What do you do if you want to navigate the media landscape through public relations internships?

1 Identify your goals

Before you start looking for internships, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what kind of public relations work you are interested in. Do you want to work for a specific industry, sector, or cause? Do you want to focus on a particular area of public relations, such as media relations, social media, crisis management, or event planning? Do you want to work for a large agency, a small firm, or an in-house team? Having a clear vision of your goals will help you narrow down your options and tailor your applications.

2 Research the opportunities

Once you have your goals in mind, you can start researching the available internships in your field of interest. You can use various sources to find internships, such as online job boards, industry publications, professional associations, alumni networks, and social media. You can also reach out to your professors, mentors, or contacts in the public relations industry and ask for referrals or recommendations. When you research the opportunities, pay attention to the details, such as the duration, the compensation, the responsibilities, and the requirements of the internships.

3 Prepare your materials

To apply for public relations internships, you will need to prepare some materials that showcase your skills, achievements, and personality. These may include a resume, a cover letter, a portfolio, and a writing sample. Your resume should highlight your education, relevant coursework, previous work or volunteer experience, and any awards or honors you have received. Your cover letter should explain why you are interested in the internship, what you can offer to the organization, and how you can fit into their culture and goals. Your portfolio should include examples of your public relations work, such as press releases, media pitches, social media posts, or event flyers. Your writing sample should demonstrate your ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively for different audiences and purposes.

4 Apply and follow up

After you have prepared your materials, you can start applying for the internships that match your goals and qualifications. Make sure you follow the instructions and deadlines of each application and customize your materials for each opportunity. Don't apply for too many internships at once, as this may reduce the quality of your applications and make it harder to keep track of them. After you apply, you should follow up with the employers within a week or two to express your interest and enthusiasm and to confirm that they have received your application.

5 Ace the interview

If you are invited for an interview, you should prepare yourself to make a good impression and stand out from the crowd. You should research the organization, its mission, its clients, and its current projects. You should also review your materials and anticipate some common questions, such as why you want to work for them, what are your strengths and weaknesses, how do you handle pressure and deadlines, and how do you deal with difficult situations or feedback. You should also prepare some questions of your own, such as what are the expectations and goals of the internship, what are the typical tasks and challenges of the intern, and how do they measure and evaluate the intern's performance. During the interview, you should dress professionally, be polite and confident, and show your enthusiasm and curiosity.

6 Learn and grow

If you are offered and accept an internship, you should make the most of it and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow as a public relations professional. You should be proactive, flexible, and eager to take on new challenges and responsibilities. You should also seek feedback, guidance, and mentorship from your supervisor and colleagues. You should also network with other public relations professionals, both within and outside the organization, and build relationships that can help you in the future. Finally, you should reflect on your experience and achievements and update your materials accordingly.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?