Concluding my public relations internship and
looking back on my experience, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to
share the 5 key lessons I believe every PR intern should thoughtfully consider
before commencing any internship or new job.
1. First Impressions Do Count
Ensure you look smart and are always in business attire – even if the company has a casual dress code. It is important to remember, being overdressed is significantly better than being underdressed. Even if you find yourself adjusting your attire over the next few weeks, arriving on your first day in professional business attire demonstrates you have an understanding of business etiquette, you take your position seriously, and you are eager to make a good impression.
2. Ask Questions, The Right Way
Ensure you look smart and are always in business attire – even if the company has a casual dress code. It is important to remember, being overdressed is significantly better than being underdressed. Even if you find yourself adjusting your attire over the next few weeks, arriving on your first day in professional business attire demonstrates you have an understanding of business etiquette, you take your position seriously, and you are eager to make a good impression.
2. Ask Questions, The Right Way
An internship is a learning experience, and your supervisor
is aware of this. Whilst it is important to show initiative during your internship,
it is vital to remember that asking a simple question might save you hours of struggle
when undertaking a task.
When asking your supervisor a question, it is
important you are prepared to actively listen to their response. Asking the
same question more than once can be seen as a sign of inattentiveness, and
frustrate busy supervisors. If during the response you feel the need to ask
your supervisor for more information or to slow down, do so. It may also be
worth considering writing your questions and answers down for future reference.
This will not only ensure you get all the information you need, but show
diligence through your approach.
3. Be Professional
Even if you are interning in a casual workplace, it
is important to remember you are representing both yourself and the
organisation at all times. In my earlier post From PR Practitioner to PR Professional I
explored how to define, determine, and apply a high level of professionalism in
the workplace. As there are currently no regulatory bodies governing Public
Relations in Australia, it is important to remember it is up to every public
relations practitioner and any organisation they work for to set and uphold a
high standard of professionalism.
For more information on professionalism, please see my previous post From PR Practitioner to PR Professional.
For more information on professionalism, please see my previous post From PR Practitioner to PR Professional.
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| Top 5 Tips & Tricks For Interns Infographic - By Eva Niedzwiedz |
4. Respect Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a serious issue to which any intern
must pay utmost attention. As an intern you will be exposed to confidential
client and organisational information in many forms. Whether you are asked to
sign a confidentiality agreement or not, you must treat all the information you
are privy to during your placement as confidential.
From customer emails on databases to a company’s personal strategy, much of the information you will come across during your internship will belong to the organisation you are working for. This organisation has a commitment to their clients to maintain their companies and its client’s privacy, therefore sharing documentation or information about clients’ strategies, events or databases may not only breach your confidentiality agreement with the organisation, but that of the organisation with their client and their client’s customers.
For more information on confidentiality, please see my previous post Confidentiality In Consultancy.
5. Think Before You Speak
From customer emails on databases to a company’s personal strategy, much of the information you will come across during your internship will belong to the organisation you are working for. This organisation has a commitment to their clients to maintain their companies and its client’s privacy, therefore sharing documentation or information about clients’ strategies, events or databases may not only breach your confidentiality agreement with the organisation, but that of the organisation with their client and their client’s customers.
For more information on confidentiality, please see my previous post Confidentiality In Consultancy.
5. Think Before You Speak
Once you get comfortable at your internship it is
important to always keep in mind your place as an intern and relatively unknown
person at the organisation. Even if the organisation’s environment is extremely
casual and fun, those working in the organisation will still take great pride
in their company and work. Forgetting your place and accidentally insulting an
employee, someone’s work, or making inappropriate comments regarding the
company or a client can land you in hot water fast, even if the insult was unintentional
or your statement misinterpreted.
The best way to avoid such a scenario is to simply take a moment to think before you speak. However, if you do believe you have said something that may be inappropriate it is best to apologise immediately, and show you have recognised your error. Not acknowledging your mistake might wind up causing more damage than you initially think.
All 5 of these tips & tricks are lessons which are directly applicable to any new employee entering any professional workplace for the first time. Taking these tips into mind before into the workplace can help give you that great first impression you’ve been hoping for, and make your time at your placement that much more enjoyable.
Eva Niedzwiedz
16062423
The best way to avoid such a scenario is to simply take a moment to think before you speak. However, if you do believe you have said something that may be inappropriate it is best to apologise immediately, and show you have recognised your error. Not acknowledging your mistake might wind up causing more damage than you initially think.
All 5 of these tips & tricks are lessons which are directly applicable to any new employee entering any professional workplace for the first time. Taking these tips into mind before into the workplace can help give you that great first impression you’ve been hoping for, and make your time at your placement that much more enjoyable.
Eva Niedzwiedz
16062423
