Cookerly Public Relations, a leading public relations agency based in Atlanta, recently hosted Oglethorpe University students exploring career opportunities in communications and public relations.
During their visit, students toured the firm’s headquarters just a few minutes from campus, learned about current internship opportunities and reviewed national case studies with Cookerly employees. Forbes and Newsweek have recognized Cookerly as one of America’s Best Public Relations Agencies. Their clients have included top brands like Mercedes Benz, McDonald’s and SunTrust.
Students considering careers in public relations were encouraged by Cookerly pros to hone the skills built in the university’s Core program—skills like interpersonal communication and critical thinking. They were also advised to study media outlets like The NewYork Times and The WallStreet Journal, which are available for free to all Oglethorpe students.
Altogether, it was an informative experience that gave Oglethorpe students a chance to network with industry professionals and prepare for their careers.
“This tour helped me envision my future workspace and realize that this is a profession that I want to be a part of,” said Morgan Lamm ’26, an Oglethorpe student majoring in communication studies. “I really appreciate that Oglethorpe is giving us the chance to prepare for our post-grad life and explore opportunities in communications and media.”
It was also an opportunity for a recent alum to give back. Hannah Womersly ’23, an account executive at Cookerly, helped lead the tour, providing students with helpful career tips along the way. Womersley interned with the company for five months before stepping in to a full-time position after graduation.
“Oglethorpe has been amazing in preparing me for this, especially with the research taught in the Core program and being involved in multiple clubs and organizations like being the president of PRSSA,” says Womersley. “Those are opportunities I could take advantage of because of the small school environment that Oglethorpe has, which in turn helped me have the voice and confidence of being ready to take on the challenge of a professional workspace.”
This event—and several recent agency tours—was sponsored by Oglethorpe’s PRSSA chapter (Public Relations Student Society of America), advised by Dr. Kate Keib, assistant professor of communication studies.
PRSSA is open to any Oglethorpe student. This student professional organization encourages the understanding of the current theories, principles and procedures in the practice of public relations; provides students with the opportunity to become familiar with their peers who are interested in communication professions and with professional practitioners; and encourages students to embody a professional attitude while adhering to the utmost ideals and practice of public relations. Contact Dr. Kate Keib at [email protected] to learn more.
