Alumni Spotlight: Emily Helm

By: Emily Gielink

Emily Helm is continuing her education after receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from Bowling Green State University in May 2017.  She is attending Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia, pursuing a master’s degree in business administration.

As the graduate assistant for marketing and communications at VCU Rec Sports, Helm relates her work to communication daily. She hopes to work in marketing or public relations upon receiving her master’s degree.

While a degree in communication does not require internships, Helm decided to obtain an internship at the Imagination Station in Toledo, Ohio, to enhance her knowledge. The Imagination Station is a nonprofit science center which provides a place for family visits and field trips, and also offers educational services and resources to the Northwest Ohio region for students and educators. 

She started her first internship with Imagination Station as a public relations intern during the summer of 2016. As an intern, she was responsible for tracking media mentions for the science center, writing promotional materials and press releases, and doing outreach at community events. 

At the end of her internship, Helm was asked to stay on the team as a marketing assistant and work part-time as she finished school. With this position she created website content, assisted with special events and other responsibilities. She worked through graduation until she moved to Virginia for school. 

“I highly recommend trying to find [an internship] that fits your interests and intended career path,” Helm said. 

After interning with the Imagination Station, she is considering working for a nonprofit after graduation, as it allowed her to experience the role of marketing in that environment. 

“Internships are helpful in showing students what they may want to do with their major, and you can make so many new connections and learn skills that will only help you in the future,” Helm said.