BY MANNY RUIZ
My first real job in PR came through an internship with the now-defunct Miami office of Ketchum public relations. My former boss and future PR mentor at the time Debby Charnes (now of Bromley) told me when I interviewed with her that I was a) over-qualified for the internship because I had been a journalist and b) that they would not hire me because Ketchum Miami typically didn’t hire interns. Over the next three months, I worked my tail off to impress. Through hard work, help from God and some fast changing circumstances I got hired. The rest is history.
I bring this up because in several weeks two interns I’ve been working with for the Hispanic PR Blog and the Hispanic PR & Social Marketing Conference will conclude their three month stint with me. Yeni Prokesch and Cindy Lopez, two marketing majors soon to graduate from Florida International University, are very special and I want the world to know that. I have had many interns work with me in the past 10 years but these two are among the very best ever.
If you’re wondering what makes Yeni and Cindy so special, consider the long list of characteristics they exhibited. Yeni and Cindy are:
– Hard working
– Pro-active
– Hyper responsible
– Focused on task
– Flexible
– Humble
– Enthusiastic
– Smart
– Sacrificial
– Patient
I don’t know if Yeni and Cindy will enter Hispanic PR, advertising or marketing but that choice doesn’t really matter. They are good and will be great wherever they end up. If you, my dear reader, wants to take one my gals away and give them an opportunity that further fulfills their pursuit of Hispanic public relations and/or marketing, drop me an email.
Thanks Manny for giving recognition to student interns. I’m proud to say that I was made Student Intern of the Year at the University of Texas at Dallas Communications Department, I’m a graphic design intern. You’re right that it took alot of work and dedication and the balance that with school was a full time challenge but when I was recognized, I knew it was all worth it and it will help me when I start to pursue my career.
Thanks Manny for those kind words, it was really and off the roof experience working with you and Angela. I thank you both because it has been an exciting adventure. Being part of the conference and the Hispanic PR Blog was and still is an invaluable experience as a student and as a professional. Thanks to God and to my family I graduated with an Advertising/Marketing degree from FIU. Right know I’m ready and willing to keep learning and keep working hard.
Thanks so much for all the things you have done for me.
Manny,
I’d like to take the time to thank you for the incredible opportunity you have offered me. Working alongside your team at the Hispanic PR Blog has been an over-the-top and invaluable privilege. I am looking forward to making the Hispanic PR Conference the successful event we have been working so hard to achieve. Thank you for placing your trust in me to help you assemble this wonderful event.
I really don’t know what to say in regards to this extraordinary recommendation, other than – a humble, thank you. I look forward to the many years of Hispanic PR/Advertising and Social Media that lie ahead.
Cindy