Work placements and internships

An internship or work placement shows a potential employer you can perform the work expected of you in an entry-level PR role. While at school this may not be a paid role but the experience could still be a fabulous opportunity. Multiple work placements look great on a CV, but quality is much more important than quantity.

A quality placement will give you real-world experience. You don’t want to be stuck making coffee all day. Make sure you will be given plenty of opportunities to observe and help produce written materials and to work on real campaigns.

Guidance provided by the CIPR advises that those undertaking a PR internship or work placement should expect:an agreed work plan with the employer;

• constructive feedback to develop your career;
• to be guided on the first day and throughout your employment;
• to be paid at least the minimum wage;
• full training on all software and equipment;
• to be treated with the same respect as other employees.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship schemes offer an alternative route into PR for non-graduates. They are seen as the gold standard in on-the-job training and offer a structured learning and development programme. Many of the UK’s top PR consultancies run schemes that are open to entrants from all educational backgrounds.

Networking

An internship is a great way to begin making contacts in the industry and these contacts could eventually lead to a full-time role. Networking will help you build an increasingly bulging contacts book and open more opportunities for work.

View our networking and events

Going along to industry events and seminars is a good start. These will help you learn more about the PR world and will often provide opportunities for face time with industry major players. These maybe in person or online.

Don’t just focus on LinkedIn. Join professional social networks such as those offered by CIPR and get involved. Make a list of everyone you know including friends and family who are working or volunteering as they may know people who are looking for someone with your skills and interests to join a PR team. Ensure you contact them, explain what you want to do, what you are looking for and ask them for an informal chat. It could just lead to that first offer.

Face to face networking is a vital part of your career – not just getting your first job in PR, but in building your future career path. Make the effort to meet people for a coffee as well as set up the virtual sessions.

Ensure you know the main specialist PR recruitment firms - using your networking skills, keep an eye out for their events or their presence at virtual conferences or online workshops. Listen to their advice and keep in touch for the future by sending an up-to-date cv. You may not hear back instantly, but it is all about creating awareness of you and what you could offer in terms of experience.