Clearly PR's first-ever intern
Clearly PR’s first-ever intern
Where do I begin?
If you had told me six months ago that I would have completed a PR internship, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here we are six months later and it’s my last day with Clearly PR.
As they say, all good things must come to an end. However, I don’t see it as the end, I see it as the beginning.
Throughout my experience, I have learned what it’s like to work a 9-5 job and, more importantly, what the PR industry entails. Even though six months may not seem like a long time, I have learned so much and taken one step forward in progressing towards my future career.
Why are internships so important?
Employers want experience and the only way to get experience is to go and get it – you don’t learn everything you need to know in a lecture hall or through PowerPoint slides.
Of course, the reality of going out and getting a job, internship or apprenticeship can be hard, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you finally have that reference to add to your CV. It makes you more appealing to employers and can really broaden your horizons for future job prospects.
What I have learnt from my internship
Throughout my internship I have learnt that it’s okay to make mistakes, you’re not going to know everything, and no one expects you to either. The whole point of an internship is to learn and try things you haven’t done before. However, it’s crucial that you embrace the experience, don’t be afraid to say ‘I don’t know’ and ask for help. Your team is there to help you so take advantage of that and always look for ways you can gain more knowledge from them.
Additionally, if the internship is virtual (which I’m sure many will be moving forward), you must still put all your effort in. Although working from home is filled with distractions, you’re working to get as much out of that internship as you can. Don’t just sit back and do the bare minimum, the smallest tasks you get asked to do can grow into the best skills.
My top tips for future undergraduates looking for an internship
- Don’t be afraid to ask organisations if they are running any intern or apprenticeships schemes. You never know, you could inspire an employer to consider an internship for the first time! Although it can be a gruelling process to apply for roles, taking that initiative to put yourself out there and say, ‘I want this’ can show an employer that you’re ambitious and self-motivated.
- No experience is a bad one. Any internship you take on will teach you something, even if it was one you didn’t enjoy or one you absolutely loved. So be adventurous, try something new and just see where it takes you.
- Just be you! Part of the reason you will get picked for a role is because you are being your authentic self. That employer wants to see who you really are as a person, so don’t build yourself up to be something you’re not.