English Major and Technical Writing minor, Melanie Diaz Discusses Internship

Melanie Diaz, current English major and Technical & Professional Writing minor shares a glimpse of her summer 2024 internship experience.

“This past summer, I was honored to work as a Public Relations intern at the corporate office of Rack Room Shoes. Throughout my internship, I supported the brand communications team by implementing Rack Room Shoes’ PR strategy, which aligns with Social Responsibility, DEI, and Internal Communications programs. My duties were to draft media materials, such as press releases and media alerts, create internal communication for the corporate website (Intranet), and post external communication on the company’s LinkedIn page. I also had the opportunity to write and publish a back-to-school article (page 24) for USA Today and a questionnaire for Footwear News. 

However, aside from my projects, I want to extend my gratitude to the brand communications department. My tight-knit team was dedicated to doing their best for themselves and for one another. Their advice, wisdom, and insightful views are all I have taken within me to broaden my perspective of the world and my career journey.

I not only earned skills to advance my technical and professional writing, but I also grew a deeper appreciation of PR work. It is a field of dedication, heart, and soul. Whether driving off to a shoot or going on a call with a TV station, you have to step into it all with elegance and pride.

It was an absolute pleasure to work alongside this department. They were a true testament to how hard work can pay off for the good of their community. “