Meet Your Pierce Pros: Intern Grace Obletz

Over the past few months, we were fortunate to have High Point University senior Grace Obletz join our team as our spring intern. Grace is graduating with degrees in strategic communications and marketing. She was born and raised in Buffalo, New York (Go Bills!) with her parents and older twin siblings, Peter and Sarah, who are also High Point graduates and marketing pros. 

Her guilty pleasures include iced coffee, influencer news and social media. When asked about her time at Pierce PR, she said it was rewarding, insightful and fun, and each team member taught her something new that she will carry with her as she continues to build her career. 

We sat down with Grace to learn more about her internship experience, hobbies and advice for other college students pursuing internships.

What interested you in PR/marketing?

I have always been a creative, outgoing person and knew I didn’t want a typical “desk job.”  After exploring different classes and degree options, I decided on strategic communications and marketing because of the field’s collaboration and creativity.

What skills have you developed during your internship? 

Over the past 8 weeks, I have seen a significant improvement in my writing skills. I have always enjoyed writing, creatively and academically, but I was nervous to write for real clients. Working alongside Carson and the rest of the Pierce PR team, I learned how to use keywords and tailor language to each client’s style. It has been very rewarding to see my work published on clients’ social pages!

Which Pierce PR core value resonates with you most?

Pierce PR’s core values initially drew me to the company during my internship search! One of the company’s values is “commitment to growth.” This resonated with me because I strive to improve and become better every day. It doesn’t bother me if I receive constructive criticism; I welcome it because I want to do everything to the best of my abilities. It’s important to grow from our mistakes and our accomplishments. The Pierce team taught me many valuable lessons and helped me grow both personally and professionally!

What’s your favorite hobby?

One of my favorite summer activities is heading to the beach with a good book or podcast, especially if it’s true crime or history-focused. My favorite book is The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff, and my favorite podcast series is “Stuff You Missed in History Class.” 

What advice do you have for other college students seeking internships?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! When I started my internship search, Pierce PR wasn’t actively seeking an intern, but I submitted my resume anyway and told the team why I’d be a great fit. As a result of my initiative, I was invited to interview with the team and eventually became the firm’s spring intern. It was a great experience that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t proactively taken the first step!