Blog Entry # 3

Calvin Hayes

My internship experience has proved to be very productive this far. Working in the FAMU Office of International Education is the best fit for me for multiple reasons. Everyday I complete a project that I’m really passionate about and it feel as though I’m working toward fulfilling my goals. Some of the things that I have done so far are write an article about new language programs, host a study abroad seminar and introduce the new diplomat –in- residence to different facets of the campus. The internship is more than I thought it would be and it’s allowing me to grow and develop as a person. I am being extremely useful on my internship. Although I have a busy schedule this semester, I am still able to contribute a significant amount of work each day.

In order to be effective on any job, it’s necessary to know both your strengths and areas needed for improvement. In my internship capacity, I’m able to use my strengths to the greatest extent. One of my biggest skills is the gift of oratory. I have won numerous national oratorical competitions in the last few years. Being able to speak well allows one the ability to convince and motivate others to complete a given task. It is easy for me to convince a student to study abroad or learn a new language because I have learned the art of effective communication. In addition, I can write very well, which also makes me an asset to the Office of International Education in terms of completing press releases, newsletters and other forms of literature.

A long-term goal that I would like to achieve on my internship is completing a media kit for the FAMU Office of International Education. If I’m able to complete a media kit, I could build a more attractive Website and produce tangible products that would showcase the benefits of the office. Another long- term goal of mine is to convince 10 FAMU students to take one of the critical language courses offered at the university. This would contribute to my skills as a public relations practitioner because it would develop my skills of moving others to action and changing behavior. These few tasks are some of the hardest to accomplish as public relations practitioner. My goal is to defeat the hardest task and exercise all of my strengths to the fullest extent.