Insights and Advice from GPP’s Intern Class of 2026

Over the past couple of months, GPP was delighted to have three incredible summer interns in our office: Charlotte Head (Washington and Lee University), Heidi Small (Barnard College) and Kirsten Regan (Georgetown University). Their can-do attitudes, positive energy and excitement to dive into financial communications made their mark on GPP, both on internal firm initiatives and client work.

(from left to right: Kirsten Regan, Charlotte Head and Heidi Small)

In addition to day-to-day work, they soaked up the opportunity to learn from working in the center of Midtown, participating in guided tours of Bloomberg’s HQ, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq and meeting and networking with fellow summer interns around the city. They concluded with a final project presentation to the firm on how companies are navigating the new media landscape.

We recognize their lasting contributions to our team and wanted to share their reflections on the GPP internship experience. We wish Charlotte, Heidi and Kirsten lots of luck as they embark on their final year of college!

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1. What made your experience at GPP different from prior job or internship experiences?

Charlotte: My experience at GPP was unique because of the level of trust that was placed in me and my fellow interns to contribute to client-facing research and written materials. With guidance from our mentors, I became much more confident in my writing and use of research tools to produce work that had an impact.

Heidi: An aphorism that kept coming to mind this summer was “a rising tide lifts all boats.” It perfectly captures GPP’s ethos, where everyone is collaborative, constantly working together to solve problems and support each other on client work. Everyone at GPP was so welcoming and thoughtful, always taking the time to offer feedback, answer questions and provide mentorship, which was invaluable for my learning and growth.

Kirsten: I had no prior experience in financial communications before GPP, so almost everything about the field itself was new to me. GPP’s emphasis on continuous learning and professional development helped me quickly learn about the industry and the firm’s practice areas. Also, GPP’s weekly huddles were a great way to gain insight into different team initiatives and client engagements and participating in weekly discussions about current events helped me practice my public speaking skills.

2. What is something you learned at GPP that you’ll take with you into your early career journey?

Charlotte: At GPP, I learned the value of asking questions and staying genuinely curious. During the start of the summer, I was worried about sounding inexperienced, but everyone was so generous with their time and willing to explain things that I quickly realized asking thoughtful questions is one of the best ways to learn and contribute.

Heidi: This internship strengthened my financial analysis and strategic writing skills. I loved contributing to client materials and the activism newsletter because it sharpened my ability to communicate financial concepts with clarity and precision, while incentivizing our intern group to try new restaurants together! I will also carry the perspective and knowledge of financial communications and public speaking skills we gained through the professional development sessions and networking events on my path forward.

Kirsten: Throughout the summer, I strengthened my financial acumen and news analysis skills. I learned to think beyond the surface level of an article and consider how different stakeholders and audiences might interpret or react to the same news story. My professional writing skills also improved significantly, as I previously only had experience writing in an academic setting. Finally, the fast-paced nature of GPP’s work has helped me think on my feet and be adaptable.

3. What was unexpected or surprising from your experience?

Charlotte: One thing that surprised me about GPP was how closely I worked alongside senior leaders. The office is designed like a “bullpen,” creating an open concept with colleagues across levels. Because of that, I had the opportunity to regularly interact with Partners and SVPs, share my thoughts, ask questions and learn directly from their experience— which is something I hadn’t expected as an intern.

Heidi: I have always been interested in business strategy, finance and writing, but before this internship, I didn’t realize how all these interests could intersect. Contributing to research across industries, drafting briefings and supporting during important client moments has shown me how energizing and impactful this field is. I really admire GPP’s tight-knit environment and the grace and agility with which everyone works together.

Kirsten: One of the most unexpected parts from my experience at GPP was how much I learned about different industries. The firm works with a wide range of companies, and I had the opportunity to learn about a variety of fields from an advisory perspective, including technology and energy.

4. What did you enjoy the most about working with the GPP team?

Charlotte: One thing I was told during my interviews was that GPP’s culture feels like a sports team, and I quickly found that to be true. I loved the office’s tight-knit community that not only produces thoughtful, high-quality work but also supports one another every step of the way. Everyone is always happy to lend a hand, celebrate each other’s wins, and share insights to help the entire team do their best work.

Heidi: I really value that the firm is so driven to learn and grow together. Whether it was team bonding and problem solving in escape rooms, practicing speed presentations on fictitious scenarios or engaging in our weekly huddle discussions, GPP’s emphasis on building a strong community and collaborative culture made a big impact on our experience. Seeing that our work behind the scenes made an impact on high profile clients was incredibly rewarding and provided a deeper lens for how I think about and see communications in the world around me.

Kirsten: My favorite part of working with the team was learning about everyone’s path to the firm. GPP team members’ backgrounds, experiences and areas of expertise are so different, and everyone brings a unique perspective to the team and firmwide discussions. There were also many opportunities to get to know colleagues outside of an office setting, whether it was going to an escape room or coffee together!

5. What was your favorite activity or memory from the summer?

Charlotte: Although it is hard to choose between the escape room visit, visiting the NASDAQ and the networking events we attended this summer, my favorite GPP event was touring the New York Stock Exchange. It was incredible to see the action, tour the CNBC filming studios we watch in the office every day, and the best part was seeing Barnes and Noble ring the bell.

Heidi: There are so many highlights from this summer it is hard to distill into one, but visiting the NASDAQ opening bell and the Bloomberg headquarters made this summer unforgettable. Seeing the behind-the-scenes coordination that goes into important company milestones at NASDAQ, and the role of journalists in highlighting such events, reinforced how influential thoughtful planning and strategic communications are in pivotal moments.

Kirsten: My favorite activity was visiting the New York Stock Exchange. We got a tour of the floor, watched the closing bell and enjoyed a Mr. Softee ice cream cone afterwards!

6. What advice do you have for future GPP interns?

Charlotte: One thing that helped me get the most out of my internship at GPP, and something I would encourage future interns to embrace, is having the right mindset around making mistakes. Financial communications is a field you cannot fully learn before starting an internship, so mistakes are inevitable. Rather than viewing them as failures, see them as opportunities to grow and improve with thoughtful feedback and guidance from the team.

Heidi: Stay curious and read the news every day. Being attentive to the news truly makes a huge difference in how you absorb information, think analytically and your ability to write about complex topics. Taking initiative and being proactive in following up on tasks or offering to help also makes a big difference. And lastly, be sure to explore New York – GPPers have the best recommendations!

Kirsten: Be curious and ask as many questions as possible! There are so many opportunities for learning beyond the projects you are assigned, and everyone is so excited for you to join the team for the summer! Also, make a bucket list for everything you want to see and do throughout the summer – New York City is full of fun and unique activities to take advantage of.

7.) What is your favorite coffee spot around Midtown?

Charlotte: During this internship, we were lucky enough to be invited to get coffee all around Midtown for coffee chats, but I will say that Maman was my favorite shop for their seasonal matcha and the chocolate chip cookie, of course!

Heidi: Maman quickly became my favorite for its sweet chai lattes and salted chocolate chip cookies.

Kirsten: Black Fox! It’s a great spot to sit outside for a quick break and enjoy some sun, plus they have a lot of fun latte options to try.