Living the Intern Life

My name is Shannon Slaughter and I will be a senior at the University of Florida in the fall. So first and foremost, Go Gators! Now I have to follow that up with a "Go Navy!" because working here at NAS Patuxent River is such an enjoyable experience. I first found out about the opportunity to intern with the Public Affairs Office on base last summer. The intern program was very small and consisted of college students from nearby St. Mary's College of Maryland. I was excited and a little nervous to start working in public affairs because I didn't know very much about it and didn't know what to expect. After a whirlwind summer filled with helpful mentors, especially Victor Chen and Paula Paige, interesting assignments and a lot of learning, I knew I had to come back this summer.

Working in the Public Affairs Office exposes you to every aspect of a Navy base. My dad is a retired Navy captain and former helicopter pilot so I grew up with the military and am very familiar with the mission side of things. However, since interning with the PAO I've learned there is a whole other world on Navy bases outside of the hangers - and it is just as entertaining and exciting! (Although I'm not sure if my dad would agree with that statement...)

I work Wednesday through Friday on the base and I will be here until the beginning of August when I head back down to Florida. Work varies from writing articles, to creating factsheets and infographics, to helping with web design and photography. We also learn about AP style writing and editing, social media and media relations. Its a lot of learn and handle, but its the kind of challenge that you want to tackle because its always interesting. The summer is flying by and I can't believe its already almost July!

I think that what makes this internship so great  is that there is a lot going on and every day is different which means I'm never bored and I'm always learning. I'm so glad I have this internship because before it I knew nothing about public affairs and now I can see myself working in this field for the rest of my life!