Preparing for the PR Industry

There are a number of things you could do as a student to curb your anxiety about graduating and prepare for a career in public relations.

1. Start reading Professional PR Blogs

Blogs written by professional practitioners are an excellent way to get an idea about what to expect but also give example of how things are currently working within the public relations industry. Some essential blogs to follow include:

• PR Daily –  a public relations news site that delivers news, opinion and advice on the media world.
• Journalistics – a blog dedicated to covering issues at the intersection of journalism and public relations.
• PR Week – also a news website with breaking news, analysis and opinion fuels
• PR In Your Pajamas – a public relations blog for entrepreneurs.

2. Learn from other interns

There are plenty of people who have done communications internships and have written about them online. They offer excellent insight and advice for other students based on their real life experiences and can prepare you for your own internship. Intern blogs such as My Interning Life and The Intern Queen not only provide advice but also generate a community that allows for students to submit their own stories and experiences and to engage with the website.

3. DO AN INTERNSHIP

It is important to reach out to PR agencies and build on your knowledge and experiences. Most Public Relations agencies require experience in a number of internship positions before offering permanent positions.

Text by Sarah Bowyer.