Intern Diaries: Picking the Right Agency for Your First PR Internship

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Finding the right place for your internship chart the way in the field of public relations. Discover the exciting world of public relations and marketing.

As a final year undergraduate with no background in PR and communications, I knew that finding the right place for my internship will be significant in charting my way in the field of public relations.

I was sure of joining a PR agency instead of going in-house. It’s an information shortcut that will enable me to observe different clients across different industries and see which ones I’d be most interested to work in in the future. But then the question arises – which one?

If you’re just like me, then here are a few things that you can take into consideration before submitting your resumes to the HR departments of PR agencies.

Finding the right place for your internship chart the way in the field of public relations. Discover the exciting world of public relations and marketing.

Size Matters

Just like clothes, agencies are all not sized the same. There are prominent international agencies with offices across the world, a considerable team and an arsenal of resources at their disposal. There are also small to medium-sized PR agencies (often called boutique agencies) with smaller teams and lesser resources. But that’s not to say that it’s a bad thing. Being in a smaller group can mean taking on more responsibilities and opportunities. As someone making an inroad in the industry with almost zero knowledge, I recognise that having individual attention is essential to my professional growth. Being in a smaller PR firm enables me to get fast feedback that I crave not just from my direct manager but also the seniors who have worked with me.

The Work (and Life) Culture

Making sure that the agency is the right fit for you is crucial. Trying to thrive in a new place can certainly be made more comfortable when the environment is also supportive of your learning and your needs as an individual. An inclusive environment that accommodates my needs as a scarf-wearing Muslim woman is very important to me. I am fortunate to be in an environment that acknowledges my needs and reassures me that it’s about what I bring to the table and not what’s on my head that matters.

Understand Your Future Clients

Identify the type of PR practice that appeals most to you so that you can make the most out of your time in PR. For instance, if you prefer consumer PR, double-check that the agency you’re applying to has a strong consumer division so that you can maximise your learning potential. Take time to learn about the clients that you might be working with, and check if you are excited by the idea of working with them.

Answering some of these questions can go a long way in ensuring that your first PR internship is an enjoyable experience that teaches you not only lifelong skills but also builds a strong and steady foundation for a successful career in PR.

This post was written by Hanna Yasmin, Junior Client Executive at PRecious Communications.

Are you interested in understanding the exciting world of public relations, marketing and integrated communications? Get in touch to discover internship opportunities at PRecious Communications.