At age 16 it hit me…public relations and social media were what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Fast forward to today, and in 39 days I will be graduating. The reality of that is hitting me and honestly, it’s a little nerve-wracking and freaking me out!
My introduction to public relations and social media as a career is a little different though. Like I said, I knew I wanted to do public relations when I was 16 and that is all due to one crazy night.
I had the amazing opportunity to sit on country singer Craig Campbell’s tour bus and meet the record publicist for my local area, Hilary Hoover. The three of us chatted for half an hour about anything and everything. After leaving that amazing experience, I knew public relations was my calling. Not only was Hilary able to work in country music but was also able to travel, two of my passions.
Soon after, I learned about Belmont University and how they have a well-known music business program. This program would give me the tools and experiences I needed to fulfill my dreams. So, in 2016, I toured Belmont and it felt like home.
Since being at Belmont, I have had so many amazing opportunities to help me grow in the public relations and social media industries.
Right before COVID-19 hit, I was able to intern at the all-female public relations firm Elicity PR. While being there I learned how to write a better press release, the importance of branding, and how starting a brand from the ground up will have its ups and down’s but the results of hard work will pay off and the rewards will be worth the struggles.
Then last year I interned at CreatiVets. A non-profit which helps veterans heal through music and the arts. The Nashville location helps pair veterans with songwriters who then help put their stories into songs and help with healing. The process and amazing work that goes into this non-profit is so humbling and moving. While interning at CreatiVets, I worked on the TikTok, Instagram and Twitter accounts, and even wrote press releases about the veteran’s songs that were being released. I was also able to reach out to news outlets and other networks to see if they would publish the press release. This internship was not only a great learning experience, but I also had so much fun while doing so.
As graduation is right around the corner, I know I want to still do public relations and social media for musicians. Whether that is in a large record label or a small PR firm, I know that both experiences will allow me to grow as a publicist and gain many experiences that allow me to become better in the public relations and social media world. Life works in crazy ways, and I am so glad I was able to sit on that tour bus with Mr. Campbell and Ms. Hoover 5 years ago.
by Shaina Paris