Public relations has become a popular field to explore for many young people because of the exciting, fast-paced environment it brings. It may prove to be difficult to get an internship in public relations because it is an increasingly competitive field that many people want to get into. By preparing and starting out right, you will be able to have an advantage and eventually land an internship or job in the industry.
Instructions
1. Take communications, speech or journalism classes. While companies place emphasis on experience, sometimes they give merit to classes that teaches you skills needed on the job. Classes like broadcast, speech or writing hone communications skills that are attractive to an employer in the public relations field. Some schools even let you take internship classes where they partner you up with a company to gain experience interning.
2. Make a functional resume. Since most interns start out young while they're still in college, a chronological resume would not make sense because of the lack of experience. A functional resume allows you to place emphasis on the skills rather than job positions you've held. Leadership and social skills are essential in the public relations field. These skills are transferable, so any exposure to these skills can make up for the lack of experience when you're just starting out.
3. Network with people in the field by joining professional organizations or doing informational interviews. Joining an organization such as the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) will get you in the door and allow you to rub elbows not only with professionals who you may gain insights from, but also with employers looking for a skilled employee or intern.
4. Get an internship in the public relations office or in the marketing department of a company. In a sense, nothing can replace experience. So with your resume, your track record of classes and a viable network, you are ready to take the plunge and apply for an internship position. With all of these tools that you already have, it's up to you on how you present yourself and represent your skills to look attractive to an employer. Learn interview by taking workshops at your nearest career center.
5. Volunteer with different organizations. Even when you're already in the field, it is essential to join more networks not only to meet more people, but also to gain more experience in different settings. Public relations is a people-based industry, and there's an emphasis on who you know. A lot of companies, from non-profit to private companies, welcome volunteers or internship for college credit. If you did not get a paying internship, volunteering, no matter how small the role, can help you gain an advantage over those who try to enter the field without preparation.
Tags: attractive employer, functional resume, internship public, internship public relations, lack experience, place emphasis