How PR Interns should put the 'P' in PR

I have now completed one month and a half as an intern at Cockburn Integrated Health. Despite only needing to complete 20 mandatory days, the staff at CIH have fortunately taken me under their wing and are allowing me to continue to assist them with their projects and PR activities.

Throughout my internship I have observed, learnt and picked up essential traits that all interns should possess whether that being your dream internship or an 'accidental' internship.

These are summarised in by 5 'P's -

Purpose: I have found that employers like a sense of purpose and direction in your work. Simply saying 'I like that' or 'That is a good idea' does not help the team. You must know first hand the reasons behind every decision. Use resources, ask questions and do your research. Every decision must have a purpose.

Passion: Passon is essential for public relations practitioners and allows us to put 100% into all tasks.  PR is constantly changing and dynamic. Those people with the passion to learn, adapt and push boundaries will excite managers. Passion and enthusiasm means something to employers.

Persistence: Coming into my internship I did not really understand the level of persistence required in public relations. I have done countless drafts on the same newsletter for weeks on end, facing rejection and changes by the staff and I have spent weeks on end chasing up interview times with staff members in the centre. However when I over came all these challenges to meet my deadlines, there was definitely a feeling of achievement! Be persistent, no matter how long it takes.

Praise: One of my supervisors really emphasises is the need to praise, support and acknowledge good work. Appreciation and respect will drive your team and co-workers to continue to work hard. As interns we should also compliment and respect others for their time and help.

Pace: Use every opportunity as a learning experience and pick up the pace. Don't repeat what you did yesterday, strive to improve and better your self. As an intern I have learnt that I can't be doing the same thing over and over again without improving or getting faster.

Enjoy, learn and strive to be better than yesterday!


Until next time,
Haleh