The Next Step in My Career: Consulting Internship with Newlink
Marisa Marcos at Spring 2024 Commencement.
By Marisa Marcos
Marisa Marcos is a recent graduate of the Media Management, M.S. program at the University of Miami. She agreed to share her experience as a 2024 summer intern.
Between May and July 2024, I embarked on an enriching journey as an intern in the Crisis and Reputation Department of Newlink, “an award-winning, international consulting firm headquartered in Miami, Florida with company-owned offices in Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Spain, and the Dominican Republic.” I joined a team of adept consultants dedicated to guiding diverse clients through complex challenges, including crisis communication, reputation repair, brand perception, social media management, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and cultural sensitivity.
From day one, the full-time internship at Newlink was a journey of learning and professional growth. I had the privilege of working with notable clients, which sharpened my skills and broadened my understanding of strategic communications. I used such tools as Meltwater and Muckrack to engage in media monitoring and analysis at a professional. This monitoring involved following what was being said about the client or what competitors were doing as well as looking for relevant articles with the help of these tools.
Each day was a new opportunity to expand my knowledge and contribute meaningfully to the team. The collaborative environment at Newlink encouraged openness and a proactive learning attitude, which resonated deeply with me. This experience underscored the importance of hard work and the value of maintaining an eager, teachable spirit in every task I undertook.
A highlight of my internship was the end-of-summer challenge. We were divided into groups and tasked with presenting a real-life Request for Proposal (RFP) for a prospective client. My team’s dedication and teamwork culminated in a winning presentation, a testament to our collective effort and practical skills we had honed over the summer.
Reflecting on my time at Newlink, I realize how this internship was not just a milestone in my career but a transformative experience that has prepared me to excel in the fast-paced world of crisis and reputation management. The lessons I learned and the connections I made are invaluable, shaping me into a more competent and confident communications professional ready to take on future challenges. This experience has significantly enhanced my knowledge of analysis and strategic engagement, providing me with the skills to effectively manage and influence public perception.
As I move forward, I carry with me not only the technical skills I have learnt but also a profound appreciation for the dynamic field of strategic communications, inspired daily by the mentors and peers I met at Newlink. This internship was more than an opportunity; it was a journey of personal and professional discovery that I will cherish forever.
