This summer, I had the pleasure of interning with the inferno public relations team. Since this was my first experience in the PR field, I was nervous, because I did not know what to expect. However, thanks to the friendly and welcoming culture of inferno, the transition was easy. Looking back on my two months here, I have definitely expanded my business and PR knowledge, and I leave inferno with new skills to help me in the future.
Here are the top five lessons I have learned as an intern:
- Flexibility
Since inferno is a full-service agency, the workload depends on clients’ needs and wants. There are some weeks that are jam-packed with meetings and deadlines; there are also slower weeks. Being able to handle this ebb and flow is crucial when working in the PR industry. I’ve learned it is important to always be on your toes and prepared for whatever comes your way.
- Crafting Social Media Content
Prior to working in this industry, I had never thought about the time that it takes to post for a client on social media. I do not give any second thought to what I post on my own accounts, but for clients it is imperative that every word used in a post adds to the overall message. It is also necessary to bring creativity into the mix because you do not want to say the same things in the same manner over and over: variety is key.
- Importance of Time
Your time and the client’s time is valuable and should never be wasted. When working on a task, focus on it completely, so that it is finished in an efficient manner, but also is quality work. Being able to shift your focus when needed is a great skill to have, because at times you will work on one client then have to stop and focus on another client, depending on what is needed at the moment.
- How to Write Using Different Styles
Whether you are writing for traditional or digital PR, it is important to understand the differences. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn are all online social media channels that are utilized by PR teams; however, what you write for these channels is not the same as the content that you would draft for press releases or blog posts.
- Ask Questions
Never be afraid to ask questions. It’s okay to not know it all, and since I had no experience in this field, I knew very little. The PR team (and everyone at the agency) were always helpful in answering any questions I had and explaining why something is done the way it is.
I want to thank the PR team for allowing me to join them this summer. Beth, Isabelle, Susan and Caitlin – I learned so much through this internship and cannot thank you enough for investing your time and effort in me.
By: Ellen Cowens