SDSU Grad Q&A: Gabriela Romero
Gabriela Romero
School of Journalism and Media Studies
Rocklin, CA
Can you describe the position and company you will be working for? What will your responsibilities be? Can you describe a little bit about yourself and what led you to pursue public relations as an area of study?
As I approach December 2021 graduation, I’m embracing the future as a Twitter Comms Corp Functions intern! I’ll write press releases and blog posts, aid with company announcements, and support the Corporate, Customers, Policy, and Internal Communications teams on a variety of projects. Ever since my competitive broadcast program days in high school, I knew I wanted to study communications, journalism, and media in college. Public relations allows me to pursue all of these areas and more. I’m thrilled to contribute to Twitter and serve the public conversation this summer.
When did you begin your internship search and what did that process entail?
My internship search began in February of 2021 as I was determined to have an internship lined up for summer or fall. The Twitter door truly opened for me when my professor and mentor Dr. Sweetser alerted me of The LAGRANT Foundation opportunities. She connected me to a recruiter, Christopher Juarez, who then connected me to Twitter Comms hiring managers. I applied for the position, pouring every ounce of my journalism and public relations skills and experiences on the table … and it worked. After two rounds of interviews, I received some of the best news of my life: I was invited to join the Twitter flock!
When did you receive your official job offer and what was your reaction?
One of the Twitter Comms hiring managers and the HR team notified me with the offer a week after my second interview. I was overflowing with excitement, resulting in very happy tears. I immediately told my family and Dr. Sweetser who called me to congratulate me. It was a moment I’ll never forget, as it felt like all the clubs I joined, classes I took, and people I networked with played a role in bringing me to that exact moment. It’s my most momentous milestone yet, and I’m so honored to accept the position and grateful to work with an extraordinary company.
What advice do you have for fellow students, regardless of their field, looking to jumpstart their career?
My advice for fellow students is to immerse yourself in your field as much as you possibly can! I joined Public Relations Student Society of America at SDSU (PRSSA SDSU), worked with the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts (PSFA), volunteered at PR events and an international conference, networked with people in these organizations, and invested in professionals through informational interviews. Your professors truly want to see you excel, so never be afraid to connect with them. I wouldn’t have my position today if I didn’t create and foster relationships with my peers, professionals, and faculty.
What is it that you are most looking forward to as you kick start this next chapter? How did SDSU prepare you for success?
I’m most looking forward to making positive impacts in the public relations and social media spheres at such a high level (as I get to fly with the Twitter bird teams, or tweeps as they call it)! My whole heart is invested in these industries, so this is the perfect opportunity for me to contribute to the sharing and creating of conversations, ideas, and news.
What experience at SDSU has changed your life the most?
Serving as the team lead of the Glen M. Broom Center for Professional Development in Public Relations in my capstone course this spring ‘21 semester changed my professional life. By executing a national webinar, “Use Your Voice,” my passion for social justice was ignited. The cherry on top is that I met amazing peers and a professor (Dr. Sweetser!) who I can all call my mentors and friends. I even tied my job as a marketing and communications student assistant for the College of PSFA with my position of VP of PRSSA SDSU to host the webinar. This experience is beyond rewarding, and it gave me the confidence to dive into the deep end of PR after graduation.
The content within this article has been edited by Lizbeth Persons.
