Here’s my advice for public relations internships.
I’ve compiled a list of advice to maximise your public relations internship and set yourself up for success.
Here we go:
Advice for Public Relations Internships
“If you want something done, ask a busy person.” — Marissa Kraxberger
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Advice for Public Relations Internships
I’ve compiled a list of advice to maximise your public relations internship and set yourself up for success. These tips will serve you well toward becoming a PR superstar:
Always carry a Moleskine everywhere. A trusty notebook like a Moleskine is essential for jotting down ideas, insights, and important information on the go, ensuring you never miss a valuable thought or opportunity for inspiration. Also, if a client or colleague tells you something, show them respect by noting what they say.
Be a strong (and fast!) writer (of everything). Effective communication is at the heart of PR, making strong writing skills indispensable. Practice writing press releases, pitches, blog posts, and other PR materials with clarity, conciseness, and creativity. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and style, and strive to tailor your writing to different audiences and platforms. 1Silfwer, J. (2011, February 11). Advice for Public Relations Entry-Level Jobs. Doctor Spin | The PR Blog. https://doctorspin.net/public-relations-entry-level-jobs/
Believe in your ability to come up with better ideas and solutions. Trust your creativity and problem-solving skills to innovate and think outside the box, always striving to offer fresh perspectives and solutions that drive results and exceed expectations. When faced with obstacles or constraints, think creatively and explore alternative solutions. Whether finding a last-minute venue for a press conference or adapting to changing client demands, your ability to think on your feet will set you apart as a valuable asset to your team. 2Silfwer, J. (2013, April 27). The Public Relations Intern — A Future PR Superstar? Doctor Spin | The PR Blog. https://doctorspin.net/public-relations-intern/
You can always strive to be more proactive. Take initiative and seek ways to contribute beyond your assigned tasks and responsibilities. Volunteer for new projects, offer to assist your colleagues and look for opportunities to add value to your team. By demonstrating initiative and a willingness to go above and beyond, you’ll position yourself as a proactive and indispensable member of the PR team.
The Devil’s in the details. In public relations, attention to detail can make all the difference between success and failure. Whether you’re proofreading a press release or scheduling media interviews, accuracy and precision are paramount. Cultivate triple-checking your work and maintaining meticulous records to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Memorise a personal elevator pitch. Be prepared to introduce yourself in various professional settings. Your elevator pitch should give the listeners your name, title, background, how you contribute, and something that will make you memorable. As a public relations intern, no one expects your life story, so keep it short and snappy.
Don’t let fear of failure stop you from trying again and again. Public relations can be fast-paced and demanding, requiring resilience and adaptability to navigate highs and lows. Embrace setbacks and challenges as opportunities for growth, and maintain a positive attitude even in adversity. By staying resilient, you’ll weather the inevitable storms of PR with grace and resilience.
Always make sure to understand fully how money is being made. How exactly is the agency making money? How exactly are the agency’s clients making their money? How can the agency make money from having you onboard? Understanding how money is being made at all times is never a wasted effort.
Bring a story to work each day. There will be small talk around coffee machines daily. Don’t be boring; make it a habit to bring a fresh and funny story from your life to work each day.
By embracing this advice, you’ll set yourself up for success and maximise your public relations internship experience.
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Jerry Silfwer, alias Doctor Spin, is an awarded senior adviser specialising in public relations and digital strategy. Currently CEO at Spin Factory and KIX Communication Index. Before that, he worked at Kaufmann, Whispr Group, Springtime PR, and Spotlight PR. Based in Stockholm, Sweden.
The Cover Photo
The cover photo isn't related to public relations obviously; it's just a photo of mine. Think of it as a 'decorative diversion', a subtle reminder that it's good to have hobbies outside work.
The cover photo has
Winter landscape in Sweden.
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