Just over a year ago, I walked into Communiqué PR to begin my journey as an intern. Despite having had previous public-relations internship experiences, I was anxious, as being the newbie is always unnerving. At the time, I was ready to work hard and learn lots but had no idea the abundance of information and opportunities that I would be privy to that have allowed me to grow to lengths beyond those I had imagined. As I soon find myself bidding adieu to Communiqué, I reflect back on a handful of the many insights and lessons that I have learned from my internship and will take me on my career journey – including the fact that time really does fly by.
Be vocal – As a new intern who wants to prove their capabilities, intelligence, and not seem like a bother, it is easy to want to try and figure everything out on your own. However, one of the easiest ways to fully maximize your internship experience is to tap into the brilliant brains of your superiors, many of whom have had years of experience in the industry dealing with tough situations. Using my past experiences as a benchmark, I found that public-relations agencies have many similarities but also many quirks and differences that make them what they are. Asking questions is extremely important, especially when you are just starting out, to ensure that you fully understand what is expected of you and just how the company operates as a whole. That being said, it is also important to utilize outside resources and conduct research when appropriate in order to answer more general questions. Being vocal also means knowing when to speak up and bring your own ideas to the table. Although intimidating to have a senior-level coworker asking you for your opinion or edits on their blog post, it is important to remember that two sets of eyes are almost always better than one and your opinion is going to be valued.
There is no “I” in team – The level of camaraderie and collaboration between one another at Communiqué was apparent to me from day one. Communiqué prides itself on strategic thinking in order to deliver results and exceed client expectations. You will find that everyone has checked their ego at the door in order to focus on benefitting the company as a whole. Being a smaller firm, the importance of supporting one another in every aspect is crucial to success. On a daily basis I observed colleagues working together, regardless of seniority, in order to ensure that only the best work was being produced. This collaborative work style also creates a workplace that is very transparent and that much more comfortable to be a part of. Actively listening, offering a hand whenever need be, and communicating clearly are important aspects of a great team member and skills that I will always keep top of mind in my work and personal life, as I have seen the exponentially positive impact that a well-oiled team can have on success at Communiqué.
Take risks – The purpose of an internship is to learn new things about an industry, as well as to learn new skills that will make you a highly sought after commodity when it comes to job recruiting. As humans, we all make mistakes and I have found that taking risks and often learning from your mistakes, or accomplishments, is the best way to expand your knowledge and allow yourself to grow. It is important to remember that an internship should be mutually beneficial for you and the company. While it is undoubtedly the main focus of a firm to focus on client needs and financial stability, there should also be a clause that allows the company to turn its attention to you, as the intern, in order to allow you to learn and take full advantage of your internship opportunity. I can honestly say that at Communiqué, I always felt as though the management team had my best interest at heart, and in turn I had the company’s best interest.
I feel extremely fortunate to have been a part of such a hardworking and supportive team at Communiqué. Each and every day at the office, I was presented with a new opportunity that allowed me to acquire insight into various aspects of the public relations industry and business as a whole. With my internship experience at Communiqué under my belt, I feel well equipped to move onto my next adventure.