From sports to sustainability, Ashlyn Miller is spending her senior year building a diverse background in public relations and communications. This semester, Miller was awarded the Shelton Group Fellowship, which is granted to one senior during the spring semester at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Communication and Information. The fellowship includes a $2,500 scholarship, a paid internship lasting 12 weeks, and the possibility of a permanent position with Shelton Group upon graduation depending on performance and position availability.
The Shelton Group, which was recently acquired by ERM, is a sustainability communications and marketing firm working at the intersection of science and storytelling. Founded by CCI alumna and advertising major Suzanne Shelton (‘89), the firm focuses on helping companies manage their communications with investors and the public. Fellows at Shelton Group have the opportunity to work alongside agency professionals, participate in real-world assignments, and present their work on actual projects and client pitches.
Miller is a graduating senior double majoring in public relations and sport management. Originally from Portland, Oregon, she has family in South Carolina, giving her a taste of Southern culture and a glimpse of the vibrant SEC college atmosphere.
“I found CCI, which had a lot of opportunities that I was drawn to, and once I visited it was kind of a done deal. I applied all over the country, but I just knew I wanted something new and different and ended up at UT,” she stated.
Miller developed a passion for working in sports early in her college career, which is why she chose to double major. She has been involved with the Volunteer Team, also known as the VolTeam, for four years and currently serves as the president of the organization. VolTeam is the university’s official student recruitment team focused on working with admissions and prospective student-athletes. Additionally, she is part of Partners in Sports, a student organization designed for sport management majors, a member of the Kappa Delta sorority, and has worked in the Spirit Office with the University of Tennessee Dance Team for the past two years.
Miller admitted that her first semester at UT was challenging, but her involvement in various organizations transformed her college experience.
“It was way outside my comfort zone. Honestly, I didn’t have a good first semester and considered transferring. Coming off the pandemic, I didn’t know anyone, and I was 3,000 miles from home. Finding ways to get involved on campus and connect with others was difficult. Being in a sorority was another factor that really enhanced my experience. It’s been wonderful to stay busy; even though I am constantly occupied, I really enjoy it. I love being active on campus, meeting so many people, and taking full advantage of everything that UT has to offer,” she said.
Since her first year at UT, along with being active on campus, Miller studied abroad in Barcelona this past summer and took a brand management course.
“My teacher for the class had worked as the international brand management director for multiple CPG [consumer packaged goods] companies and started his own brand management consulting company. I loved hearing about his work experience and was incredibly drawn to brand management, which was something I did not have exposure to during my undergraduate experience at that point,” she stated.
Miller first learned about the Shelton Group Fellowship through Handshake and later through CCI emails and social media. Having been involved in several sports-related initiatives, she was eager to find something different. The scholarship and paid internship opportunities, along with the requirement of completing at least three internships for her sports management major, motivated her to apply.
Miller mentioned that learning about sustainability has been a steep learning curve, but she has enjoyed the process.
“Not only am I learning how to do my job, but I’m also trying to understand what these companies do and the scientific aspects, which I don’t have a background in. However, it’s been a fantastic work environment, and I’ve enjoyed it while learning as much as I can,” she said.
During her internship, Miller has had the opportunity to collaborate with the in-house research team, account management, and creative teams.
“Some of the deliverables include sustainability reports, which focus on communicating sustainability in a way that is easily understood. For example, when discussing molecular recycling, many people aren’t familiar with the term. We aim to simplify these concepts. The team is unique because many members come from sustainability backgrounds and understand the science behind it, but there’s also a focus on the human side of communication. It’s essential to present this information effectively, especially as consumer awareness about corporate practices and product sourcing has increased in recent years,” she explained, adding that molecular recycling is the process of breaking down plastic waste at a molecular level so it can be used again.
She noted that the materials she learned in her PR research class with Assistant Professor of Practice Joe Stabb and her PR campaigns class have been particularly beneficial during her internship.
“The attention to detail I honed in Dr. Stabb’s class really paid off. Although it was tedious at the time to meticulously review everything, it has proven useful in my current role. They have started assigning me tasks that require meticulous attention, and I’ve found it rewarding to know that I can catch errors. I used to think editing essays was boring in school and that I wouldn’t use those skills again, but now I see how they translate into the workplace,” she stated.
Miller takes pride in balancing work with her college career, engaging in internships and part-time jobs at the university. Scholarships and paid internships have significantly contributed to her financial stability as a student, providing her with valuable real-life experiences.
“I am, for the most part, financially independent. Scholarships have been crucial for me. I want to take advantage of those opportunities. I’ve received advertising scholarships simply because fewer people apply for them. This allows me to build connections with donors and network further,” she stated.
She went on to say, “Scholarships are a major reason I’m able to attend UT as an out-of-state student who pays my tuition, and I am very grateful for those opportunities that enable me to be here and get paid. I need to pay my bills, so working unpaid is not an option. I currently hold three jobs, and while it’s a necessity for me, I’ve truly enjoyed every job I’ve had during college.”
Her time at Shelton Group assisted her in transitioning from sports to a broader realm of public relations, allowing her to explore new areas like sustainability. In addition to supporting her education, scholarships have enabled Miller to build valuable connections.
“I always encourage people to seize different opportunities and gain experience wherever possible. I primarily worked in sports, and now I’m involved in sustainability, which is something I never anticipated,” she stated.
Miller’s resilience and curiosity have paved the way for a successful college career, and she urges other students to learn more about the Shelton Fellowship and similar opportunities.
“I believe you just have to take a shot and apply,” she said. “The worst you can get is a ‘no.’ Even with general scholarships from the school, if you spend 35 minutes writing a 500-word essay and don’t receive it, that’s just a small investment of your time. But if you do get it, it can open many doors. I’ve met donors for most of my scholarships, and now they are in my corner, people I can rely on down the line. Building your network is a significant part of the college experience.”
Miller recently accepted a full-time position as a sales management associate at PepsiCo in Syracuse, New York—an opportunity she attributes to the relationships she built and her persistent drive to stay engaged and curious throughout her college experience.
“As I began my post-grad job search, I was in contact with my professor from my study abroad trip, getting advice and direction on how to get my career started with the goal of possibly transitioning into brand management for a CPG company. He was such a great mentor during such a stressful time and gave me confidence that the role I accepted was a great first step in my career,” she explained.
Miller went to a career fair in September and spoke with a campus hire representative from PepsiCo who recommended she apply for the position and explained how it was an opportunity to learn all aspects of a major CPG company.
“After applying and after three months of the hiring process, I was offered the role. I am excited to enter a new industry and, yet again, learn from this opportunity! I am grateful for experiences like the career fair that allow students the opportunity to connect with future employers. I would not have applied to this position without attending this event,” she stated.
Miller will be moving to New York at the end of June and will start her new role mid-July.