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Top Three Insights and Takeaways: Bold Beginnings Program Recap

Posted on Sep. 15, 2025  /  Subscribe 0

Recently, our Chapter and PR professionals from across metro Detroit gathered at Identity PR in Birmingham to discuss how to best support new professionals on their career journey. Cydney Foster, Manager at 98Forward and PRSA Detroit board member, moderated the panel. Unique perspectives came from panelists: 

• Kim Eberhardt, VP & Emerging Talent Manager, Identity PR

• Sharon Garcia, M.A., APR, VP of Marketing and Communications, Downtown Detroit Partnership

• Catherine Scales, Senior Manager, Chevrolet Trucks and Full-Size SUV Communications, General Motors

• Chiaoning Su, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Oakland University

• Angela Leon, SVP, Airfoil

Below are key takeaways from the conversation:

How to Make the Most Out of Internships and Experiences 

Securing an internship or apprenticeship is just the beginning of the journey. How you use the time to grow, learn and contribute is what truly matters. 

Kim Eberhardt and Angela Leon both work closely with young professionals and shared insights about the importance of exposing students and new professionals to the ins and outs of the field. 

“At the Identity Apprenticeship Program, we want to make sure that talent has the opportunity to touch and feel the whole depth and breadth of what it is we do,” Eberhardt said. “Having opportunities to see it brought to life in a real way is important and meaningful.”

In a similar spirit, Leon shared how students can make the most of the internship experience with a company. 

“Do the homework, see what's required of you,” Leon said. “Know that the opportunities will actually present themselves, and when they don’t, you’ll feel that much more prepared and ready to ask for the opportunity that you need.” 

Making the Classroom to Workplace Connection

Oftentimes, there can be a disconnect between the classroom and the workplace because of how different they are. Students become accustomed to assignments, grades and rubrics. When they do make the transition into the workforce, it can be an adjustment/challenging due to the change in expectations and structure. 

Chiaoning Su, Ph.D., shared more about the Public Relations & Advertising program at Oakland University and how it best supports their students during this transition.

“We build this program with the intention that we want to provide an immersive learning experience for our students.” Su said. 

The immersive experiences range from local agency visits and guest speakers to a strong PRSSA chapter that provides students with leadership opportunities and the ability to connect with fellow students.

“The mentality we try to cultivate is that your career starts now, your very first day in the classroom,” Su said. “It doesn’t start the day you graduate; it starts now. So you need to be ready.”

Skills, Advice and Guidance

Every experience and opportunity that you find as a student or new professional can be completely different. However, the advice given can apply to all. 

• “You can’t underestimate the relations part of public relations,” Catherine Scales said. “Before you can even talk to the media, you really have to have the relationship down with people internally.” 

• “Be engaged and be an active consumer of news,” Eberhardt said. “Observe the world around you, observe culture, observe media.”

• “I’m not seeing [writing] as strongly as I would like,” Sharon Garcia said. “ I challenge myself and others to write more in journaling and LinkedIn, and to make sure you are writing everything yourself first. You have to have it as strong as you can. Writing is critical.”
  

Final Thoughts

The transition between college and the workplace can be a difficult one, but with the right tools, dedication and support, new professionals can thrive early in their careers. It is important to stay involved and connect with others to continue to grow as a new professional in the field. 

Thank you to everyone who attended this program. Special thanks to our moderator, panelists and Identity for hosting! 

Allison Gavagan is a junior at Oakland University studying Public Relations & Advertising and Psychology. She is the 2025 Chapter Intern at PRSA Detroit and the Communications Intern at Uncommon Bold.

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