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Frances Mahoney ’04 (Bayonne, N.J.) and Sondra Lavin ’05 (Larchmont, N.Y.) got their feet wet in the world of financial public relations through recent externships at FRB/Weber Shandwick, a New York City consulting firm.
Mahoney, an English major, and Lavin, an anthropology and sociology major, observed and participated in a variety of activities during two full days shadowing Alison Ziegler Fischer ’87, vice president of the firm, which specializes in financial communications and the investment community. Fischer also hosted economics and business major Laura Foudy ’05 (Fairfield, Conn.).
The trio was among about 200 Lafayette students who gained first-hand knowledge of the professional world in January. They served externships with alumni and other experienced professionals in business, the arts, education, healthcare, law, engineering, science, government, non-profits, and other fields. The students observed work practices, learned about careers they may consider entering after college, and developed professional networking contacts.
For each student, the first day included meeting with a client and helping assemble promotional packets the company was sending to its customers. On the second day, they observed a conference call and met a vendor. They also met and spoke with several FRB/Weber Shandwick employees who explained their responsibilities and provided insight into the ways they keep the firm’s clients happy.
Mahoney says one of the best parts of the enjoyable visit was stopping at various departments to speak with many of the company’s employees about their professional responsibilities.
“I didn’t really know too much about public relations, but this gave me a good idea of what it’s about,” she says. “I learned you’re always on your toes.”
“We saw how public relations and the financial side fit together,” comments Lavin, who wants to go to business school after graduating from Lafayette. “Our host was very helpful. I asked many questions, especially if I was unfamiliar with terminology they were using.”
Lavin says the experience confirmed that she wants a creative career. “I like to write persuasively. You have to have that spin on stuff,” she says.
“I’ve been hosting externships for at least five years. They always go very well. I try to make it as informative and real life as I can,” Fischer says. “I did an externship myself as a junior in college and thought it was valuable. It helped narrow the options I thought I’d be interested in.”