From Classroom to Community: Aubrey Marquette’s PR Triumph at Detroit Public Radio
By: Gage Tereau
Aubrey Marquette, a public relations student at Michigan State University, transformed her summer 2024 internship at Detroit Public Radio (WDET) into a masterclass in leadership, audience engagement and innovative communication. While most interns are just beginning to dip their toes into the professional world, Marquette was already making waves. Through spearheading WDET’s street team efforts, she broadened the station’s community footprint and listener base.
Marquette credits MSU’s public relations program, particularly the PR 260 course, for equipping her with the foundational skills that made her internship successful.
“PR260 was the first time I really understood what public relations was,” Marquette said. “It made me realize that I could excel in this field and fueled my excitement to learn more.”
Marquette’s devoted passion helped develop strategies that were effective and simple. For example, she created and implemented a QR code linked to a Google form to gather email contacts during events. This allowed for simplified data collection and provided a tangible metric to gauge the impact of her outreach efforts. By the end of the summer, Marquette’s strategy had added over 500 new contacts to WDET’s outreach list, marking a significant milestone.
Marquette also took a brief stint on air discussing the Tenth Amendment, which provided her with valuable insights into the fast-paced world of broadcast media and the critical importance of clear and concise communication skills.
Reflecting on her journey, Marquette emphasized the importance of persistence and dedication. She had applied to about 60 internships before she landed the perfect one at WDET, a testament to her resilience and commitment to finding the right opportunity. Her story is a powerful reminder that significant achievements often require patience and determination. Susan Hanchett, Marquette’s advisor and WDET’s marketing director, spoke highly of her contributions throughout her internship.
“Aubrey brought incredible passion, energy, and ideas to our team,” said Hanchett. “She didn’t just fulfill her role. She elevated it, creating outreach strategies that truly made an impact. She’s exactly the kind of intern who leaves a lasting impression.”
Marquette has since prepared for her next challenge, a summer 2025 internship at PepsiCo. Her story showcases how classroom studies can be translated into impactful real-world experiences. For those aspiring to make a mark in public relations, Marquette’s journey emphasizes the value of a solid academic foundation, the courage to take on leadership roles, and the perseverance to achieve one’s goals.
To learn more about turning academic learning into career success, visit MSU’s PR Field Experience Program website and start your journey today.