5 Lessons from 5 internships

Searching, applying, interviewing and following-up for an internship position is often said to be a job in itself. When done correctly, that’s true. However, too often interns think their job is done after a position has been offered. As a student at my fifth internship, I’ve learned how not to fall victim to common mistakes about PR internships.

1. Be ready to jump.

There is no such thing as a slow day at a PR agency. From day one, be ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into projects. Too often interns wait for an invitation to work on an assignment—invite yourself into a project. Ask what you can do. If your boss doesn’t have any work for you, try a different department (interactive, creative, or account services). You may realize you like working in another department you didn’t know you’d enjoy. Learn as much as you can, you earned this learning opportunity, take advantage of it.

2. Know your clients.

Research the agency’s clients before your first day. Read their websites, Google them, follow them on social media sites. The more you understand a client’s interests and business, the more opportunities you’ll have to work on higher-level projects. At one of my internships, we had pop quizzes on client information—that’s how important knowing clients is.

3. Relationships.

PR focuses on building relationships—but often we forget to create these networks with the people we work with. Get to know everyone at the agency. Say ‘good morning’ to the PR director, chat with the account services girl who’s in the kitchen when you’re grabbing lunch, make friends with the other interns. PR practitioners move from agency to agency frequently, you never know when a connection you made will help influence your next internship or job interview. When I applied to Off Madison Ave, an account services coordinator from a previous internship emailed a friend at Off Madison Ave to put in a good word for me. Sometimes small connections help you stand out in a mound of resumes and applications.

4. Details.

I was once told that to succeed in PR, one must be detail-oriented. Details on client work, agency work, and a work ethic all need to be in tip-top condition. Spell check everything (yes, everything). Be early (not just on time). Take notes. I never leave my desk without my mini spiral notebook and pen. When getting an assignment, managers may give details that are difficult to recall when staring at a blank word document. It’s better to write down extraneous information than to keep asking for information repeated. Make sure polished, top quality work is the only kind that leaves your desk.

5. Communication.

Sometimes the intimidation factor of working at an agency can stop PR newbies from asking questions. Most account managers, coordinators and directors were interns, too. They know you’re not a professional yet—and they’re eager to help teach you how the industry works. In my experience, it’s preferred that interns ask questions and finish an assignment correctly than to attempt a project on their own, just to be told it’s been done incorrect. Communicate your skill set. Let your manager know what you’d like to work on. Ask for feedback.

 What have you learned at internships? What’s your best tip for a new agency intern?

About the Author: Amy Fleishans

As a public relations intern at Off Madison Ave, Amy assists the agency and learns from a variety of local, national and international clients. Amy is currently studying at Arizona State University and will soon graduate with a BA in public relations from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, a minor in music and a passion for classic British literature.

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