There are many misconceptions when it comes to internships, your only there to get the coffee, photocopy and lick stamps – Guess I have been lucky when it came to interning because after working for four different companies for free I have never come across this.
Yes it is usually part of the job to help out with daily office tasks – but that’s what you get in small offices – everyone does their bit. I have heard many horror stories when it comes to PR internships but luckily have never personally experienced this.
It is so important to choose your internships carefully – it’s your one opportunity to be choosey in the job market. Yes you are working for free so apply everywhere and then carefully select based on the one you would enjoy most and get the most experience from.
Most internship placements do hold interviews; this is an excellent opportunity for practice runs before entering the job market.
I have interned so long that I have almost acquired a year and a half experience – most companies require two years experience for entry level.
No it hasn’t been easy, but it has been the best hands-on-experience I could have asked for. It has added to my college education and as far as I am concerned two month’s interning is equal to what you would learn in two years at college.
The most important thing to remember when you’re interning is to just dive in and get on with the job on hand. Nobody will push you to do things so really get stuck in and make the most of your experience. Offer to take part in different projects and always speak up and ask questions, this will really add to your experience and let them know that you’re their to help and learn along the way. The more you get involved, the better your experience and the better your portfolio.
PR is a busy and fast-paced industry where sometimes the intern can get left behind – don’t let this happen and really get stuck in and push yourself by speaking up at meetings, offering suggestions / ideas and really show that you are happy to be there.
I’m not saying it’s easy. Working for free can get to you, but just go for it! If this is the industry that you really want to break into then don’t hold back. The most important aspect of PR is contacts so get building your contacts as early as possible it really will benefit you in the long run!
Internships can be really hard and interns are so often under appreciated and overworked. You are very right though, the experience you can gain and the edge you will have when applying for a permanent position is so worth it in the end. I’m currently working a IT internship. I found my internship using Vault; it’s an online career building service with reviews, tips, free information, and connections to hundreds of companies currently offering internships. Most of their info is free so check out http://www.vault.com/wps/portal/usa/internships
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