Ad & PR student spends summer in Dollywood

MSUM integrated advertising and public relations student Emily Felling is very active on campus. Wanting to take on every opportunity given to her; she joined 5 clubs and works for Students United. Emily says joining these clubs and organizations have helped her with career opportunities, like her Dollywood internship, while also creating a fun social environment.

Dollywood

Over the summer, Emily was able to work at Dollywood, an amusement park in Tennessee partly owned by the famous singer Dolly Parton. With arts and crafts, live performances, and roller coasters, Dollywood has a wide range of activities that anyone can enjoy. As a participant of the Dollywood College Program, Emily was able to work in merchandising. Even though it wasn't in Advertising and PR, this opportunity has helped Emily get experience in an industry she is interested in and create connections. This experience solidified Emily's desire to work in tourism once she finishes her degree.

BS in Integrated Advertising and Public Relations

"Working at Dollywood, I was able to see all the little things that go into making this big experience that makes people so happy, I would love to promote a place like that, it's my dream," she said.

Getting an internship in a student's preferred industry creates great networking opportunities. Emily was able to make lots of connections with people in the industry, like Chelsea Eagle, the Director of Public Relations at Walt Disney World.

"I could talk about Dollywood all day" she said. "It was definitely the best job I've ever had." Emily noted that the extensive number of activities, from live music and shows to candle making and roller coasters, create an experience that can be enjoyed by anyone. She would even spend some of her days off going to the park to experience it as a guest.

One major benefit of the program is that housing is provided along with transportation options. Emily noted the importance of her experience in clubs when thinking back to the application process. "The leadership skills I gained from classes and organizations helped me a lot."

"If you are passionate about doing something, go for it. Never miss an opportunity to learn and grow your skills." — Emily Felling

Students United

This semester, only one day after getting back from Dollywood, Emily started working for Students United in their Community Leader Fellowship. Emily credited her experience balancing so many clubs, organizations, and classes for her success in this fast transition. "I'm a really flexible person, I feel like having that background and always keeping myself busy helped me." Students United is a non-profit organization that serves over 65,000 students from Minnesota's seven state universities. Students United, being led by Minnesota State university system students, works to be the inclusive voice for all future, current and former students by seeking change to ensure that higher education is rooted in student needs.

"I was following them on Instagram and saw that they had a PR position," Emily says. "I get to meet with the PR coordinator weekly and we talk about what I want to learn from the program, and I get guidance to achieve my goals."

At Students United Emily writes blogs and manages the Student Debt Cancellation Fund Instagram page, which helps students navigate debt and advocates to eliminate student loan debt. Emily has enjoyed the opportunity to improve her writing, despite preferring the social media aspects that come with advertising and public relations.

Emily's advice for students is "If you are passionate about doing a club, org, job or internship, go for it. Never miss an opportunity to learn and grow your skills. But have that balance of fun and self-care."

Emily acknowledges the stress that can come with being involved in so much, she even noted that she spends most of the weekend focusing on relaxing and recharging. "Don't overwhelm yourself, if you are going to do something make sure you are able to do all of it." These opportunities range from professional to social. Deciding which of these opportunities you can commit to and how you personally can get the most out of your college experience is crucial. These types of involvement create a foundation that can lead to a fantastic internship and align you to a solid career path.