A fellow Kent State journalism student, Marissa Ring, just completed an independent study this summer focusing on public relations internships, which are a requirement in our PR sequence. One result of her research was a list of FAQs that I found particularly helpful to PR interns at Kent State and elsewhere. She interviewed a number of interns in order to provide insightful answers to the questions, and I asked her for permission to post them on my blog to further all of your future internship hunts and experiences. Note: I left out a few questions/answers that were only relevant to Kent State students.
My internship coordinator at Kent, Michele Ewing, has also written on the subject from both the intern and supervisor perspectives. If you have additional tips, please share! I would love to hear stories about good and bad internships from both the interns as well as their supervisors.
Frequently Asked Questions for Public Relations Internships
Compiled by Marissa Ring, Kent State Journalism Student
- What should I keep in mind during my internship?
As you begin your internship, you may feel overwhelmed by projects and deadlines. There are a few helpful hints to keep in mind. Remember that your internship is an extended interview process that will affect your future in the job market. The professionals you come in contact with during your internship may be a good reference after graduation. This is especially important, as an increasing number of employers require on-the-job experience for potential hires. Also, if your employer is impressed, they may offer you a job. This is also a great time to be collecting samples for your portfolio so make all of your work count.
- How can I make a good impression on my employers and succeed in a professional work environment?
Show up on time everyday with a good attitude, ready to work. Accept any projects that come your way. Be a perfectionist, even on projects that do not seem like a big deal. Ask questions and make sure you understand what your employer expects out of you. Be persistent in everything you do and ask for coaching.
- What kind of experience will an internship give me?
Completing an internship is a good way to apply what you are learning in classes to the real world and practice being a professional. For example, you will gain knowledge about dealing with reporters, conducting interviews and behaving in a professional setting.
- How can I monitor my progress throughout my internship?
Update your resume as you complete projects and tasks. Keeping a blog or journal throughout the duration of your internship may prove useful to you personally and may be something to show potential employers in the future.
- Should I be okay with running errands such as getting coffee during the majority of my internship?
Although this may be okay initially or occasionally, you should make it clear that you want to work on projects that fit with the curriculum you are studying. It is a requirement that at least 75 percent of the work you complete during your internship be work that you would do in a professional PR setting. This may include tasks such as creating website content, writing, researching, etc.
- Should I keep copies of all the projects I complete?
No matter what the size of the project may be, make sure it is an example of your best work so that you can use it in your profile and future interviews.
