5 Tips For Securing an Internship in the PR Industry
By: Polly Burns
The idea of securing an internship in the PR industry can initially seem daunting. Maybe you haven’t had one before and don’t know where to begin or perhaps you have lots of experience in the industry but want to acquire your dream internship. Regardless of where you are in your career, here are some tips to keep in mind as you begin applying for internships.
- Perfect your Resume & Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter are the first things a future employer will see when they view your application. It’s your chance to create a strong and lasting first impression. Resumes are your opportunity to show the hiring manager who you are. Cover letters allow you to show the employer how you can help them. Keep these concise–hiring managers are busy. They don’t have all day to read materials. University career centers and professors are great resources for reviewing and editing your deliverables, so be sure to utilize them!
- Create a Portfolio
Whether you have stand-out deliverables from classes, personal projects, or previous internships, organize them into a portfolio to link to your applications. Portfolios are a great way to show off your work to hiring managers. It gives them a sneak peek at your skills and proves that you can produce high-level work.
- Build a Network
Create a document that includes all of your contacts in the PR or communications industry. This could include professors, guest speakers, peers, mutual friends, or family members. Refer to this list when you are searching for jobs. Reach out to members of your network and ask for help. But, be sure to check in with them and maintain a relationship even when you don’t need something.
- LinkedIn is Your Best Friend
LinkedIn is a fantastic platform for maintaining relationships with contacts and expanding your network. It allows you to create a brand for yourself. Be sure to update your LinkedIn regularly and be consistent in sharing content. Hiring managers are extremely active on LinkedIn to look for potential candidates.
- Follow-up
If you don’t hear back from a hiring manager within a week, don’t be afraid to follow up with them. As mentioned earlier, employers are busy–sometimes they miss things. Give them a phone call or shoot them an email. Reaching out shows that you have a strong interest in the job.