What company were you an intern at and how did you find out about it?
I was an online PR intern at Propellernet, an award-winning search and social marketing agency. I found out about the intern scheme while doing one of many job hunts last summer!
What were the reasons you went for an internship?
As a graduate in a recession, I was finding it incredibly difficult to get a job- I’d get interviews but couldn’t back up my enthusiasm or knowledge with experience. I knew an internship would look better than blank space on my CV and it gave me a chance to try out working in a new industry too- I’d graduated in journalism but did an internship in online PR.
The other great thing was the expenses money I was given - so many internships expect you to have the money to travel to work and buy lunch, but in reality many graduates don’t have much to spare!
What were your duties and what experience did you take away with you?
I did all sorts - from writing press releases, to selling in stories to journalists, to writing blog posts and newsletters, to composing award entries. I went away with renewed confidence in my abilities and a whole new marketing skill set which I was lacking before the internship. This enabled me to apply for jobs which I would never have been considered for before. I also took away some great contacts and knowledge about a whole new sector.
What did the internship lead on to afterwards?
I left Propellernet on good terms with everyone there and plans to meet for drinks in the near future. Three months after leaving I was invited to come back and offered a permanent, full time job which I snapped up! I now work as an SEO-PR consultant at Propellernet and I love it!
Would you recommend an internship to others?
Absolutely! As I said, it looks better on your CV than blank space and gives you a chance to get some valuable experience in new industries (or even ones you already know you like) without the huge expense a lot of internships entail. Plus, there’s every chance you’ll get a job out of it if you impress! Recent years have probably been some of the hardest in which to graduate so you really need to be going the extra mile to show potential employers that you’re serious about your career and an internship is a great way to do so.
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