Two Roads Diverged in a Lime Green Office

Everyone has heard the age-old cliché, “Do what you love and the money will follow,” and I’m sure most would agree that happiness and passion should have the greatest impact on what one chooses to do in life, rather than money-making potential or social pressure.

Yet so many of us give up our childhood dreams and put our hobbies on the back burner so we can devote our time to what are considered to be more practical endeavors. We work towards careers that promise financial stability or an elite reputation. We strain ourselves to complete greater levels of education, not necessarily for the enhanced knowledge, but for the increase in pay and honor that comes with the credentials. This emphasis on achieving, outdoing and accomplishing early often leads to individuals sacrificing their well-being.

College is frequently said to be the best years of our lives. It’s the stage in between being underage and dependent and being a true adult in the real world with real responsibilities. College allows us to explore our interests and have a good time while preparing for that big step out the door. But as the job market gets increasingly competitive, there is greater pressure on college students to work harder, gain experience earlier and exchange hobbies for resume builders, all while working towards a concrete goal.

I entered college with only a vague interest in communication, which managed to stick as I took several classes in the department. I was often asked what I hoped to do with a communication degree, and I struggled to answer. That is-- until I discovered public relations. Between PR classes and practical application towards representing my sorority, the PR work that I’ve been involved with has been inspiring and enjoyable for me. I soon realized, after pleasantly spending countless hours refining a simple flyer or revising a newsletter submission, that I could actually make a career out of this.

My experience at Frause has been exactly how I always imagined my ideal job should be; enjoyable, interesting and exciting. I look forward to work every day and I voluntarily come in early and stay late. On many occasions I’ve found myself so caught up in a project that I lose track of time, only to discover it is already past 5:00.



Even when I’ve struggled with a research assignment or been given a seemingly tedious task, the difference between the work that I do at Frause and my various class assignments is that the former has a purpose. Everything I do here contributes to a bigger picture project or objective, and I get to participate in what will ultimately produce significant impacts for clients, the agency or consumers. Moreover, there is a genuine sense of accomplishment with the completion of every task; a feeling that far exceeds the mere relief that comes with the submission of a school project.

I’ve noticed that part of the reason the atmosphere at Frause is so positive and fun is that everyone here is not only enthusiastic about PR, but they each have paired their enthusiasm with a particular topic or project they are especially passionate about as well. Not only is the PR work itself fun, but applying it to another personal interest creates an inspiring synergy. No matter how my interests might change, I think I will always be able to incorporate my passions into PR work.

-Emily Levine

New Dog in the Pack

I’m Emily Levine and I am excited to be Frause’s spring intern!
Like other Frause interns before me, I discovered the company through Kathleen Fearn-Banks’ PR class, Public Relations and Society. This course exposed me to the various aspects of public relations and provided an opportunity to visit Seattle area PR firms. I was in a group assigned to visit Frause, and upon seeing the agency’s Seattle office and meeting the people there, I knew this was somewhere I wanted to work. I applied shortly thereafter, but assumed they would prefer someone with more PR experience than myself. But lo and behold I got the job!

Having applied to countless jobs and internships over the course of the year, I was used to sending out my materials and never hearing a word from the companies. So I was happily surprised when, during my spring break, I received an email from Nathan Hambley, asking to set up an interview for a summer internship at Frause. During the interview I learned there was a vacancy for the spring intern position, and I could actually be hired for the present term.

I was so excited to have an amazing opportunity at my fingertips, and when I received the notification that Frause wanted to hire me, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. Everything worked out so well. Just a month and a half ago I was sitting in the small conference room with five other classmates, listening to Amy Graham share her impressive resume and her path to Frause, and now here I am one of the team.

After being in the office for only half a day I already feel welcomed, integrated and comfortable in the office and with the rest of the employees. The atmosphere at Frause is fun and relaxed, and though my first day has been low key I know there is plenty of work ahead. I’m excited to start helping on projects and learning from the rest of the team. Stay tuned for more of my experiences as a Frause intern!