HOW TO: Stand out as an Intern at a Public Relations (PR) Agency

June 8, 2023

Words by Nicole Rattos and our lovely intern, Eugenia Joe.

Welcome to the exhilarating world of public relations (PR) internships! As you embark on this transformative journey, it's essential to tap into your inner superhero and unleash your unique abilities to stand out among the crowd. In this blog post, we will uncover some unconventional strategies that will not only make you an outstanding intern at a PR agency but also allow you to showcase your personality and leave an indelible mark on the industry. Not only will you be able to explore your interests. You will also have the opportunity to embark on a journey on refining your skill set. Don’t worry, everyone has to start somewhere!

Unleash Your Creativity: PR is all about capturing attention and sparking interest. One way to stand out as an intern is by harnessing your creative powers. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and propose innovative ideas that push boundaries. Whether it's crafting attention-grabbing social media campaigns or brainstorming unique angles for press releases, let your creativity soar. Showcasing your ability to bring fresh perspectives to the table will make you an invaluable asset to any PR team.

Become a Social Media Sorcerer: In today's digital landscape, social media is a PR powerhouse. Demonstrate your expertise in navigating the social media realm by leveraging your knowledge of different platforms, trends, and engagement strategies. Offer to manage social media accounts, create captivating content, and analyse campaign performance. Showcase your ability to harness the power of social media to amplify a brand's message and connect with target audiences. Your social media sorcery will make you a memorable intern in the PR universe.

Master the Art of Storytelling: At its core, PR is about crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. Hone your storytelling skills by embracing the art of weaving captivating tales. Whether it's writing engaging blog posts, crafting press releases with a unique twist, or developing memorable pitches, showcase your ability to captivate and inspire through storytelling. Become a master wordsmith, painting vivid pictures with your words, and watch as your storytelling prowess sets you apart as a PR intern with a magical touch.

Embrace the Power of Relationship-Building: Building strong relationships is a superpower in the PR world. Go beyond the usual networking and foster genuine connections with your colleagues, industry professionals, and clients. Show interest in their work, offer assistance, and seek mentorship opportunities. By cultivating meaningful relationships, you'll not only enhance your learning experience but also build a reputation as an intern who values collaboration and connection.

Embody Fearless Adaptability: The PR universe is ever-evolving, with constant shifts in trends, technology, and media landscapes. To stand out, become the epitome of fearless adaptability. Embrace change, stay agile, and be willing to learn and adapt to new tools, strategies, and platforms. Demonstrate your ability to quickly grasp emerging trends and apply them strategically to PR campaigns. Your adaptability will make you a formidable force as an intern, and future employers will recognize your ability to thrive in the face of change.

Spark a Passion Project: Beyond your assigned tasks, ignite your passion by initiating a side project related to the PR agency's goals or causes close to your heart. Whether it's organising a charity event, launching a social impact campaign, or creating educational resources, your passion project will showcase your dedication and initiative. By bringing your unique interests and values to the table, you'll demonstrate your commitment to making a difference, leaving a lasting impact on both the agency and the community.

Don’t be Afraid: It can be scary to be trying something new. From entering the office for the first time to doing hands-on work that you haven’t really dealt with at Uni. You may feel unsure of what you're doing at first and afraid to make mistakes. We can assure you that it is okay to make mistakes at this stage, as long as you learn from them. Now is your opportunity to make mistakes which will become a rich learning experience. As long as you show the eagerness to learn nobody will judge you.

As an intern in the exciting realm of PR, don't be afraid to tap into your superpowers to stand out from the crowd. Unleash your creativity, become a social media sorcerer, master the art of storytelling, embrace relationship-building, embody fearless adaptability, and spark a passion project.