According to Mr. Webster, an intern is defined as “an advanced student or graduate usually in a professional field gaining supervised practical experience.” Honestly, I was hoping to make a sarcastic remark about how off the mark he is, but I really can’t. As I start my internship with The Pensacola Fish House, I hope that this definition is right on the dot.

Many people hear the word “intern” and their mind immediately jumps to coffee runs, collating and stapling, and essentially finishing the tail end of leftover work. In the two weeks that I have been interning at The Fish House, none of the previously listed tasks have come across my to-do list, luckily! Contrary to spins from television and Hollywood, I hope to be learning through the act of doing.

I truly believe that we can learn as many theories, formulations, or writing styles as possible, but nothing compares to applying our knowledge in a real-world situation. Since starting my public relations and marketing experience with Shelley Yates, I have realized how crucial participating in an internship is to my professional success.

I should probably introduce myself. My name is Jennifer Allen, and I am a senior at the University of West Florida majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Marketing. I will graduate with my degree in December, and it could not come soon enough. I love running, spending time with family and friends, and reading a great book at the beach.

As I begin my journey as an intern, I hope to live by the following principles:
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