For many students, the leap from the classroom to the professional world feels like stepping into a different language. For Victoria Pepper, a senior majoring in communication with a minor in English, that transition didn’t just teach her a new vocabulary—it gave her a new voice.
Currently serving as a public relations and communication intern, Victoria has spent her senior year at NC State uncovering the narratives that make the retail and hospitality division hum. But her journey into the heart of Campus Enterprises began in a familiar place for many students: a lecture hall.
The Path to the Pack
Victoria first encountered the world of professional communications when Jennifer Gilmore, director of marketing and communication for Campus Enterprises, visited her Introduction to Public Relations class.
“I was drawn to the role by the news releases and feature stories Jennifer wrote,” Victoria shares. “Her work has a way of capturing what truly matters and bringing it to life. I admired how she conducts interviews to uncover the heart of a story, and it made me want to develop that same ability to dig deep and tell stories that resonate.”
While tabling on campus later, Victoria shared her passion for writing and newsletters. That conversation turned into an invitation to apply, and soon, Victoria was no longer just reading the stories; she was writing them.
Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
While Victoria entered the internship focused on writing and newsletters, she quickly found that Campus Enterprises offered a much broader stage. Under the mentorship of Jennifer Gilmore and Reggie Howell, Victoria expanded her portfolio to include social media strategy and serving as the primary point of contact for the Student Centers Advisory Committee.
“I wanted to gain experience in social media, which was completely new to me,” she explains. “My supervisors were incredibly supportive and patient, showing me what it truly means to step out of your comfort zone. This experience helped me grow more confident in taking on challenges beyond my initial expectations.”
A typical day for Victoria requires multitasking: corresponding with interview subjects, attending strategy meetings and collaborating with the social media team to brainstorm new content. It is a role that requires both technical and interpersonal skills.
The Power of the Details
One of the most impactful moments of her internship wasn’t a major event, but a simple sit-down lesson on the mechanics of a news release.
“Jennifer showed me how to properly write a news release. Before that, I thought it was just about sharing information,” Victoria says. “She walked me through the structure, the professional tone and even small things like using Oxford commas correctly. It taught me that being professional isn’t just in the writing itself, but in how you share it with others, from the subject line of the email to the clarity of the message.”
These “small” details have added up to a significant shift in Victoria’s professional identity. She has moved from an introverted student to a confident professional who isn’t afraid to ask questions or lead a meeting.
Making Students Feel at Home
For Victoria, the work is ultimately about the people. Whether she is writing about a fellow student’s achievements or facilitating a committee meeting, her goal remains rooted in the “Eat Well, Wolfpack” spirit of care.
“I love making students feel safe and comfortable on campus,” she says. “The small interactions are the best…offering a quick solution to help a student feel supported is what I love to do. Every person’s story is different, and getting to know what makes each person love NC State is a privilege.”
Advice for the Next Generation
As she prepares to graduate and take her skills into the professional world, Victoria leaves behind a piece of advice for the students who will follow in her footsteps.
“Stay open-minded and be open to feedback,” she says. “Being willing to learn from feedback helps you grow and get the most out of the experience, both personally and professionally.”
For Victoria Pepper, the “Human Factor” of communications isn’t just a major: it’s the way she connects the Wolfpack community, one story at a time.