The Write Stuff
Ohio Wesleyan Student Completes Editorial Internship with Cleveland-Area Media Firm
Name: Erin Ross ’21
Hometown: Middlefield, Ohio
Majors: Communication (with a concentration in Media Production Studies) and Journalism
Minor: English
OWU Connection Experience: Summer internship with Valley View, Ohio-based GIE Media Inc. working as an editorial intern Pest Control Technology Magazine (PCT)
My Internship Duties
“My job duties consist of conducting virtual interviews and writing a variety of feature stories, profiles, news reports, sidebars, and additional pieces for annual market reports and convention extras.
“Additionally, I edit and post press releases and previously written stories, collect story art and photos, and work collaboratively with both the PCT editor and the PCT internet and managing editor on a variety of projects for future print products. I also have the opportunity to sit in on certain business meetings. …
“When I first started my internship, I was going into the office every day. Most recently, I have been going into the office two days a week and working the rest of the days from home.”
Favorite Moment of the Experience
“My favorite moment of my internship experience was interviewing and writing a feature story about a world-class barbecuer from Tennessee. The interviewee was a true Southern gentleman and a joy to talk to as I learned all about his passion for competitive barbecue and how he felt it overlapped with his sales work for a pest control company.
“He was just one of the many individuals in the pest control industry whom I spoke to, all of whom are truly good people and paint a positive label on the pest control industry. This interview was one of my favorite moments because it reflects of my entire experience with GIE Media, Inc. – having the opportunity to work with kind, hardworking individuals, who are passionate about what they do and want to help me become successful in my own work.”
Lessons Learned
“By interning with GIE Media, I have further improved my ability to confidently interview and communicate with others while producing a journalistic story or media project by a distinct deadline. This, without a doubt, ties back to the skills I have learned and continue to learn throughout my time at Ohio Wesleyan.
“Additionally, my experience working with PCT Magazine, through conducting interviews, writing stories, and working with others, has strengthened both my verbal and written communication skills along with my ability to time manage as I juggled multiple projects at one time.
“These skills, paired with increased experience working with team members, undoubtedly connect to my future as I hope to achieve a career in either magazine work or business-to-business media marketing in which I write, design, and create in a way that breaks boundaries and innovates new ideas.”
Why I Chose Ohio Wesleyan
“I chose to attend Ohio Wesleyan because I wanted to be at a place that inspired me to succeed, not only as a student but as an individual. When I visited campus, I was instantly drawn to the kind and inviting atmosphere created by the staff and students that I interacted with.
“The university provided me the opportunity to participate in athletics, as a member of OWU Women’s Track and Field team, while prioritizing my academics and maintaining involvement in clubs and organizations that suited by hobbies and interests.
“The liberal arts education that OWU provides allowed me to explore new areas of interest and academics that I knew I would not get the opportunity to explore at other universities.
“Throughout my time at OWU, I have experienced guidance and teachings from individuals who both support me in my current academics and encourage me to step out in confidence into future career paths.”
My Plans After Graduation
“I currently do not have any distinct plans for after graduation, but hope to get a job in the Columbus area writing and designing for a fashion or lifestyle magazine, or performing communication and media work for a faith-based company or organization.”