Interns, assemble. Starting off your career as an intern won’t be a month-long montage of you picking up dry-cleaning, doing coffee runs or covered in paper-cuts after endless piles of shredding. The role of an intern has evolved. Businesses are competing with one another to hire the best graduates to invest their time and training in. Here are some tips to help you secure the PR internship you’ve always wanted.
Relevant PR work experience
Companies often look for work experience that proves the candidate has a genuine interest in the world of PR. Most of us leave college with work experience from part-time jobs and J1 trips, and you can use this to your advantage. Any previous job shows a level of responsibility and commitment. References from former employers will support your application. Tailor your experience to the role you’re applying for – for example if you worked in a restaurant or shop, it shows you’re outgoing and good at communicating with customers and clients.
Know what you want from your PR internship
Before looking for a PR internship, think about the opportunities that different industries bring. If you are interested in technology communications, kick-start your career with an agency that is the expert on tech PR. At the moment, Ireland’s business landscape is all about technology and future trends. Between start-ups and multinational giants, it is home to some of the most innovative tech companies in the world. Opportunities abound within this sector, and PR internship experience will help as you advance throughout your career.
What education does PR look for?
Unsurprisingly, a course in public relations will help propel you into the glamorous world of press releases and photoshoots but courses like journalism, marketing, communications, multimedia and digital marketing are all fantastic gateways to PR where you can apply the skills you’ve learned, and gain new ones.
Know the media
We’re not asking you to sit down with all the newspapers and read them cover-to-cover over a pot of tea each morning, but if you’re serious about a career in public relations, you should be familiar with journalists who cover the industry. Get online and get reading! You’ll be glad when you impress prospective employers at the interview.
PR interns are digital natives
Graduates now come equipped with skills and experience that employers value and many graduates take this for granted! Prolific knowledge of Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Snapchat and Pinterest could help you get the job of your dreams. An intern who uses all the latest apps and Instagram filters can bring fresh knowledge, experience and a fresh outlook to the existing PR team.
Actual, genuine enthusiasm for PR
PR agencies are dynamic, busy environments where creativity and enthusiasm are rewarded. One day you may be updating a database but the next you might be on a TV set or entertaining a client at an exciting event. A can-do attitude and positivity can help you towards a permanent spot on the PR team.
Know your PR audience
Who are you applying for a job with? What do you like about them? Research skills are important in PR and this is a chance to impress your potential employer with some information you’ve gleaned from their website or a news article.
Comit is looking for a PR intern…
With all of the above in mind, Comit is recruiting for a PR intern. If you are interested in starting your career in PR, being exposed to globally renowned brands like PayPal, or homegrown companies like eircom Wholesale, please get in touch with a cover letter and your CV. Email oisin@comit.ie