Meet Gina DISarro, Communications & Marketing Intern, GRCA
Education:
I am currently senior at Antietam High School. I plan to go to college next year to study communications or public relations.
What inspired you to intern at the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, and what drew you to your specific role?
I have known for a while that I want to have a career in communications, but I was so scared of going through years of schooling, getting a job and then realizing I hated it. An internship seemed like the best way to prevent that, and GRCA has been the perfect fit. It allows me to learn and experience new things without feeling like I have a full-time job.
Can you describe a project or task you’ve worked on that you’re especially proud of?
I have been making a lot of promotional videos for Go Taste Berks and that has allowed me to be very creative. Another project that is a little more out of my comfort zone is writing articles for Berks County Living. I never thought that, as a high school student, I would see my name in a magazine byline, which is so cool. This internship has given me that opportunity.
What’s one thing you’ve learned so far during your internship that you didn’t expect?
I honestly didn’t expect to learn so many life skills. I am learning how to solve problems and figure things out without immediately asking for help. I am also learning the social norms of working in an office, which is something you can’t get in a classroom. It is such a different way of learning, through experience and trial and error rather than a homework assignment or lecture from a teacher. These are skills I can take beyond this workplace and apply to many aspects of my life
How has your experience at GRCA influenced your career goals or future plans?
I wanted to do this internship to determine if this is a career I really want to pursue, and I can confidently say that it is. I really enjoy this work, and it has confirmed that communications/marketing is something I am passionate about. I have already learned so much, and I can’t wait to gain even more experience.