Mass Comm senior serves as public affairs intern at Moody Air Force Base

By Margaret Schell

J ailey Ferrer Negron, a senior mass communication major at Georgia College & State University, is a public affairs intern at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia. Since mid-May, she's been taking pictures and video in the field, writing press releases and stories and networking.

Negron chose to intern in public affairs because of her interest in government work. Her father served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years and her fiancé works at the base.

"I wanted to get insight into working for the government, because I plan on that being a part of my life," she said.

Georgia College builds skills and confidence

Negron credits Dr. Christina Smith, associate professor of mass communication and internship coordinator, for consistently keeping her apprised of internship opportunities.

"I'm always in the know of what internships are available, and there are many of them," she said. "Dr. Smith also sends plenty of information about them."

Negron stressed the importance of getting practical experience thanks to Angela Criscoe - an associate professor of Mass Communication and executive director of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies - who emphasizes the value of networking and gaining diverse experiences. Negron plans to use these skills in her career.

"I would've never had the confidence to land an internship without GCSU," she said. "The professors helped me build my confidence through public speaking and taking advantage of opportunities like this."

Putting mass comm work to the test

"It's structured here," she said. "I'm learning a million new acronyms and meeting officers who outrank me," Negron said. "It's interesting getting to know them in a different way than as a daughter of someone in the Air Force. Now, I see what everyone else sees."

"I've gained insight into how this Air Force Base works, so I can help with its mission," she said.

From safety to command posts to painting A-10 aircraft, Negron is taking in all the opportunities for professional growth.

"I shoot photos and videos of jets, the crew on maintaining the planes and putting away missiles and others," she said. "Recently, I shot a video with our historian and compiled it for America's 250th birthday. That was super fun."

Negron especially was engaged with photography. When she was placed in the field, taking pictures and editing them after, she learned more about it each day.

"The concepts I've learned in my mass comm classes and internship help me set expectations and gain valuable experience," she said. "I can go into my career now with confidence. It's given me more insight into my future."

Header Images: Jailey Ferrer Negron fact checks a story on public health with a public affairs coworker; dressed in personal protective gear to shoot pictures of the crew painting a plane; reviewing a safety poster with a coworker. (Photos: Jailey Ferrer Negron)