Learning by Doing: Reflections from a Summer in Fashion PR

By Ashleigh Coleman

November 19, 2025

This summer, Maya Momperousse completed a fashion public relations internship with BLK PR in Los Angeles, an internship secured through the ArtBound Initiative program. This role gave her firsthand insight into the fast-paced, highly collaborative world of fashion communications. What started as an exciting, creative opportunity quickly grew into an experience that shaped her professionally and personally.

Maya expected to learn more about the creative aspects of public relations, but she didn’t anticipate how deeply she would develop four core skills: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-awareness.

"These were skills I thought I had a basic handle on, but the internship showed me how much more there was to learn and how important they really are in a professional setting.” - Maya Momperousse

 


1. Communication

Throughout her internship, Maya handled stylist outreach, tracked sample shipments, and helped organize product pulls—tasks that required precision and clarity.

She shared, “I learned that being clear and detailed makes such a big difference, especially in such a fast-moving industry.”

Maya discovered that communication isn’t simply about sending a message. It’s about ensuring that others have the right information to do their jobs effectively. By the end of the summer, she felt more confident in her ability to communicate professionally and manage complex workflows with accuracy.

 

2. Teamwork

Maya’s internship also highlighted the importance of strong teamwork. At events such as the PH5 (a trending fashion label) presentation and the Honey Birdette gathering in the Hollywood Hills, every person had a role to play—no matter the size.

She explained, “Whether I was helping with logistics, handling product seedings, or just making sure things ran smoothly, it was always about supporting the team and making the event successful.”

These experiences showed Maya how much collaborative energy drives fashion PR, and how essential it is for every team member to stay aligned and adaptable.

 

3. Problem-Solving

With tight deadlines and last-minute changes, challenges were a routine part of Maya’s experience. From delayed shipments to sudden shifts in event plans, she learned to stay calm, assess, and adjust.

“Instead of stressing, I learned to adapt, stay calm, and figure it out,” she said. “I started to realize that problem-solving isn’t always about finding the ‘perfect’ answer — sometimes it’s about being flexible and creative in the moment.”

This mindset not only helped her navigate daily tasks but also strengthened her confidence under pressure.

 

4. Self-Awareness

One of Maya’s biggest takeaways was a clearer understanding of her strengths and areas for growth. She found that she excels at staying organized and detail-oriented, while also identifying opportunities to speak up more confidently in group settings.

She reflected, “Recognizing both sides helped me set personal goals for what I want to work on moving forward.”

This enhanced self-awareness became one of the most meaningful parts of her internship experience.

 


Reflection

By the end of the summer, Maya walked away with more than hands-on PR experience—she gained a deeper sense of who she is as an emerging professional.

“I walked away with not only experience in PR, but also stronger skills that I know I’ll carry with me wherever I go,” she shared.

Her growth in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-awareness will continue to guide her as she explores future roles within the creative industry and beyond.

 


Ready to build your own skills and explore what’s possible?

Visit our Ready to Roar page to learn more and start developing the strengths that will shape your career!

LEARN ABOUT READY TO ROAR career skills

 



About the LSU Career Center

Our team is committed to ensuring every student has ample opportunities to gain experience, grow their network, and communicate their aptitude for a chosen career long before graduation. We believe LSU students are unparalleled in their potential to step into leadership, solve problems, and elevate the workforce for the benefit of all.