Field Notes: The Media School Travel Blog

In the spring of 2020 – only a day after I finalized my travel visa application – The Media School had to cancel the annual Summer in London Honors program due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As an Ernie Pyle Scholar, I had looked forward to this opportunity from the moment I stepped onto campus and became a Hoosier. I was beyond excited to intern for Westminster Digital, an agency that specializes in social media strategy. So, like countless other college students who had their summer plans canceled, I was heartbroken. 

But as the old saying goes, there was light at the end of the … Eurotunnel?

Through The Media School’s Summer in London virtual program, I was given the opportunity to complete the internship planned for last summer. Now that I am halfway through my time with Westminster Digital, I can’t say enough how thankful I am to have found my way back to this company.

As a rising senior, I am preparing to graduate with majors in political science and journalism with a concentration in public relations. Westminster Digital represents the crossover of both of my areas of interest. It uses communication strategies to help members of Parliament, as well as corporate clients. 

So far, I have worked primarily on social media content for a biotech account. My tasks have included planning a monthlong campaign, strategizing how to grow the company’s follower base and engage with members of Parliament via social media. I am thankful to my supervisor – who gives incredible advice through daily meetings – for assigning me work that is very hands-on.

Working for a London-based company has involved a few learning curves, as expected. My supervisor and I both laughed one morning after she kindly told me, “Your copy is great, but we need to work on your British spelling.” By the end of this internship, I hope to have corrected my American “program” with “programme,” along with the various other grammatical adjustments.

The content I produce involves a lot of information related to British politics, government and COVID-19 regulations. This requires extensive research to ensure my work is factual, but it is research I can honestly say I enjoy. This opportunity is expanding my knowledge and appreciation for politics beyond the U.S.

I have also learned a lot about myself in this short time, even if I am spending my days working in a house just off the Bloomington campus. I have learned I am capable of adapting to an online work environment, navigating time zone differences and working with people I have not been able to meet in person.  

Through this experience, I have also developed a greater appreciation for the role of social media in PR. Social media is a powerful tool in today’s digital age. Not only can organizations interact with their target audience, but they can garner the attention of government officials regarding policy and public concern. 

The challenge of creating an effective social media strategy is exciting, and I am thankful this internship has reminded me of the power and role communication has in our daily lives.