How to Become a Public Relations Intern

Most college advisers will tell you not to graduate without an internship. The job market is growing increasingly difficult for recent graduates and an internship gives you the experience you need to get a real job. It's relatively easy to become a public relations (PR) intern and get started on the right track towards a full-time job in PR. Read on to learn more.

Things You'll Need

• Official college transcripts
• Internship applications

Instructions

Become a Public Relations Intern

1. See one of your favorite professors or the director of your department to talk about internship opportunities. Your teachers should be able to give you advice on where to look for internships. You can also start calling local PR firms, asking whether they offer internships.

2. Meet with your academic adviser to figure out the best time for your internship. Most public relations internships are unpaid, so you may have to balance a second job if you live away from home. It might also be difficult to have an internship during the school year because you'll have to study and attend classes in addition to interning.

3. Speak with your teachers and ask them whether they'll be references on your internship applications. You might also need to get an official transcript from the university's registrar to send in with your application. Try to apply for several public relations internships to increase your chance of acceptance.

4. Dress professionally for your interviews. Men should wear shirts and ties, and women should wear dress shirts and pants or skirts. It's always better to overdress for an interview than to look too casual.

5. Send a thank-you note to the person who interviewed you the day after your meeting. You don't need to send a long note, but be sure to thank him and reiterate your interest in becoming a public relations intern.

6. Fill out the required paperwork after you accept an internship. Most colleges require that you have an internship sponsor who will help evaluate your work. You also need to give your school the hours that you will be working, so you can receive the appropriate number of academic credits.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't get a response to your application and interview within a few weeks, don't hesitate to contact the company and inquire about the state of your internship.

• Be prepared to tell your interviewer why you want to become an intern and what you hope to learn.

• Ask your academic adviser whether there are any internship scholarships available. Often, alumni will donate money to help students pay for their costs of living during internships.