To some, summer means a break from classes or a chance to reset; to others, it’s an opportunity to take on a short-term job. To College of Communication and Information Sciences (C&IS) students Aubri Wherry and Salome Montague, it meant transformation. Their summer in New York City offered mentorship, growth and a view of what it takes to thrive in public relations.
Public relations agency, Confidant, launched its scholarship and internship program in 2021 to support students in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations (APR) in C&IS. Confidant co-founder and principal, Garland Harwood, is a UA alum and sought out to give back to his alma matter.
The opportunity is offered to UA juniors, seniors or graduate students who are preparing for careers in communications. Special consideration is given to those studying public relations or looking to continue their APR studies the following year. Two students are selected to receive $10,000 each, plus a paid internship at Confidant’s New York office and one-on-one mentorship from agency leaders. The idea is to blend financial support with professional experience.
Walking into the Confidant office for the first time, Wherry immediately felt welcomed. “The mentorship I got, not just from my primary mentor but from the entire Confidant team, was invaluable,” she said. “They guided me through complex projects and constantly pushed me to think critically and strategically. That mix of being challenged and totally backed up was key; it really shaped my understanding of the industry and helped me sharpen my skills in a real-world setting.”
The program is not designed for interns to sit on the sidelines. From the beginning of the experience, Wherry and Montague were encouraged to contribute ideas, take ownership of their work and explore every part of the profession.
“What sets Confidant apart is its dynamic and truly collaborative team,” said Wherry. “I was always encouraged to speak up, share ideas in team discussions, and take ownership of my tasks. That kind of trust boosted my confidence and competence big time!”
Of course, the summer wasn’t all deadlines and client calls. Confidant made sure Wherry and Montague experienced the city and the agency’s culture beyond the office walls. There were visits to The Met, plenty of shared meals and laughter and even a trip to Charleston for the company’s 10th anniversary offsite. These moments brought the interns closer to the team and made the experience one they’ll never forget.
“Attending the offsite in Charleston allowed me to better understand Confidant’s rich 10-year history. We met the entire teams from both offices and learned more about AI technologies,” said Montague.
Opportunities like this fit right in with what C&IS is known for — giving students the chance to grow by doing hands-on work through experiential learning. For communications students these experiences are essential. They bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that graduates enter the workforce not only with knowledge but with the ability to think strategically and lead with creativity. Both Wherry and Montague have seen how much the University emphasizes experiences that go beyond the classroom. One of the highlights of their summer was a networking event organized by Gabby DiCarlo, a C&IS alum, where they met early-career professionals as well as seasoned leaders from agencies and major companies like IBM. For the interns, it was a chance to hear stories, ask questions and picture what their own careers might look like in the years ahead.
For Wherry and Montague, the summer of 2025 was more than just a resume booster. The two left Confidant with sharper skills, meaningful connections and a deeper appreciation for the craft of communication. And for the team at Confidant, the interns’ presence was a reminder of why the scholarship exists in the first place.