Public Relations Professional
Hello! I'm Sarah
My name is Sarah Lynch and I am a public relations professional with an interest in history. My overall goal is to work as a communications manager for a non-profit organization, such as a museum or university. I have always had a love for history and education. Since my major is public relations, I have good interpersonal skills, such as introductions, conversation making, and hospitality.
Why public relations? When I came to college, I was a student who did not know exactly what I wanted to do yet. I used the school's resources and went to the career development center to complete questionnaires and tests in order to find a match to my personality in an undergraduate major. Public relations was among the top three results, so I gave it a try and fell in love with my classes and grew fond of my professors. Now, I am one semester away from graduating and I find myself thinking about how much I will miss the atmosphere and energy from my classes and professors.
Why history? I have always been a fan of history. The moment I knew I wanted to incorporate history in my life was after I watched the movie "National Treasure." Seems silly, but since then I have had a curiosity and respect for world history, especially the formation of the United States of America. Thankfully, I have been able to gain experience in both public relations and history through my two internships. The feeling of positively promoting events for the museum in order to educate visitors on historical topics is a feeling I had never felt before, and I knew I wanted to continue to bring people and publics to any organization I work with.
EXPERIENCE
January 2018 - Present
Intern
Blowing Rock Historical Society
As an intern at the Blowing Rock Historical Society (BRHS) I assist the BRHS President, Rota White. I help White to organize files, reach out to history enthusiasts and reply to emails, write press releases for upcoming events, and I recently created a brochure for the historical society to be placed in the chamber of commerce.
January 2018 - Present
Intern
Blowing Rok Art and History Museum
As an intern at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM), I am on the committee for the Blowing Rock History Exhibit within the museum. For the exhibit, I conduct research, make decisions on smaller exhibits within the main exhibit, and keep up with interactive exhibits by tracking polls and documenting questionnaires.
May - August 2017
Intern
Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens
As an intern with Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens, I worked weekdays in the marketing and communications department while working inside the North Carolina History Center. I wrote 11 to 12 press releases per month for various events, managed Tryon Palace's website calendar, promoted educational events on Tryon Palace's Facebook page, and created fliers for events which took place in the North Carolina History Center.
EDUCATION
2014-2018
Bachelors of Science, Communications
UNIVERSITY
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC
Bachelor of science in communication, public relations. Minor in history.
HIGH SCHOOL
Diploma received from Southern Alamance High School in Graham, NC
2007-2010
High School Diploma
Professional Ethics Statement
Peter Singer, Australian philosopher, once said, “What do I owe to strangers? What do I owe to my family? What is it to live a good life? Those are questions we face as individuals.” As individuals in today’s society, I feel it is important to find our own answers to Singer’s questions. Personal ethics are beliefs and opinions one bases their actions on. Throughout this statement, I will go over my personal ethics in the workplace. In the professional world the three ethical standards I hold above all else are honesty, loyalty, and expertise.
I believe honesty is the most important ethical standard. Since public relations practitioners are often referred to as “spin doctors,” I want to make sure I represent my organization or client in the most honest and ethical way possible. As I work inside an organization or for a client, I will adhere to the highest standards of accuracy and truth in advancing the interests of who I represent and in communicating with the public.
Next to the importance of honesty is the importance of loyalty. Throughout my career, I make sure to stay true to my organization or client for the benefit of public interest. I do this by advocating for my organization or client and by giving publics all the information they need in order to make their own decisions.
Finally, the final ethical standard I mainstain is expertise. Throughout my college career, I have gained knowledge and expertise through my schooling and internships. With that knowledge and expertise, I advance the public relations profession through continued development, research, and education. I continue to build mutual understanding, credibility, and relationships among organizations and their publics.
Samples of Work
Below are some samples of my written work. These samples come from either my internships or academic projects. Included in the sample is a press release, radio spot announcement, a backgrounder, two social media samples, and a biography/fact sheet.
Furthermore, you can view some samples of visual work I have completed at each of my internships.