It has been almost two years since I started my internship at T.J. Sacks & Associates, and over that time, I have learned many valuable lessons about what makes a great public relations intern. So, whether you are about to start an internship in PR or just considering it, here are 10 Tips for a PR Agency Intern.

  1. Do agency research. Research your agency to understand their values and recent clients. If you know what account you will be working on, do a quick Google search to see what is in the news about them. This will help you come prepared during the first few weeks.  
  2. Ask questions. As an intern, it is not expected that you will know everything on your first day or even the first month. However, it is expected you ask for clarification or an explanation when you don’t understand instructions or an assignment. There is nothing worse than spending an entire day on an assignment only to find out it wasn’t what your boss had asked for, so ask for clarification. This will save you and your boss time and ensure all assignments are completed correctly.
  3. Stay organized. Public relations is a fast-paced industry with a lot of information to keep track of. Make sure to keep all the information organized, whether it’s media lists, pitches, or client interviews. This will help you avoid missing deadlines and ensure you are always prepared. 
  4. Save everything. If there is one thing I’ve learned from my experience in public relations, it is that an email chain from over six months ago can still be relevant. It’s important to save all communication and documentation, as it can come in handy later when your boss references it and expects you to have it filed. 
  5. Pay attention to details. In public relations, every detail counts. One wrong letter or typo can be the difference between a home run and a crisis. So, when your boss asks you to proofread a pitch, press release, or feature article, make sure you triple-check the work. Find a quiet space and read it aloud to catch any mistakes. Reading aloud allows you to use more of your senses, like sight, hearing, and touch, to catch any mistakes.
  6. Prioritize your task. As an intern, you may have multiple tasks assigned to you a day. It is essential for you to prioritize them to ensure you don’t miss an important deadline. If you are having trouble picking out the most important assignments, ask your boss to help you! 
  7. Stay curious. It is essential to stay up to date on PR trends, as well as current events in your client’s industry. Turn on Google Alerts so updates are sent directly to your email in real-time. This will help you understand the industry and provide valuable information and insights in team meetings or brainstorming sessions. 
  8. Be proactive. Don’t wait for tasks to be assigned to you. If you finish an assignment, ask your boss or team members how you can help! There is always work to be done at a PR agency, and this will show you are eager to learn and willing to help.
  9. Find a mentor. As an intern at an agency, accept that there are many things you don’t know and industry nuances and lingo you will not understand. Find a mentor who can provide valuable insight into the industry as well as provide guidance and support throughout the internship and even after! 
  10. Keep a to-do list. Keeping a list of all the projects you worked on is not only important for accountability but also for building a strong resume after your internship. When your internship ends, it is easy to forget your day-to-day tasks and accomplishments. By adding to a list as you go, it is easy to reference it later to provide concrete details and examples rather than generalizations of your work. It can also help you highlight the impact you had on your agency.