Meet Lauren Cortez, a senior majoring in Communication and Germanic Studies at Illinois, who is building her professional foundation as a Communication Intern for Aeline Salon through the ATLAS Internship Program. Lauren joined ATLAS to gain real experience in the media and public relations field, and her work now includes creating product-centered social media content, researching industry trends, and exploring new editing tools to enhance her designs. Through this internship, she has strengthened technical skills in graphic design and content creation, while also developing soft skills such as time management, organization, and professional communication. One key lesson she’s learned is the value of proactive communication—even if it means sending follow-up emails to keep projects moving. Looking ahead, Lauren hopes to pursue a career in media or public relations, continuing the kind of creative work she’s enjoyed during her internship.