During May 2024, I completed a professional internship at The Rhode Island Government Department of Administration (DOA) in Providence, RI as a requirement for my COMM/PR 460 course at Roger Williams University. This experience provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of public relations within a governmental context, deeply enriching my professional skill set and understanding of state-level communications.
The Department of Administration (DOA) serves as the nerve center of the state government, overseeing crucial administrative functions and providing essential support to state operations. Its responsibilities span human resources, information technology, building and construction services, policy shaping, budget development, procurement, and statewide planning. I was placed in the Office of the Director, where I directly supported the communications team and learned from senior management.
Comprehensive News Briefs
A primary daily task involved crafting 5-7 news briefs, often updated multiple times a day, by consolidating articles from reputable news outlets covering issues relevant to Rhode Island and the DOA. Topics included Accessing Public Records, the Washington Bridge, Housing, State Employee Salaries, the Light House Inn, Health Science Lab, Philadelphia, Pension Reform, Tide Water Landing Soccer Stadium, the FY25 Budget, and the Legislative Session 2024. The Washington Bridge closure was a consistently high-coverage situation that required constant tracking.
Social Media Audits
I conducted thorough social media audits on Twitter, analyzing prominent local journalists’ activities and discussions on pertinent issues and topics. This task sharpened my analytical skills and provided insights into the media landscape. I routinely completed weekly wrap-ups by monitoring Twitter posts from a curated list of news outlets, journalists, and key individuals in Rhode Island to identify content related to the DOA. An example wrap-up covered Climate, APRA, Housing, and the Washington Bridge.
Occasional writing exercises included crafting short profiles of journalists, such as Kathy Gregg at the Providence Journal. These profiles detailed their workplace, social media presence, featured issues, and news coverage. I received positive feedback on these assignments, with constructive critiques on formatting.
Throughout the internship, I actively engaged with various digital technologies. I consistently utilized Microsoft Office programs like Word and Excel for assignments and employed Outlook as a primary communication tool with my supervisor. My digital communication skills for professional contexts were enhanced through this daily practice. I also used Google search engines to complete assignments.
This experience was instrumental in developing my professional acumen and redirecting my career goals. I gained a deep understanding of professionalism within government culture, including the significance of professional attire and presenting a polished and respectful image. My supervisor, Laura Hart, acknowledged my adeptness in exercising sound reasoning, strong written and oral communication, collaboration within a team, accountability, effective work habits, and continuous professional growth.
The internship provided a unique opportunity to work in a government agency, offering insights into the dynamics of such a professional workplace, including appearances, attitudes, and interactions. While the role primarily focused on the research and evaluation aspects of the RPIE (Research, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation) method, I appreciated the flexibility of public relations and recognized its diverse facets, which will aid me in finding a career path tailored to my skills. My enhanced skill set, combining research, analysis, and profiling, is essential for future roles in government and media relations. This internship profoundly shaped my understanding of public service and professional conduct, preparing me for future endeavors.