7 answers
Gabrielle
Student
Willcox, Arizona
4
Questions
Asked
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Are there any internship opportunities available for people who want to be a Public Relations Specialist?
#internship #public-relations #teaching
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7 answers
Don Lewis
Marketing
5
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hi Gabrielle, I believe there are many companies who offer internships based on the career speciality you're interested in. I've seen marketing firms and PR firms use high school or college students as interns during the summer period mainly when most schools are out of session.
However, the best way to verify this for your specific schedule and location would be to do a Google search for local PR firms, check out their website and find a "contact us" email address to write to, or call them directly and ask the following questions:
1. Do you have an internship program?
2. What time of year do you usually do this?
3. What is the application process to be considered for this?
4. Is this paid or non-paid? (some are paid and others are not, so make sure you ask this question and there may be some labor law requirements based on the state the internship is located in)
Also, there are listings for paid internships on Glassdoor and other job hunting websites. You might also check those out.
Good luck!
However, the best way to verify this for your specific schedule and location would be to do a Google search for local PR firms, check out their website and find a "contact us" email address to write to, or call them directly and ask the following questions:
1. Do you have an internship program?
2. What time of year do you usually do this?
3. What is the application process to be considered for this?
4. Is this paid or non-paid? (some are paid and others are not, so make sure you ask this question and there may be some labor law requirements based on the state the internship is located in)
Also, there are listings for paid internships on Glassdoor and other job hunting websites. You might also check those out.
Good luck!
Thank you for your answer!
Gabrielle
Lisa Bond Brewer
Managing Director, External Affairs & Communications
23
Answers
Lansing, Michigan
Updated
Lisa Bond’s Answer
Gabrielle, There are many companies and agencies that offer public relations internships. Plus, you're asking your question at a great time, those who offer internships are starting to look for summer interns now. Remember, an internship is about the company providing you with experiences to help you better understand the career you're interested in. It's what an organization can share with you. So, you'll want to be sure to ask good questions about the type of work you'll be doing as an intern. You want to leave the internship with good practical work experience.
A couple of pieces of advice for you:
1. Make sure your resume is updated and reflects any experience you may have with public relations, including volunteer PR work as a part of an organization you belong to. If you don't have any PR work experience that's okay too, showcase some of the classes you've taken and any projects you've worked on in the class.
2. Make sure to do research on the intern program. Internships should be more than getting coffee and filing. You want to ensure that you're learning about public relations, whether it's writing, research, or even developing media lists, you want an opportunity to learn.
3. Lastly, there are paid and unpaid internships. If you find an unpaid internship that gives you the breadth of a PR position, check with your school advisor to determine if you can get class credit for it.
Good luck!
A couple of pieces of advice for you:
1. Make sure your resume is updated and reflects any experience you may have with public relations, including volunteer PR work as a part of an organization you belong to. If you don't have any PR work experience that's okay too, showcase some of the classes you've taken and any projects you've worked on in the class.
2. Make sure to do research on the intern program. Internships should be more than getting coffee and filing. You want to ensure that you're learning about public relations, whether it's writing, research, or even developing media lists, you want an opportunity to learn.
3. Lastly, there are paid and unpaid internships. If you find an unpaid internship that gives you the breadth of a PR position, check with your school advisor to determine if you can get class credit for it.
Good luck!
Mariah Weintraub
Public Relations
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Mariah’s Answer
Lots of PR agencies offer internships that could be a fit for you. My advice would be to not only focus on the large agencies but to also look into smaller agencies as well. Once you have a list of companies that offer relevant internships, I'd recommend trying to find people at all of the companies via LinkedIn and trying to set up informational interviews to learn about the companies and to try and get your foot in the door.
Deanna Postlethwaite
Sr Director of Product and Program Management
14
Answers
Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Updated
Deanna’s Answer
Hello Gabrielle - Most online job boards (LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, etc) have internships posted now. You can review and get an idea for what is available and the requirements. If there are local PR or marketing companies to you, do not be afraid to call and make an appointment if you can to meet with someone to discuss what you are looking for and discuss opportunities.
Review internship requirements to ensure you have what companies are looking for and need
Build out a resume to highlight you and your background and what you are looking for in an internship
Create a cover letter to customize based on what is being requested in the internship and how you meet it
Gather letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, internships you have done, etc.
Start building your professional profile online - LinkedIn is a good pathway
Deanna recommends the following next steps:
Lecia Rothman
2
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Lecia’s Answer
Hi Gabrielle!
I would also add that different PR firms could be large and encompass all types of client work, while others could be smaller and more specialized. If you know what area of PR you are interested in, that could help you narrow down your search for the right internship.
I'd recommend getting an internship with a client-based firm before trying to intern in-house at a specific company, because you'll get exposure to lots of different expertise and grow in your skills quickly.
Keep in mind that many firms (though, not all) will use their summer internship period as a hiring pool, so take that into consideration as you're applying!
Lastly, some firms label themselves as a "PR" agency, while others use the term "Corporate Communications," and I'm sure there are others as well, so don't limit yourself in your research - think outside the box to find the best match for you!
I would also add that different PR firms could be large and encompass all types of client work, while others could be smaller and more specialized. If you know what area of PR you are interested in, that could help you narrow down your search for the right internship.
I'd recommend getting an internship with a client-based firm before trying to intern in-house at a specific company, because you'll get exposure to lots of different expertise and grow in your skills quickly.
Keep in mind that many firms (though, not all) will use their summer internship period as a hiring pool, so take that into consideration as you're applying!
Lastly, some firms label themselves as a "PR" agency, while others use the term "Corporate Communications," and I'm sure there are others as well, so don't limit yourself in your research - think outside the box to find the best match for you!
Amy C.
Director of Strategic Communications
35
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Almost all the big communications and PR agencies have paid internships. I recommend finding people on LinkedIn who went to your school and work at agencies and try getting connected to internships that way.
Sonja Tuitele
5
Answers
Updated
Sonja’s Answer
Every city has PR firms that support clients in that region. They range from small boutique agencies large international PR firms. Most of them offer internships, which will give you an opportunity to build your resume and gain a variety of experiences with different types of companies and clients. Likewise, corporate PR departments offer internships, as well. Use your school's PRSA job board or reach out to your city's PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) chapter to see if they have job listings. When I was first starting out, I also volunteered with local nonprofits, helping to respond to public inquiries and write local press releases, which helped to build up my work portfolio and resume. Good luck!