Shirin Azmi

Comm386
Journal #1
February 1, 2014


During my first week at my internship, I did not know what to expect at the
office. It was an all-female office, with an exception of a male internship, located in
Georgetown. The agency is comprised of three different divisions: public relations,
marketing and event planning. As an intern, I would be responsible for assisting with
projects in all three sectors.
The office is located in the heart of Georgetown on M Street, right above the
Steve Madden shoe store. I would work twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursday from
12-6 and I would assist an extra 5-10 hours a week at night events. The BrandLinkDC
team was made up of 9 women: two Principals, event planner, two event assistants, PR
leader, social media leader and two assisting account managers. Additionally, each
individual was responsible for managing specific clients. Besides me, there were 7 other
interns; therefore we had a large team, which was necessary for the large clientele list.
Clients included The W Washington Hotel, Bluemercury, Drybar, P.J. Clarkes, Equinox,
Bethesda Row and many others.
As an intern, I am responsible for office tasks such as answering the phones,
checking incoming emails, taking mail/packages to the Post Office and running errands.
Additionally, my communications-related activities include creating press clips,
conducting research for future campaigns or success of tactics, draft media advisories,
create press kits and send sample kits. Even though I have some experience in completing
similar tasks, I am excited to sharpen my skills and add to my portfolio.
One aspect of this internship that I have, so far, been the most active in is the
event planning. There are about 2-3 events each week, some with the same client.
Depending on the event, the preparation and execution vary differently. For a majority of
the events, the interns are responsible for sending out invitations and documenting
RSVPS. My first event was working at a pop-up gallery at Frye boot store. The Frye boot
company was opening a store in Georgetown and because of Georgetowns young,
artistic and urban clientele, the event planning team decided to invite local artists to
present their art during the grand opening. The event featured food, wine and visitors
were able to purchase any of the art and the shoes. Overall the event was a success and it
was interesting to see how BrandLinkDC put a creative spin on the grand opening of a
shoe store.
I am extremely happy working for this company. I am becoming more
comfortable with the working environment as I get better acquainted with my co-
workers. I am excited to see my progress at my midpoint.