Today is my last day at Image Line Communications, where I have been interning for the summer as I’ve studied abroad in London. Throughout my time at Image Line, I’ve been able to learn more about the maritime industry, hone my skills as a writer and understand more about the world of public relations. It has been a great opportunity that has provided me with knowledge and skills I will use for the rest of my career.
As an American studying journalism at the University of Missouri, I was paired with Image Line Communications by London’s CEA CAPA Education Abroad program and given the opportunity to be an intern for the summer. After first arriving in May, I realised I had much to learn. I knew very little about strategic communications, and my first week was all about understanding Image Line’s goal as a company and role as a PR agency tailored specifically for maritime.
During my time at Image Line, I got to meet the founder of one of our American clients BidBird, a construction company that has created aerodynamic skins for shipping containers, which will revolutionise shipping and transportation. I also had the privilege of attending an event put together by the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association and hosted by the International Maritime Organization on the River Thames. These events provided me with not only great opportunities to network, but also more knowledge about the maritime industry and the latest news regarding shipping, trading, logistics and the economy.
Due to my interest in news as a journalism major, Owner and Managing Director Sue Terpilowski tasked me with creating and posting news stories on Image Line’s news site Sea News. Through this job, I was able to educate myself on the latest happenings within the industry, such as the Ocean Gate submersible incident in June, the unprecedented temperatures in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic seen in July and the naval updates of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis. While I was able to write and post press releases for our clients such as Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, a shipping company based in Japan, I was also able to write my own original stories for Sea News. Originally coming from Washington State in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve always been fond of the ocean and nature, and have put much effort into being environmentally friendly. Being able to cover ocean news combined my interests of writing and reporting as well as protecting nature and wildlife in the sea.
As this time comes to an end, I cannot express the extent of my gratitude. I am very grateful for Image Line and Sue for giving me this opportunity to learn and grow. I know I will take what I’ve learned in London and continue to apply as I go forward. It has been an amazing summer and one that I will remember for the rest of my life.
