Intern Spotlight: Katyayani Sharma
Kat Sharma is a senior at George Mason University pursuing a degree in Communications with a double concentration in Media Production and Public Relations. She recently served as the Vice President of Public Relations for Mason Panhellenic where she actively worked to spotlight her community’s philanthropic pursuits, academic achievement, and close bond. As a Nepali immigrant who spent the first decade of her life in Asian culture, Sharma is a competent intercultural communicator fluent in four languages.
In the next few years, Sharma hopes to work in a Public Relations firm, where she would manage accounts for sustainable small businesses. She is passionate and skilled in using social media platforms, building media relations, and drafting press releases.
Sharma is an aspiring coffee connoisseur. In her free time, she likes to hold personal photoshoots in industrial and Korean cafes. Some of her favorite activities include watching dating reality T.V. shows, reading romance novels, and taking trips to the mountains.
What made you want to intern with Sage?
I wanted to intern with Sage specifically to work with clients in the Public Sector. Additionally, I knew that the mentorship and professional development opportunities here were incomparable, and as someone starting their career, I highly valued those two things.
What is the most exciting thing you have worked on so far?
The most exciting thing I have worked on so far is curating a calendar list for a nonprofit account, submitting the upcoming event, and monitoring for coverage. This was exciting because I was independent with this task. I also went to CES 2022 with BWF, a division of Sage Communications, to help with onsite event management and securing coverage for clients.
What is the most important lesson you've learned while at Sage?
From working at Sage, I learned the importance of proactivity and accountability. For me, being proactive in PR entails continuously being aware of the ongoings in relevant industries. I hold myself accountable by checking activity reports, accurately tracking my deadlines, and informing a colleague when I am behind.
What are your long-term career goals?
As an immigrant who speaks 4 languages, I consider myself a competent intercultural communicator. I want to leverage this skill in the PR field and work with international companies. Before that, I hope to work for a PR agency in either New York or Washington D.C.
What quote do you live by?
"How you say something is just as important as what you say." I always want to ensure that those interacting with me feel respected and heard. Surprisingly, I learned this from an episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians.
