Intern Spotlight: Missy Harris

Public relations major and AdPR intern Missy Harris

Missy Harris is a senior public relations major pursuing a Spanish minor from Alpharetta, Georgia, and is one two student interns behind the scenes here in the Advertising and Public Relations department of Grady College. 

Who has been an impactful teacher during your time within Grady College?

Dr. Carolina Acosta-Alzuru, Dr. A for short, has been the most impactful teacher during my time within Grady College. This past semester I enrolled in Dr. A’s Telenovelas, Culture and Society class. I decided to take this class because it is a Grady elective and a Spanish class; therefore, I could mix both of my interests into one class. At first, I assumed this class would just be an easy class filled with telenovela clips, but I was very wrong.  Dr. A made this class so much more. With her passion and constant dedication to helping her students learn, Dr. A inspired me to dive headfirst into exploring telenovelas throughout the world. Dr. A always pushed me and my fellow classmates to never stop learning. Overall, Dr. A is the most compassionate and inspiring in my college career. 

What is your dream job after graduation?

Since my start in Grady College as a PR major, I’ve always wanted to work for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in the corporate foundation or PR department. With my passion to help children coupled with my communication skills, I think that working for CHOA would be a perfect fit for me. 

What's your favorite spot in Athens?

I love exploring the Normaltown area in Athens. There are always new restaurants and hidden treasures. 

Describe valuable lessons or skills that Grady College has helped develop for you.

Grady College has helped me developed my writing and communications skills. Before my classes in Grady, I was terrified to talk in front of crowds of people. However, through my PR classes, I overcame my fear of presenting. 

One valuable lesson that I’ve learned while a student in Grady College is to get to know those around you: other students, professor and administrators. Networking is a huge part of an industry but especially in PR. 

What has been your most memorable moment during your time as a student within Grady College?

Being a student within Grady College is the best. Grady opens so many doors to so many incredible opportunities. My most memorable moment during my time as a student has to be when I went on the PRSSA Atlanta Agency Tour in 2015.  This tour was exclusive to PRSSA members and was an awesome experience.  We spent the day visiting some of the top Atlanta agencies: Edelman, MSLGROUP and Jackson Spalding. At each agency, we met with some of the top professionals and toured the office space. 

What are your goals for your career after UGA?

After I graduate form UGA, I hope to find a career path in which I can use my knowledge and skills in writing and communication.

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

I would love to go to Paris and experience the city magic for myself.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I hope to have a career that makes me excited to wake up every morning. I’m driven by my passions, so I want a job that incorporates them into my everyday life. 

Additionally, in the next 10 years, I hope to be an active Grady Alumni. I want to give back to the college that gave so much to me. 

Intern spotlight: Kayla Morgan

Public relations major and AdPR intern Kayla Morgan

Kayla Morgan is a junior public relations major pursuing a minor in communication studies from Dallas, Georgia, and currently serves as a social media intern for the advertising and public relations department.

What are your goals for your career after UGA?

I plan on graduating in May of 2017, working as the marketing director at Athens Chick-fil-As for a couple of years, and then moving on to work in the public relations department at the Chick-fil-A home office in Atlanta.

Who has been an impactful teacher during your time within Grady College?

Kristen Smith was one of my favorite professors, she taught my Graphic Communications course. I don’t think any class will be able to top it. She’s an incredible professor who genuinely cares about her students and I learned so much in her class that will benefit me in my future career.

What is your dream job after graduation?

Chick-fil-A Corporate is my dream. It gives me chills to picture walking through the same halls that Truett Cathy began his legacy. I can’t wait to be there.

What has been your favorite experience or memory during your time as a student within Grady College?

Receiving my acceptance during October of my sophomore year was a feeling unlike any other. I felt so proud to be accepted into a college that has jump started the careers of so many incredible people.

Do you have a dream travel location?

I want to go to Venice, Italy. Pasta and beautiful landscapes is all that I could ever want.

Describe valuable lessons or skills that Grady College has helped develop for you.

Learning Photoshop and InDesign with Kristen Smith has been my favorite lesson so far. This knowledge has already been applicable to internships and jobs that I’ve had since taking her class.

Because of what I’ve learned through Grady, I’ve been able to reach new levels on social media platforms through my internship with my Chick-fil-As in Athens. When I started my internship, we only had 250 followers, and now we have nearly 3,000. I can credit this growth to what I’ve learned through Grady.

Do you have any fun facts about yourself that you’d like to share?

The movie “Radio” with Cuba Gooding Jr. is a true story about a man who participated in a football program at T.L. Hanna High School in Anderson, South Carolina. I attended this high school my freshman year before my family moved to Georgia. Radio is now 68 years old, but he’s incredibly sweet and fun to be around. He came to all of my volleyball games while I was at the school.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I hope to have worked at the Chick-fil-A home office for a few years full time. I would love to do some freelance writing and planning for the company while I stay at home with my future children.

The Advertising and Public Relations department is proud to have students like Kayla on the AdPR team. Thank you for your hard work, Kayla!