Heather-Ann Cody

In a time where it is possible to see a phone call, watch a newspaper, listen to a magazine and hold an entire bookstore at once, the world of public relations is a fascinating environment.

Fresh out of college and after three months as an intern at Walsh Public Relations, it is my experience that an internship acts as the bridge that narrows the gap to the professional world. College prepares you for the textbook part of the job with definitions and case studies. An internship provides invaluable hands-on experience in the field that curves your learning and prepares you for employment.

The work of an intern in a PR agency is diverse. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities and you really never know what’s around the corner. There are many angles which come together to ensure a successful campaign.

Creativity is key to public relations and working with a wide range of clients ensures every possible creative path is pursued to capture the minds of the targeted publics.

Social Media has made a dramatic impact on the PR of today. The use of Facebook and Twitter has enabled the PR professional to reach and portray a message to a vast audience around the globe in minutes.

Working as a PR intern has certainly launched my future career as well as my interest in the media. It has become clear that PR is highly dependent on maintaining good relationships and positive reputation with the Irish public and I feel the Irish media play a hugely important role in this.

As a PR intern your experiences are truly priceless. On the bottom rung of the career ladder the only way is up so my advice to any student hoping to begin an internship would be;

• Stay positive - grasp every opportunity that comes your way and put every effort into it.

• Ask questions..lots of questions - it’s the best way to learn.
• Take risks and use your initiative – if it doesn’t pay off you will learn from your mistakes.
• Work as a team - many hands make light work.
• Take instruction and guidance - learn from your colleagues as to how things should be done.

Starting my internship has bridged the gap between my college experience and the professional world. It has presented me with challenges and opportunities as well as endless possibilities in the world of public relations.