and I feel extremely lucky that I am able to see the nation’s capital whenever I want! It is also a great area to live in for someone like me who is pursuing PR.

What do you love to do when you are not working?

I love hanging out with friends and family, enjoying the outdoors or curling up with a good book. My favorite classic is A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. When I first read it sophomore year of high school, I fell in love with the storyline and characters. I’m excited to see Dickens’ home in London this summer!

What are your podcast recommendations?

I haven’t really explored podcasts yet, but I would like to. I’m open to any recommendations!

What’s your favorite Merritt Group memory?

My favorite Merritt Group memory thus far is pitching reporters for the first time. It was nerve-racking, but so rewarding to receive responses. I learned that it is crucial to personalize the pitch to each reporter so that reading the email is worth their time. I have especially focused on making sure email subject lines are pithy with a punch!

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

My family. They support me in everything I do and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

What’s the most interesting item on your desk?

I haven’t decorated my desk here at Merritt yet, but in my apartment at Virginia Tech the most interesting item on my desk is my pincushion board hutch. I pin up anything that I need to remember for the future or things that inspires me!

Get to know more of our staff in our ongoing Q&A blog series or visit Who We Are.