Some Thoughts, Some Growth, and a Whole Lot of Slack Messages

At the start of the summer, we were two interns logging on from different time zones–excited (and slightly nervous) about what lay ahead. Fast forward eight weeks: we’ve tackled real client projects and built a wide range of new skills. As we wrap up our time at LaunchSquad, we wanted to reflect on our experiences and share a few key takeaways. Whether you're a future intern or just curious about what it's like behind the scenes, here’s our look back at an impactful summer.

How has this internship shaped your career goals or interests?

LW: This summer opened my eyes to a broader view of the PR industry, well beyond just press releases and events. I got to dive into media monitoring and tracking, AEO and GEO research, and account management for some incredibly cool clients. It wasn’t just about making things look good; it was about understanding the why behind the media strategy.

What really stood out to me was the analytical side of PR, such as spotting patterns in media coverage and interpreting the data. I’ve realized that this insight-driven approach to PR is something I genuinely enjoy and want to continue exploring as I shape my career. It’s exciting to know that PR isn’t just one thing, and this internship gave me the lens to see just how many directions this field can take.

JU: I was walking my dog the other day and I felt a rush come over me–I thought, I really love my job! My work feels important, and I feel genuinely rewarded. That’s a new feeling for me, and it was such a great reminder and validation of what I am working toward. 

What surprised you most about working at LaunchSquad?

JU: I definitely didn’t anticipate how welcomed I would feel to contribute in real, meaningful ways during my internship. I knew I’d be surrounded by seasoned communications professionals and expected to learn from them, but I was pleasantly surprised by how willing they were to mentor—and then delegate to me! The responsibility was a bit scary at first, and I definitely made mistakes, but the trust they placed in me was incredibly empowering. It made the experience feel like being part of a real team rather than just shadowing one.

LW: Honestly, I was a little nervous going into a fully remote internship. I worried I’d feel disconnected from the team–but that feeling disappeared on day one. LaunchSquad does a fantastic job of making everyone feel included, no matter where they are. From the constant flow of good news and photo dumps in our team channels to personal introductions, there’s always something happening that keeps you feeling connected. 

People genuinely want to get to know each other here, and I love that. It’s never just about work updates, it's about sharing life moments and celebrating one another. Even though the role is fully remote, I’ve felt seen, heard, and included. That sense of community was the best surprise of all.

What was your favorite project and why?

LW: One of my favorite projects was researching AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) for an entertainment media client! I analyzed media coverage, identified messaging opportunities, and built a list of key journalists and influencers. Since AEO and GEO are still emerging, the work felt especially valuable! It introduced me to a new area of tech I might not have explored otherwise. It was a great reminder of how important it is to stay curious and keep up with industry trends. 

JU: I worked on a daily report tracking coverage for an entertainment media client and its competitors–which aligned perfectly with my personal interests. I was already a huge pop culture and TV fanatic, and this was a really fun opportunity to stay in tune with the industry behind some of my favorite shows. 

What was the biggest challenge, and how did you grow from it?

JU: One of the accounts I worked on involved financial concepts and jargon that I was largely unfamiliar with (I’m a comms girl, not a finance bro!). When first onboarding to the project, I felt very confused. So confused that I struggled to come up with follow-up questions because I truly didn’t understand what we were talking about. 

Luckily, many of the comms super-geniuses on the team had faced a similar learning curve and created resource documents that quickly became my lifeline. It was a valuable lesson in communicating my struggles and a powerful reminder that if I don’t understand something, there’s a good chance that someone else has been in my shoes before.

LW: The biggest challenge for me was adjusting to the fast-paced nature of agency life. Things move quickly here, and you’re often juggling multiple tasks across different accounts. Over time, I learned how to stay organized and trust myself to make decisions even when everything wasn’t perfectly mapped out. 

I also realized the importance of clear communication and checking in with my team when needed. It taught me to stay flexible and proactive. Now, I love the energy of a fast-paced environment. It keeps things exciting, and I’ve grown more confident in handling whatever’s thrown my way. It’s a skill I know I’ll carry with me wherever I go next.

What’s one thing you wish you knew before starting?

LW: It’s totally okay not to know everything right away. Coming into the internship, I felt this pressure to have all the answers–especially in a remote setting where it’s easy to overthink whether you’re asking too many questions.

What I’ve learned is that curiosity is actually one of the most valuable things you can bring to the table. Everyone at LaunchSquad has been so open and supportive, and they really encourage learning as you go. Feeling a little lost at first is completely normal, and asking for help doesn’t make you look unprepared–it shows you care. Once I let go of that pressure, I was able to dive into projects more confidently and learn so much more along the way.

JU: I felt the same way. Before beginning my internship, I was so nervous about how much I didn’t know. I could have saved myself a lot of stress if I had understood what people meant when they first said “welcome to the Squad.” 

I’ve found that calling ourselves the Squad isn’t just cute branding–it genuinely reflects the culture here. It’s okay to be wrong or not know something because of the shared understanding that we’re on the same team. Most of us have seen the jokes about toxic workplaces pretending to be ‘like a family’ (or worse, experienced them—if so, I’m sorry!). But being a part of the Squad has felt different. It’s helped me reframe my anxiety about needing to learn so much into a feeling that my growth is a shared win for everyone. 

Favorite Slack channel?

JU: #celebs_popculture for sure! I love hearing everyone’s takes on what’s currently trending. 

LW: #filmtvlovers Whenever a new series drops, LSers jump in to share hot takes and reactions. It’s the perfect work break.

Most-used emoji in Slack or emails?

LW: 🤩 My absolute favorite emoji and I use it for everything! Whether I’m complimenting a teammate, updating on a task, asking for feedback, or just saying thank you. It’s my all-purpose go-to for adding a little sparkle to any message.

JU: 😊 They’re an easy way to spread good vibes across the screen. 

Favorite playlist or background noise while working?

JU: I usually shuffle an album from Gracie Abrams, Tate Mcrae, or Taylor Swift if I’m working on something a bit more routine or task-oriented.

LW:I always play a Disney jazz playlist when I work.

If your internship were a tv show/movie, what would it be?

LW: Like Emily in Paris, minus all the workplace chaos because I love my LaunchSquad peers!
JU: I’m going to have to say Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse–lots of teamwork, pivoting, and fun!

Lucy Wu is a senior Media and Journalism and Asian Studies double major at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and served as LaunchSquad's Foster The Future intern in the summer of 2025.

Juliana Upp is a junior Marketing major at Tulane University, and spent summer 2025 as a LaunchSquad intern based out of the San Francisco office.