Kellie Gemmer is an alumna of Florida State’s Editing, Writing, and Media program. After graduating in 2014, she has been able to expand upon the skills she formed during her undergraduate career. Kellie has been able to use many facets of her degree, including writing, editing, and social media management. She shares with us her experience as intern, what post-grad life has been like for her, and advice for current students.
When did you graduate?
I graduated in 2014 with a double major in Editing, Writing, and Media (EWM) and Media Communication Studies, though English was my primary major.
Who was your undergraduate internship with?
I did two internships in undergrad, though I honestly wish I’d done more. The internship that I did to satisfy the EWM internship requirement was with Travel Research Online writing destination guides and articles. Once I realized how valuable internships were, I participated in a social media internship with MarketDone, a local marketing agency.
What objectives or expectations did you have going into that internship?
Early on in college, I was so focused on my studies and keeping my 4.0 GPA. I didn’t understand that internships would help me gain relevant experience, build my portfolio, and help me discover my career goals. At first, I was a little annoyed by the program’s requirement and how it might interfere with my part-time job and studies, but I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. Had I not been required to do an internship, I don’t think I would’ve done any in college, which means I would’ve graduated with no relevant experience on my resume. As much as good grades are important, a GPA doesn’t get you a job. Employers want to see your work experience and portfolio. Without an internship, it’s nearly impossible to have those.
What was your internship experience like?
My first internship taught me how to research and write in a much different style than academia. I’d mastered the research paper and common class essays but writing creatively for a particular audience was a new challenge. My second internship, which I learned about from a classmate and coworker at the café I worked at part-time, helped round out the “media” aspect of my EWM major. What began as a social media internship turned into a part-time paid gig as Social Media Manager and Accountant. Both internships contributed to the skills and experiences I needed for my first job out of college as the College of Education’s Media Specialist.
What has your graduation experience been like?
My post-grad positions have built on the foundational skills that I learned in the EWM major and through my internships. Writing and editing are at the core of that. Being an excellent writer and editor is essential to so many positions, not just in the communications field. These are transferable skills that will help you excel in almost any field. For me, they’ve been core to so many of my positions but have also helped me grow in new skills I learned, such as magazine production, graphic design, website management, and email marketing. These all include some form of writing and editing, especially in the attention to detail and learning how to adjust to different platforms and audiences.
How did you find these post-grad opportunities?
Getting your first full-time opportunity outside of college is challenging. As alumni, we’ve all been there. You don’t entirely know what you want to do, and the job search can feel overwhelming, especially for English majors because there are so many options. My final semester, I was applying to everything I could find online that related to my experiences. I ended up coming across a position with FSU that fit my skills perfectly: writing, editing, and social media management. My supervisor – and still a good friend today – took a chance on that 22-year-old recent grad, and I’m forever grateful for that opportunity. Networking and building relationships led me to my next two jobs at FSU as I grew in my professional career. Earlier this year, I was scouted and recruited through LinkedIn for my current position as Assistant Editor with the Florida League of Cities. My biggest tip for young professionals is to build those networks and keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date, even if you are happy in your current position. You never know what life-changing offer you could get when you least expect it.
Did you feel prepared after graduation?
I credit so much of who I am and where I am today to the EWM program and my internships. I worked at FSU for almost seven years in various writing, editing, and communications roles managing several interns, and the editing program is always where I turned to for talent. The major was still fairly new when I started in 2010, and now, I’ve seen it flourish and graduate exceptional writers, editors, and digital media professionals. While I’m an editor at heart and trade, the program set the foundation for the well-rounded communications professional I am today.
What are your current plans as you look into the future?
I’ve been in a few different positions since I graduated that have helped me grow in various roles, but now I’m excited to build my roots at an organization where there is an opportunity for growth and mentorship. I’ve also begun freelance writing this summer, so I’m looking to build on that in the future and write for various publications.
Finally, what advice do you have for current students?
Do as many internships as you can. Build your online portfolio and continue it even after you graduate. (I still use the ePortfolio that I created for the program my senior year, continually adding my publications to it.) Add your internship and class project samples to your LinkedIn as well. Go to the Career Center and meet with your career liaison. Build your network by connecting with your professors, internship supervisors, FSU staff, and others you can contact for professional references. Take advantage of the fantastic resources that the university offers. Most importantly, don’t stress about not having it all figured out right now. College is about learning new experiences, and internships are the best way to “try out” different professions and discover what you enjoy – or don’t enjoy – for your career path.
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