How to Stand Out in Your PR Internship

BE YOU! To Truly make the most of your internship and set yourself up for success, be yourself. You’ll have the opportunity to gain real-world experiences, develop valuable skills, and meet and greet with industry leaders, but you want to be your most authentic self while doing so. 

Here are some (hopefully) helpful tips on how you can be you, stand out among the rest, and make the most of your amazing internship opportunity! 

1.

Communicate Effectively

I ask so many questions. I’m curious by nature and I think that is a great hallmark of a true PR professional. Our job is storytelling and getting those details correct is an extremely important piece of the puzzle.

Be sure to listen carefully to instructions, ask questions if you’re unsure of something or want to know more, and provide updates on your progress. Remember, communication is a two-way street! Be sure your ready to receive constructive feedback on your performance from your colleagues.    

2.

Manage Your Time Effectively

I can’t say enough about Asana. It is the project management tool I use for everything, including for my personal life – packing lists anyone?! Time management is essential in any career but especially important in PR when you’re working with numerous deadlines, for both yourself and others.

Make a to-do list at the beginning of the day, prioritize, and be sure to set realistic deadlines for yourself! If you’re having trouble with a particular task, don’t be afraid to ask for help or clarification. It is better to ask for help than to miss a deadline. 

3.

Be the Best Version of Your Professional Self

It is important to maintain a professional demeanor at all times during your internship. Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and be respectful to your colleagues and clients. Avoid all the office gossip or complaining, and be sure to maintain an optimistic and positive attitude. It won’t go unnoticed! Remember, you’re not only representing yourself, but also the company you’re interning for. 

4.

Be Proactive

Do not wait for your supervisor to assign tasks to you. Instead, be proactive and look for ways you can contribute to the team. Offer to help with projects, even if it is out of your scope, or take on additional responsibilities. Show that you’re eager to learn and make a positive impact on the agency.  

5.

Networking, Networking, Networking!

Meet everyone and anyone that may come your way. Connect with them on LinkedIn directly after and be sure to include a message letting them know where they met you, your skills that might be applicable to their company, and ask if you could job shadow them. This is one of the best ways to make a strong connection, learn more about their industry, and keep in touch with them as your career progresses. 

Attend industry events, participate in team meetings, and connect with your colleagues – building relationships can be invaluable, both during your internship and after it’s over.  

There you have it!

PR internships can be incredibly valuable experiences! They offer real-world experiences, help you develop your PR superpowers, offer great chances to meet and greet, and gives you a great sense of the industry as a whole. If you’re looking to launch your career in PR, an internship is a great place to start and make the most of it!

Remember to be open to feedback, learn from your mistakes (you will make them and that’s ok!!), and have FUN along the way! 

Happy PRing! 
<3 Jess

P.S. Have questions? Want to chat? DM me on Instagram – @stanleysprucemarketingpr – or TikTok – @stanleyspruce. You can also send me a quick email to hi@stanley-spruce.com if you’d like to meet and talk through your questions.