Darrin Everage
Intern
Stepping into the "real world" after graduation, I'm putting all those college lessons to good use – time management, organization and communication are my new best friends.
All publicity is good publicity? That’s at least what I learned in school. I first learned about Public Relations (PR) during a college lecture that sparked my interest in the industry. I only knew so much but after spending a day in the office with the team at talkStrategy, it felt like something I wanted to explore even more of in my future.
Working with individuals who have their footing in the industry has been a tremendous opportunity, and I appreciate them being a hub of knowledge for me to learn from. Their experience and insights are invaluable. I’ve been lucky to work alongside some of the best in the business.
The team here is composed of people who aren’t fazed, panicked, or flustered by the fast-paced environment. They handle every challenge with grace and professionalism, setting a high bar for what it means to be resilient.
At the beginning of my tenure as an intern, a lot of words sounded like gibberish. Doing things like writing press releases, compiling media contact lists, event planning and creating client communication material were all foreign to me. It was overwhelming at first, but everyone was patient and supportive, helping me get up to speed. Now, I’ve gotten more acclimated to the swing of things. I settled in, currently feeling more confident in my role and more integrated into the team.
My first encounter with talkStrategy was at an American Marketing Association (AMA) meeting at Trinity University, where I recently graduated from in May 2024. (#GoTigers!) The account executive team came in with a presentation that had me hooked from the get-go. I knew I had to jump on any opportunity to get my foot in the door.
After graduation, I faced several challenges as I adjusted to living independently for the first time. It can be daunting, but at talkStrategy, I’ve found a new kind of home. The warmth is real, everyone laughs together, and there’s a genuine sense of care. Stepping into the “real world” after graduation, I’m putting all those college lessons to good use – time management, organization and communication are my new best friends.
This team is the best I’ve ever been a part of. They’re selfless, collaborative and always pushing towards shared goals. It’s like being back on a basketball team. In my experience most teams don’t always work as well together as the one here at talkStrategy. Each person in each department (accounts, digital, creative) communicates effectively with each other to run a well-oiled machine similar to some historic basketball championship teams like the ‘96 Bulls and ‘14 Spurs. Great teams operated by people from all levels of the organization making significant contributions to win an NBA title.
Looking at those teams, it is evident that an inclusive environment empowers everyone to make an impact. This philosophy extends to agency life. Seeing the nuances of it has been a fascinating learning experience. Here, I’m not just learning; I’m being entrusted with real responsibilities. With that, my industry knowledge has grown exponentially since joining talkStrategy.
While college kept me connected to San Antonio, this internship has truly deepened my appreciation for the city. Working at talkStrategy has shown me a future in this industry, and it all stems from this unforgettable experience. This internship stands out because, unlike others, it’s given me a hands-on taste of the everyday grind at a full service agency. Here are some of the key lessons I’ve learned:
Looking at those teams, it is evident that an inclusive environment empowers everyone to make an impact. This philosophy extends to agency life. Seeing the nuances of it has been a fascinating learning experience. Here, I’m not just learning; I’m being entrusted with real responsibilities. With that, my industry knowledge has grown exponentially since joining talkStrategy.
While college kept me connected to San Antonio, this internship has truly deepened my appreciation for the city. Working at talkStrategy has shown me a future in this industry, and it all stems from this unforgettable experience. This internship stands out because, unlike others, it’s given me a hands-on taste of the everyday grind at a full service agency. Here are some of the key lessons I’ve learned:
Time Management is King
Everyone works at their own pace, so learning to estimate project timelines accurately is crucial. And breaks? Don’t forget those – snack breaks are essential for refueling the brain. Shoutout Cheryl for consistently refilling the snack drawers!
Organization is My BFFR
Daily agendas keep me on track and help me communicate my workload effectively. In this role, setting priorities holds a great importance. Here in the agency, when something is “HOT!” it’s an expression used to someone who’s handling something that needs attention immediately. Having a temperature check for various tasks keeps a record of which ones are priority. Remember, you can only do one thing at a time…
Communication is Key
Expect the unexpected and be ready to adapt. Taking into consideration the other lessons learned during my time here, roadblocks will arise when managing time and keeping everything organized. Open communication with my team has been a game-changer. When you can look at the person next to you for support, no matter who it may be, that provides a cushion to fall on when you get tripped up over something.
Is this what the real world is like? Maybe with a little less post-grad anxiety. At talkStrategy, I’ve found stability and a place to grow. Here’s to hoping this is the start of an incredible journey!