An Interview with Alyssa: Her experience as an FSU History social media intern

Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself?

Sure, I'm Alyssa Bynum. I just graduated this past spring from FSU with a major in Public Relations. I started the internship in January 2023 and finished in December of the same year, so I did the spring, summer, and fall semesters.

What motivated you to apply for the internship?

I was really interested in social media and looking for an internship since they are also required for my major. I interviewed for a position with the College of Arts and Sciences with Heather Athey. Although I didn't get that position, she connected me with Dr. Liebeskind, who was looking for social media interns for the History department.

Were there any projects that were particularly memorable for you?

Definitely! We did a spin on the Roman Empire trend, where we asked people how often they thought about the Roman Empire, and it ended up getting a ton of engagement and everyone on the team was very proud of it! I also did a ghost stories series in October that was really fun to create.

You also did a series on Black History Month by yourself, so how did that process look for you?

Yes, I wanted to tell stories that weren’t very widely known. I started with Frederick Douglass but then did a lot of research on lesser-known scientists and academics. It was a very rewarding project for me, and I did two posts per week, totaling eight posts.

What were some challenges that you encountered while creating content?

Coming up with the ideas was definitely the most difficult part for me, especially since I hadn’t taken a History class since high school. But creating content on topics that personally interested me really helped in creating engaging posts.

Can you talk a bit about your experience with teamwork, feedback, and the structure of the internship?

The flexible nature of the internship was a little overwhelming for me initially, but it forced me to establish my own deadlines and create a schedule to keep me on track. Teamwork and collaborating was key. It was all about the balance of giving your insights and being accepting of others’ feedback as well.

What skills from the internship do you find applicable in other areas of your life?

Learning how to condense extensive research into something that's accessible to the public was helpful not only in PR but in many professional and academic settings.

How does your background in public relations influence your approach to creating the posts, and how do you think it differs from History majors?

I think in PR timeliness is crucial, whereas History focuses on events tied to a particular period. I found a way to merge these by connecting current trends from the media with historical topics. So, really, integrating past and present in a different and more creative way.

How has the internship shaped your outlook on History?

The internship has greatly enhanced my appreciation for History! Working with History majors allowed me to learn from their experiences and knowledge, which enriched my own understanding of the subject. Also, I think that there are so many stories out there that need to be told, and social media is a perfect outlet to share them and bring them to public attention.

How did the internship influence your career goals?

This internship was the thing that kick-started my career and helped me transition to paid roles, including a position with the Florida Dental Association. It confirmed my passion and interest in continuing in social media and PR.

Do you have any advice for future interns?

I would recommend any new interns, especially those from non-History backgrounds, to refresh their knowledge about History to effectively communicate what’s interesting to them and enjoy their time more.

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us, Alyssa.

Thank you for having me, it was great to look back on my internship journey.