A job and an internship aren't very different. The basics
are still there, from the interviewing process to the day-to-day. Yet, one
distinct difference stands out among all the jobs I’ve ever had: On my first
day at C. Pharr & Co., I was asked what three tasks I wanted to accomplish
by the time I left and how they could help me achieve those goals.
At my previous jobs, I worked in serving, house cleaning,
data entry and publishing. However, this was the only place where someone asked
me what they could do to help me grow as a professional.
That is what makes C. Pharr so different. They care about
their intern's experience. I learned so much under the team’s tutelage, and if
I could go back in time and do it all over again, I most certainly would. They
each taught me something new and different, and for that I am forever grateful.
Here are five things I discovered during my five months
at the agency:
1. If a task takes
longer than you expected, ask if there is a better way
Agency life is fast-paced. If it takes you an hour to do a
routine task, a more efficient method is probably out there, so just ask. Your
boss is more than willing to help you succeed.
2. Communication is
key
Always make an effort to share status updates on projects,
and speak up when you feel overwhelmed or bored. If you're bored, then ask if
you can help with something. This is key to leaving a lasting (positive)
impression.
3. Be prepared -
always
Always have a pen and a notebook on hand! If you are
attending an event, don't forget your padfolio. Also, bring a spare charger for
your phone, because live tweeting can drain a battery quickly.
4. Time management
and project management are crucial for success
Working in a smaller agency is one of the best experiences
you can get in public relations because you get the opportunity to work on so
many different projects. You will need to quickly adapt to changes and manage
your time effectively, so be ready. If you're ever unsure of what needs to be
done first, (again) ask how to prioritize.
5. Classes can only
teach you so much about public relations
As an intern, you will experience the learning curve of
working in the real world. Though you learn press releases and pitching and all
those wonderful tasks in the classroom, you will never experience them
firsthand until you get out there in the field.
This post was written by Holly McCleary.
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