Advice to interns starting out in the PR field

Being an intern in the PR field can seem daunting when you’re first starting out. Understandably so, PR is a very fast-paced environment and you’re expected to be on your toes at all times. In such a field, it’s important to be alert in every situation and prepared to undertake tasks that at first may seem intimidating. Here are some tips  to help you better navigate your journey into this exciting industry, from one intern to another: 

  • Know your basics and build your foundation

Internships are a great way to put learning into practice and for those of us who are currently studying or just about to graduate, an internship is a great way to build on practical skills. There is no rush to get a full-time position, however, and there is no learning like hands-on experience. There will be pressure to produce once in the workforce and as a fast-paced industry, take the time to build your basic skills, learn to multitask and most importantly, be open to learning. Having a notepad and pen doesn’t hurt either as you will receive a lot of valuable knowledge that you won’t want to forget!

  • Everyone makes mistakes, don’t get discouraged

It can be disheartening when you make a mistake but as the saying goes, “no great success was ever achieved without failure”. It’s not so much about the mistake, but rather how you react, learn and rise above it. Don’t think about mistakes as a speed bump, but instead a stop sign necessary to make you pause and understand something better.

  • Remember, you’re an intern. You’ll still learning, so give yourself the space to grow and learn from your mistakes

Criticism and feedback are essential to your growth, so remember, it’s not personal. Listen, take it into consideration and use it as a stepping stone to improve yourself. Always thank your colleagues for their feedback. They want what’s best for you and are setting you up to thrive in this field and for the future. 

  • Don’t be daunted by tasks, believe in your ability

No one becomes an expert overnight, even Olympic athletes were once beginners. When assigned a task, take the leap and enjoy the journey of learning something new. Think of every new task as a challenge you can conquer. This will help you to shed your insecurities. As your skills grow, you will undoubtedly feel more confident and thus your work will only improve.

  1. Speak out and take charge

As an intern, it may feel you have a small voice in the pecking order but this is far from the truth. During brainstorming meetings, don’t be afraid to add in your opinion. See a client that you would be interested in working with, tell your line manager. Your internship is not just about what the company assigns you but you experiencing new things! You won’t know what you’re passionate about unless you get out there and try it for yourself. Honing your skill sets and expanding them should be your main focus as an intern all whilst exploring the PR industry.