In Conversation with Becky Vonsiatsky: Reflections 16 Years Later from Real Chemistry’s First Intern
As our 2022 summer interns begin this week, we’re excited for their journeys full of learning, connection and self-discovery. Who better to share advice and experiences with them than Becky Vonsiatsky, Practice Leader, Media & Engagement, and Real Chemistry’s first intern nearly 16 years ago?
Q: Wow – Real Chemistry’s first intern! Can you walk us through your career progression since joining as an intern?
A: What a journey it has been! I joined Real Chemistry – then called WCG – as its first intern almost 16 years ago. The company had about 25 people at the time, which is roughly half the size of the 55+ Earned Media Team that I co-lead today with Jennifer Paganelli!
Once I built trust as an intern, my manager (now a Real Chemistry client) gave me the opportunity to manage the logistics and drive the media outreach for Genentech’s Strike Out Cancer initiative, booking media interviews for MLB Hall-of-Famers. I was so nervous – it was demanding but also such a thrill. I constantly received the “gift” of real-time feedback (not always positive). That helped shape me into the professional I am today – and is why I value mentorship, transparency, and real-time sharing/feedback.
After my internship, I returned to college in North Carolina to complete my senior year. I maintained close contact with people at the company, including my mentors (many are still here at Real Chemistry today – some have become clients), and then moved across the country to start a full-time career with Real Chemistry the day after I graduated.
Over the last 16 years, I have filled nearly every role and title that exists – starting on the account side of the Communications team and then transitioning to the Earned Media Team as Practice Leader.
Q: What has kept you at Real Chemistry for so long? How have you found ways to continue growing and developing?
A: I get asked that a lot, and there are about 501 reasons. But the top three:
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The entrepreneurial spirit, inspired by our founder and chairman Jim Weiss from day one.
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The ability to choose and create your own adventure – mine has taken me from the San Francisco office to North Carolina to work remotely, and from medical device to biotech clients to leading our media team.
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The people – from the many mentors who have invested in me, to our 55-person Earned Media Team family that gets me up every day with a smile, to the people and patients for whom we are making a difference.
Q: What is some advice you received as an intern that you still use today?
A: Be curious, ask questions, take feedback as a gift.
Q: What would you like to share with our incoming team of 65 interns?
A: Pick up the phone, turn on your Zoom; build relationships and grow connections; get comfortable asking random questions; find a buddy, beyond your peers and manager, who you can go to for guidance/gut checks/life chats.
Some of the people I started my career here with have not only been great colleagues and mentors but have also become great friends. We’ve attended each other’s weddings and now have kids the same age we buy clothes for!
You never know where an amazing internship can take you, but what I can say with confidence is you made the right choice and I hope this becomes a long-time journey for you too!
Q: To end on a fun note, what is your favorite Real Chemistry memory or experience?
A: My first week as an intern included beers (PBR) with Jim Weiss, our Chairman and Founder, on the San Francisco Embarcadero for lunch. He told me to “Make It Happen,” and as an intern with absolutely no experience, it inspired me and sticks with me today. It showed me that I was valued – even as an intern with no experience – and it gave me the confidence to drive my career forward and inspires me to this day.
Welcome to the Real Chemistry family, and please don’t hesitate to Teams message or call me to say hi at any time. The best is yet to come for you, and us, together!
