Michela Nicholas
Last summer, I had the chance to intern for a fashion PR agency in New York City. Having no prior internship experience before, I was not sure what to expect or what exactly I would end up getting out of it.
Looking back now, I truly enjoyed my internship experience and the opportunities I had working with my company. Here are five helpful tips for future interns to know before they start their internships!
- Connections Really are Everything
As we all know, connections and networking are super important, but my process of trying to get an internship showed me just how crucial connections really are. After cold emailing and calling about 30 agencies and receiving no response, I found mutual connection between my family and the VP of one of the companies. I sent her my information and resume as well as explaining the connection and ended up getting hired a few days later. This can apply for both internships and job searches as well, so reaching out and getting to know someone through an informational interview at a company you’re interested in can make a huge difference! - They Don’t Expect You to Know Everything
Coming into an internship after a year and a half of online school and studying abroad, I was nervous that I wouldn’t know how to do what my company needed me to, but when I showed up the first day, everyone
was super enthusiastic to teach me everything. Internships are supposed to be learning experiences, so it truly isn’t expected of you to come in and know things like the programs the company uses or how to do everything
they ask on the first try. In most cases, supervisors will be as eager to teach you as you are to learn! - You Write A LOT
We know that communications involves a lot of writing, but I was surprised that most of my work was writing out emails. From pitching and media releases to product requests and emailing event planners, I learned that there are a lot of different writing styles that you will have to utilize in a public relations centered career. Brushing up on AP style and practicing pitch writing are definitely two things to consider if you’re wondering how to prep for your upcoming internship. - Ask Questions
This sort of goes hand in hand with my second point, but if you’re not sure about anything, don’t be afraid to ask! Any supervisor should be glad to help you out and make sure the work you’re doing is what they are looking for. Also, asking general questions about the company and industry is a great way to get some more background information that could help you out later. I asked a lot of my co-workers how they got their start in the industry and they gave some great information about how they got to where they are! - Keep in Touch After!
A good amount of companies look into hiring interns after they have completed their time at the internship, so it is important to stay in touch with the people you met at your company! During my internship, I
was able to develop a great internship with my supervisor and am planning on meeting with her and my VP to catch up the next time I visit New York. Even just sending texts or emails to check in or to ask industry-related questions is a great way to keep yourself fresh in their minds as you are getting closer to graduating.
Happy Valley Comm 
Incredible post Michael and I cab most definitely relate to this. I was an Intern too and I have done about 3 internships one was like a real full time job so I know exactly all the details you pointed here.
Firstly, connections are everything in this day and age, I remember 2 years ago , the era of COVID-19 I was interning at a hotel, Royal Swazi Sun here in Swaziland and I loved that job, it was my first shot at my industry which was Events since I pursued Event Management as a career. My face was always happy and I even got connected with the people there such as my supervisors who tried to get me a job the next year at a business school.
Now I am a professional Blogger and into Marketing , though I am still applying for a job in that arena.
Anyways, great blog here and being an Intern is actually nice since you get to learn how things are done in the industry and the people you work with (though some can cause problems for you out of envy or etc..)
All the best going forward 🔥🔥🙏
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