Behind the Scenes of a Student-Run PR Firm

By Hailey Hiller, 1910 PR Associate

Throughout this semester in 1910 PR, I gained a much clearer understanding of public relations and how it works in a professional setting. At first, I mostly thought of PR as social media and event planning, but I’ve realized it is much more strategic.

Hailey Hiller and Lorelai Moyer work on their laptops during a 1910 PR staff meeting

PR is about building relationships, communicating well, and representing a brand in a way that connects with its audience. 

By working with a student-run firm, I’ve seen how these ideas come to life through real client work, collaboration, and focused messaging. I have also improved significantly in my skills, particularly in communication and professionalism. Writing for real clients has made me more thoughtful about my tone, word choice, and overall message. I’ve learned the importance of considering the audience and the purpose behind everything I create. Additionally, working in a team has boosted my confidence in sharing ideas, participating in discussions, and accepting feedback.

At the start of the semester, I often questioned my contributions, but now I feel much more comfortable speaking up and trusting my abilities.

Overall, this semester has helped me grow in both knowledge and confidence. I have a better understanding of how public relations relates to branding, reputation, and digital media. I feel more prepared for future opportunities in this field. The hands-on experience I’ve gained within the WT Department of Communication has been one of the most valuable parts of this class, showing me what working in PR really looks like. Looking back, I can see how much I’ve improved, and I’m excited to keep developing these skills moving forward.