Creative Persistence: An Inside Look at a PR Student’s Internship Hunt
MSU senior, Olivia Langley, combines grit, strategy and creativity to navigate the competitive world of internship hunting
By: Lydia Capaldi
For Olivia Langley, a senior majoring in public relations at Michigan State University, the internship search is more than a checklist — it’s a balancing act of strategy, optimism and grit.
Langley, who is interested in content creation and social media marketing, started her internship search earlier than most.
“I started looking almost over the summer,” she said. “Not just on Handshake and LinkedIn — I’ve emailed companies directly too, even when they didn’t have openings posted.”
Her proactive mindset stems from a desire to get her foot in the door, regardless of the role. While creative opportunities are her top choice, she said she is open to any position that helps her grow professionally.
“I don’t have much work experience yet, so I’m just trying to start somewhere,” Langley said.
Like many students, Langley has hit a few bumps along the way.
“The biggest challenge has definitely been the rejection,” she said. “Some places don’t even give me a chance to interview. But I just try to keep going and apply to more.”
Despite setbacks, Langley hasn’t let discouragement stop her. She relies on MSU’s career resources and her own initiative to stay motivated. Early in the fall semester, she visited the College of Communication Arts and Sciences Career Center for help with her resume and cover letters.
“They gave me a bunch of tips and even a booklet that I still refer to,” she said. “It actually helped a lot more than I expected.”
Outside of her academic work, Langley stays involved with VIM Magazine, where she has contributed to the social media team. She also works at Chateau Coffee Co., a student-favorite café in East Lansing. There, she has been part of a small group helping with the shop’s social media presence — an unofficial internship that has allowed her to gain real-world experience.
“My advice is to keep applying, even when it gets discouraging,” she said. “I’m trying to take that advice, too. Just trust you’ll find something.”
Her persistence and creativity reflect what many PR students experience during the search for an internship — and her story shows that sometimes, the journey itself shapes you the most.
Students can find a wealth of resources at the ComArtSci Career Center through advising, networking events and more.
Editor’s Note: Langley’s hard work paid off: she landed a summer 2025 internship with Claimed & Co.!