Public Relations Student Bridges Double Major Through Governor’s Office Internship
By: Erin Timmerman
Michigan State University senior, Brandi Stover, came to MSU with the drive to pursue a political science degree, knowing her future career would be in the political landscape. Stover knew being a lawyer was not the path in law she was wanting to take but still was driven to find the perfect job working in government. Through her involvement in MSU’s undergraduate student government, ASMSU, Stover was introduced to the idea of adding a Public Relations Major to her studies.
“I soon realized after looking into the PR Major that it was something I was interested in as a double major, as it aligned with a variety of my interest areas and would allow me to explore my love of writing,” Stover said.
Landing the Perfect Role
Stover says fostering connections and reaching out to people in the government sector were vital to landing her internship.
“I had started by reaching out to PR professor of practice, Amanda Vasas, who oversees the MSU PR Field Experience Program, asking for advice for internships in the government sector,” she said. “It just so happened that she was having the deputy chief of staff for Governor Gretchen Whitmer present to one of her classes. One thing led to another, and he connected me with a member of the communications staff who was not only a PR graduate, but a JMC one, too,” Stover said.
Stover then decided to apply for a communications internship in the Executive Office of the Governor. After she had applied for the internship, she made sure to reach out to her connections. When she landed her first interview for the position, her interviewer was a James Madison College graduate. This ultimately highlights the fact that making connections can assist in landing your desired job.
Stover’s rapport and dedication to her double major ultimately landed her an internship that was everything she was hoping for. Her internship experience also provided valuable insight into what a career using both her majors would be like.
“I believe having a strong foundation in how our government works, thanks to my JMC background, and the tools from my PR major to convey messages effectively, are crucial to excelling in my internship,” said Stover.
Looking Ahead
Stover says she looks forward to a career in political communications, having found a way to bridge her love for writing and politics.
“In the future, if I decide not to stay in the government sector, I can use my PR education to pivot my career to working in the corporate world,” Stover said. “This is what I love about having both majors – I can go down many different avenues for a career.”