If you’re going to go into public relations and you really want to be serious about this career path. You must have internship experience to break into this industry. Especially if you’re still in college, you’re close to graduating or you already have graduated…you need experience.
For over a year, I have been managing interns and every semester there is always one intern that stands out.
If you pay attention to these tips….you will definitely stand out in the crowd.
Treat it like a Job: When you land your first internship or your starting a new internship. You should always treat it like a job because when you treat it with importance it will show in your work performance. Being on time is a plus and actually showing enthusiasm about your work will help you excel. A person who is willing to be a part of the team is more likely to gain more experience in the overall internship.
Stay professional: Staying professional is important when you want future recommendations. If you’re in the office and you’re loud and you’re wearing clothes that are inappropriate, then you’re not being professional. There is a place and a time to act a fool and it’s not in the office. Treat everyday like it’s your last day. When people call, treat them with kindness because you never know who is on the other end of the phone.
Dress the part: Being in an office environment will actually train you for your future career path. Dressing the part is key to your success…job interviews, meetings, and just being in the office period. Ladies if you’re showing up and your skirt is above your knees (at your thighs) and when you bend over you have to make a special effort at squatting then you need to give that skirt up. Gentlemen if you can’t find a tie, slacks, a jacket or dress shirt then there is a place called Good Will that can help. This goes for the ladies too. You don’t have to have expensive clothes to dress professional. You just need to learn how to make things work. There are plenty of thrift stores out there with great bargains on ties, jackets, skirts and etc. NO EXCUSES PEOPLE!!!
Study the Industry: We all know PR plays a vital role in various industries, for example: if you decide to intern for an environmental agency then you need to stay up-to-date with the coverage going on. You always want to be engaged with what’s going on so when your supervisor talks to you….the two of you can actually have an intelligent conversation.
Ask Questions: There is no such thing as a dumb question; you should be able to talk to your supervisor about anything. They are there to make sure you’re getting the best experience. If you don’t know how to do something, don’t assume, ask a question so the next time you will know.
Listen: Listening sounds really simple but it’s really hard for people to grasp hold upon. If you listen to your supervisor and other managers around you, people will trust that you can handle your job. As an intern, you are in the office to learn. You can’t learn if you’re not listening or talking over people. Shhhhh!!!! Just listen to your instructions….it’s okay…you will learn something.
Pay attention: Try to stay focus on what’s going on around you in the office. Stay engaged through media clips, meetings, assignments and upcoming events. Being engaged is the most important thing an intern can do in order to get ahead of the other interns in the office.
Appreciate the Grit Work: Being an intern isn’t the sexiest job in the world but someone has to do it. There are going to be times when you’re putting together databases, updating contact information, calling people you don’t even know, running errands, uploading photos and increasing membership lists. This is the grit work of the office; however, if you appreciate the fact that in order to get to the work you are seeking to do you must appreciate the grit first.
Be proactive: All PR people should know what it’s like to be proactive…we have no other choice because this is what we’re paid to do. Interns on the other hand can stay proactive by thinking ahead before a manager tells you what to do. If you work for a public figure and you know every time there is an event you’re in charge of putting together folders. A proactive intern will ask for the schedule and go ahead and put the folders together before the manager comes to you with the request. Being proactive is a good trait because it shows your hunger to do well in the office.
Network: Your internship is the best place for you to network with other PR professionals and other business leaders in the industry. If you’re invited to events outside of the office, make sure you attend and make an effort to meet every person in the room. You never know who you’re going to run into that can actually lead to a paid internship or full time job. (I’m a living witness to networking to finding a job.)
BONUS TIP:
Social Media Networks: The world is adapting to Facebook and Twitter and as people we love to put all of our business out in the universe. If you ever want a career that is professional, please please censor your social media. If you don’t want people finding you on the web, don’t post dumb crap and learn how to make your page private. There is something out there called GOOGLE!!!!
