So you wanna be in public relations? Not a bad idea, friend.
Between connecting with new media contacts, developing content for clients, supporting company milestones – and the list goes on – there’s never a dull moment in PR world. But don’t enter this field if you think it’s just some glamorous gig.
As my tenure here at Communiqué has taught me, public relations can be chaotic and stressful just as much as it can be rewarding and fun. If you’re serious about this profession, interning is a highly effective way to start gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to survive a job in communications. Here are some things I did to help maximize my internship and prepare me for a career in PR:
- Define your role and responsibilities
With intern positions being a common precursor to entry-level jobs these days, any legitimate internship will require work of substance. Don’t expect to merely pick up the coffee order. You should identify your role in the organization and the corresponding workload as soon as possible.
For example, I came into this position with an interest in writing – I actually defected to the dark side that is PR over from journalism – and made that clear early on in my internship. Knowing this, my managers were able to make writing the focus of my work, and it soon became my role to support a variety of writing assignments.
- Build your portfolio and network as you go along
The only thing promised in PR is deadlines. As my writing responsibilities grew, projects started flying in and out of my inbox constantly and it became easy to lose track of everything I’d accomplished. Save yourself the extra effort by adding work to your portfolio right as it’s completed. When this blog post goes live, I’m going to save a printer-friendly copy to my files.
While you’re at it, you should also be tending to your network. Build rapport with your coworkers, who can vouch for you when you’re ready to advance to the next position. Anyone you’ve had meaningful collaboration with should also be a connection on LinkedIn. And if you plan to continue in PR, start developing relationships with the media as these will be helpful down the road.
- Find a mentor
Among all the relationships you have as an intern, the ones you have with your mentors are some of the most important. Mentors help you understand the nuances of the industry and your workplace, as well as provide sound advice and support when you need it. (And in PR, you’re going to need it.)
At Communiqué, I’ve been lucky enough to have not just one, but two incredible mentors who were always there to help me navigate challenges, provide me with honest feedback and celebrate my progress. You won’t realize your internship’s full potential without a mentor, so make sure to connect with someone at the beginning of your term.
- Be proactive about your next move
Even with the support of your mentors and colleagues, you can still get swept up in the fast pace of PR. But don’t forget to plan for the future – the whole point of an internship is that it’s a springboard for a more permanent job.
If you’re performing well, chances are your company will offer you a full-time position. If you want to explore options elsewhere, ask for recommendations and/or introductions from people who can speak to the quality of your work. And if you decide PR isn’t for you, the skill set you acquire will be applicable to many other fields.
Take your internship seriously and you can continue to reap the benefits long after you move on. In my time at Communiqué, I got full exposure to the inner workings of PR and a chance to collaborate with brilliant individuals every day. My experience here has me feeling more than prepared for my next venture, and for that I am beyond grateful.