A Note From PPR: As their internships come to an end and they prepare to begin their senior years of college, we asked Ellen Haley and Tatiana Grant to reflect on their time at PPR Strategies, the experiences that shaped their summers, and the lessons they’ll take with them.
Over the summer, we’ve had the opportunity to experience PPR Strategies from two different perspectives. We began our internships with different backgrounds, interests, and expectations, but quickly found ourselves learning side by side about communications, economic development, the communities PPR serves, and ourselves.
While our experiences were different, we both learned the value of embracing every opportunity that came our way. We attended client events, contributed to projects, learned about communities across Maryland, and built relationships with people who made us feel like part of the PPR team from the beginning.
Becoming Part of the Team
Ellen: During the first week of my internship, I was invited to attend a client event with two of my mentors, Shelby Maly and Bob Sweeney. I remember being so nervous leading up to it. How would it go? Would I make a fool of myself or, even worse, the company? I was just an intern!
The team never made me feel like I was just an intern. They introduced me to industry professionals and clients as a real part of the team and trusted me to represent PPR alongside them. That confidence helped me learn to embrace opportunities rather than question whether I belonged in the room.
Tatiana: I have lived in Maryland my whole life, and I thought I knew the area pretty well. But knowing a place and understanding a place are two very different things. During the second week of my internship, I attended the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development’s ribbon-cutting alongside members of the PPR team, celebrating the opening of its new economic development office.
A few weeks later, I walked along that same street with my family and realized I saw it differently. I could explain what that building represented and why it was significant. PPR helped me understand more about the work happening behind the scenes to strengthen Maryland’s communities. That’s not a lens I expected to gain from an internship, but it’s one I don’t want to lose.
Learning From the People Around Us
One of the most meaningful parts of our internships was the opportunity to learn from the PPR team. We found mentors who encouraged us to ask questions, try new things, and become part of the work rather than simply observe it.
Ellen: Never once did I feel less than. More importantly, I felt uplifted every step of the way. PPR Strategies is a team of people who get. stuff. done. I saw firsthand the level of collaboration, creativity, and hard work that goes into delivering for clients, and I was trusted to contribute along the way.
Tatiana: From my very first week, the support I received made all the difference. I learned how important genuine connections are, not only within a team but also with the clients and communities you serve. The PPR team showed me the importance of understanding each organization’s goals, voice, history, and stories, and using communications to help bring them to life.
Our Advice to Future Interns
If there is one thing we would tell future interns, it’s simple: don’t take any opportunity for granted.
Ellen: Everything you get the chance to be part of can become a lesson for the future. As I continue my journey at Loyola University Maryland for my senior year, I’m walking away with more than a list of experiences. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to give yourself permission to belong, and having people around you who support you and want you to succeed makes all the difference.
Tatiana: Stay curious, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or try new things. Keep an open mind with every opportunity you get and be as present as you can. The experience is what you make of it, and the more you involve yourself, the more you will grow.
Four months went by quickly, but we’re leaving PPR with lessons, relationships, and experiences that will last far beyond our internships. We’re deeply thankful for the mentors who invested in us, the clients and communities we had the opportunity to learn from, and a summer spent learning and growing side by side.
Ellen and Tatiana: thanks for bringing your great energy and abundant talents to the PPR team! Interested in learning more about PPR’s internship program? Connect with me for details!
