Mistakes You Might be Making at Your Internship

Internships are an ideal opportunity to learn about the industry in real-world experiences. Of course, you won’t know everything about public relations and, as a student, no one expects you to. But there are a few big but easily fixable mistakes you might be making at your internship.

• Not asking questions. You may feel like asking your supervisor a question makes it seem like you don’t know what you’re doing. NOT true! Asking a question when you don’t understand an assignment or an industry term (i.e.: “trade pubs”) shows that you are ready to learn and willing to make sure you get the most from your internship.
• Not paying attention to other departments. Even when a meeting or assignment doesn't concern your department, pay attention to what’s going on. Everything that happens within the organization or company will likely have a trickle-down effect, influencing work you may be given.
• Not asking for feedback. Sometimes supervisors either don’t think to give feedback or simply forget. When an office gets hectic and a press release need to be written quickly, it’s hard for them to remember to stop and work with their intern. Asking for feedback shows that you want to learn and are invested in your internship experience.
• Waiting for assignments. Supervisors may not think to be continually giving you assignments which may leave you sitting, twiddling your thumbs. But speaking up and asking if there’s any additional work, even if it’s for a different department, demonstrates your commitment to your internship. It will also help you learn more about the organization. Running to get coffee for the HR department may not be very prestigious but at least now you know when the HR office is!

Even if you are guilty of a few of these internship sins, they’re simple fixes! An easy way to ensure you aren't making these common intern mistakes is to treat your internship like a full-time, permanent job.

Fake It Til You Make It

One of the newest trends when it comes to job hunting has been to create your own job. I don't necessarily mean become an entrepreneur and work for yourself, although that is also a viable option these days. It's come to my realization that most of the people I've spoken to about their own job search experience didn't find it on Indeed. Instead, they started with what they knew they wanted to do and found someone who was willing to let them do it. Sound a bit confusing? Well I promise it's much simpler than it sounds.

Typically, one would go on a site like Indeed, Monster, or even Craigslist to check out job openings in their field of work. However, the new trend (albeit a bit more risky and ambitious) allows young professionals to create their own positions. As opposed to simply applying to an open listing, people are doing the process "backwards" and starting with looking into companies or careers they love, whether they have announced a job opening or not.

Attempting to create a position for yourself doesn't go unnoticed; it shows real courage and confidence in yourself and what you have to bring to the company. Whether that leap of faith results in a job or not, you've just created a new network. Someone else in the industry now knows who you are and although they may not have a position to offer you at the time, it's always possible that they know someone who does. This generation is betting on themselves and selling their skills to their dream companies...and it seems to be working pretty well.

This new approach is actually pretty similar to what it was like applying to colleges. We were taught there were safe, match, and reach schools. Safe meant that you are over-qualified and guaranteed to get in, match schools are universities where your skills correspond to their qualifications, and reach schools are where your credentials fall just below their qualifications but you try your best regardless. Why can't applying to jobs be treated the same way? Reach for your dream job. The very worst that could happen is that they say no, but the very best could open up doors to a career that's tailor made for you.

Interview Moves (Like Jagger)

Winter break is quickly approaching and with it comes prime job hunting time.When it comes to the interview, we've had posts on how to land one, proper attire, and even informational interviews. However, we haven't given as much attention to the body language we use.

We know that body language speaks just as loudly as our verbal communication and we're aware of obvious movements we should not use...but what exactly should we do? A recent article on Mashable pinpointed several very useful tips to keep in the back of your mind while trying to score your dream job. The following are just a few that I personally found surprising and may help you as well.

• Don't make direct eye contact. "Um, excuse me?" I said the same thing. Although most of us have been taught to do this, too much direct eye contact can be a bit unsettling for the interviewer. Instead, opt for what the article calls "direct face contact." Choose several different points on the face to focus on for seconds at a time for a more natural gaze.
• Show your palms. Studies have shown that when your palms are facing up, it sends a signal to our limbic brain communicating honesty, engagement, and positivity. Patti Wood, a body language expert, says, "It’s one of the reasons we shake hands, to show the open palm. It’s so tied to survival instincts ... If we don’t see open palm gestures, it puts us on our guard."
• Plant your feet on the ground. This tip is also grounded (no pun intended) in science. Apparently keeping your feet planted firmly on the ground makes it easier to think quickly. It allows you to move between the limbic reptilian brain (creative thought) and the neocortex brain (rational thought) to answer highly complex questions more quickly. I suppose that's where we get the phrase "Think/quick on your feet."

For the complete list and even more tips to put you a step ahead of the rest during interview season, read the rest of the original article here. Best of luck!

4 Tips For The Final Stretch of Your Internship

It's the last day at your internship. Now what?

(Source)

1. Don't forget your portfolio pieces!
You've worked hard for the last three months, take your hard work with you! Be sure to take a few extra minutes to think back and create a list of all of the tasks you've completed over the course of the internship. What will you write on your resume? What results came from your projects? Send or save any of your personal files from the office computer to a flash-drive, so that you can keep it for your records.

2. Request an exit interview.
Getting feedback from your supervisor is the best way to end an internship. You have been learning this whole time, but an exit interview will really sum up your progress thus far. Take all criticism - positive and negative - and apply it for self-development!

3. Give much thanks.
Be grateful for this opportunity! Reach out to any staff you worked with or enjoyed talking to. It's important to let your supervisor know that you were glad to have been a part of the team, even for a short amount of time. If you found anything your supervisor did beneficial, tell them! This may encourage him or her to aid future interns in the same way, and improve the internship program.

4. Reflect. 
How do you feel? Was it beneficial? Did you learn anything? Chances are, you surely learned something, and even if you thought you didn't enjoy the program this whole time, you can most likely take something away from the office environment. Interning allows you to test out what industries, positions, and office atmosphere is best for you - consider that once you complete the program.

Your Guide to Becoming a Self-Starter

As students in a competitive field, we’re constantly asking PR pros “how can we stand out from the competition?” Will another internship or that really great blog post you wrote make a difference? Maybe. But one thing that is sure to differentiate your from your peers- being a self-starter. According to Dictionary.com, self-starters are people “who begin work or undertake a project on his or her own initiative, without needing to be told or encouraged to do so.”

Here are a few easy steps that will turn your into a motivated self-starter! 

• First to arrive, last to leave. There’s something to this cliché adage. Believe it or not, your supervisor will notice your commitment to the overall success of the organization. It also shows your enthusiasm for the work you’re doing.
• Do your homework. Doing extra research on your agency’s newest client or their latest award shows you’re not only invested in the firm but that you go above and beyond what’s required. It shows your boss that you aren’t afraid of taking initiative. 
• Ask question. You may feel like asking questions makes you appear unsure or inexperienced. But the reality is, asking questions shows you’re willing and interested in learning more. It also lets your supervisor know you’re not too proud to admit that you don’t actually know something.
• Get out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to take on complex projects or unfamiliar assignments. Seizing new opportunities will help expand your experiences and the next time the assignment comes up, you’ll be able to take it on with confidence.

After spending most of our lives in school being given strict instructions and rubrics, taking initiative without much direction can be challenging. But one of the aspects of a self-starter is that they are not afraid to make mistakes and, more importantly, they learn from them! So the next time you’re in the office, try out these self-starter tips and think "what would Leslie Knope do?"

Say 'Yes' to the... First Job Offer?

As graduation looms, the class of 2014, along with myself, have been anxiously awaiting that "first job" offer. When that offer letter finally arrives, however, the stress and anxiety sets in. You ask yourself, "Is this the right decision?" Or, "Will I be happy at this company?" A whole series of questions and emotions will overcome you as you set out to make this life-changing decision. 

In a recent article, Heather Huhman, a Gen Y Career Expert, outlined some tips for considering your first job offer. If you've recently received a job offer or are anticipating one, these are great things to keep in mind:

1. Determine whether the job fulfills your immediate needs.

Before accepting any offer, make sure it fulfills your immediate needs. To determine whether the position is a good fit, ask yourself questions such as "Why should I accept this job offer?" or "Does the job meet my career goals?"

To help your decision, make a list of your personal and professional needs. Outline everything you desire out of your first job -- from the type of lifestyle to specific benefits/perks to your goals, and everything in between. 

2. Find out as much as you can about your potential boss.

A huge determinant of whether you’ll like your first job depends on your boss. This is why it's a good idea to learn about your potential boss before accepting the job offer.

Make a list of qualities you look for in a boss. These can be characteristics ranging from management styles to personal values. Do I prefer a supervisor who values flexibility? Do I want to avoid bosses who micromanage? Asking yourself these types of questions can get you thinking about the type of person for whom you want to work.

After creating a list of what you're looking for in a boss, research what the boss at this potential position is like. If the qualities aren't lining up (especially the most important ones), this could be a red flag.

3. Consider the big picture.

What do you want to accomplish in the upcoming year? Where do you see yourself five years down the road? As you look at the big picture and what you want to accomplish, determine if this position will help you get there.

For example, if you picture yourself moving up in a company, you'll want to make sure the company provides opportunities for growth -- and approximately how long it should take you to reach each stage.

4. Make sure every detail is crystal clear.

As you review your job offer, make sure every detail is clearly outlined in writing. (An offer isn't an offer unless it's in writing.) Ensure you are promised everything the employer told you during the interview. If something is unclear to you, ask the employer for clarification.

The job offer should clearly outline details regarding your schedule, compensation, and various benefits, including vacation and healthcare plans. You should also look out for extras such as contracts or buy outs. Some employers want to lock in their new hires for a specific period of time. If that's something you're not interested in, definitely reconsider the offer.

5. Don’t make your decision on the spot.

Although you deserve some time to think, most employers give candidates 24-48 hours to make a decision. In other words, you should be prepared to make a decision fairly quickly or risk losing the offer altogether.

If you feel like you're struggling with your decision, ask the employer if they can give you an extra day or two to decide. This would give you more time to weigh your options and talk to a friend or mentor to help you make an informed decision.

As you continue to think about your first job offer, make sure you're aware of your needs, as well as any warning signs. Every offer should be in writing and clearly explain the agreement. Accepting your first job is a huge milestone, and you want to make sure you make the best decision for your career.

What tips do you have for accepting your first job offer?

Searching for Your First Internship? Find One That Suits Your Interests

Finding an internship is tricky especially for your first one. With so many options to choose from where do you start?

For me, I thought about what area of public relations I would enjoy working in, and this ultimately pointed me in the right direction. I have always had a passion for photography and dance. My mom instilled in me a love for documenting everything, and I also have been dancing for 14 years studying ballet and pointe.

At Temple University, I received an email about an internship with the community relations department at The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia and it definitely caught my eye. I previously heard of the dance School and knew they trained several professional dancers including Beckanne Sisk, who is now on CW’s show Breaking Pointe.

Before I applied, I made sure to research the school. I looked over their website and saw that the department does both public relations internally and externally in the community. I applied, interviewed for the position and have been interning there since September. It has been such a great experience writing pieces for their newsletter and assisting with events. I recently renewed the internship for this semester.

One reason I love this internship is because I am back in the dance industry. For 14 years, I was just a dancer taking classes and performing. Now, I am able to assist behind the scenes and learn what happens to make shows a success. This has fueled my love for my internship because I am so invested in their mission to provide excellence in dance training. It is great to see — through my press releases and pitches — that I am helping raise money to provide opportunities for the School’s dancers.

In addition, I have utilized my past experiences as a former dancer to develop strategies that promote the School and its mission to the community. Overall, I love how I am able to combine my passion for dance and public relations in a way that not only benefits The Rock School and its dancers but also myself.

Finding your first internship can be hard because there are so many to choose from. The first thing to do is look for internships that relate to your interests or hobbies. Like many people say if you do something you love, you will never work a day in your life. If you search for internships locally, it will be easier for you to travel and start small, but gain valuable experience along the way. If you enjoy using a company’s products or services, see if they have an internship available. Be proactive in your search and take chances — every internship is a learning experience.

What internship will your interests lead you to?

Written by PRowl staff member Shaun Luberski, this blog post was recently published on PRSSA National blog Progressions.

Bad Internship Habits To Kick

Bad work habits. We all have them. Bringing those negative habits into your internship experience is a definite no-no. Afterall, internships are meant to be your shining moment where you should be doing your absolute best to get recognition within your company.

Here are some common ones that you should be kicking to the curb once you step foot in the office:

• Procrastination. Almost everyone is guilty of this.

• Saying “um” or “like” every other word. It’s nerves. Try to catch yourself saying these words and eliminate the from your professional vocab.

• Being quiet. In meetings or at outings. Speak up. They want to hear your voice.

• Skipping over emails. Not on purpose, just not flagging them properly.

• Being late. Time and time again. Just because you get away with it once…

• Slouching. In meetings and at our desk. Try to keep good posture.

• Venting. Co-workers and friends. Sometimes we just have to suck it up and keep our mouth shut.

• Hitting send too fast. Proofread everything. Make sure you’re sending to the right person.

• Never taking a break. Everyone needs at least 10 minutes to enjoy lunch. Take one!

• Being negative. Especially when you’re stressed. Always look at the glass half full.

Campus Rep Programs + PR Students = Perfect Match

Campus representative programs have been around for quite some time but I have noticed more recently that more and more companies are turning to college students to get their name out there. And who can blame them? We are the most connected generation, due largely in part to our social media addictions, who can reach very large audiences. So why not offer a college student a chance to promote a brand.

After attending a three day campus rep training program last week, I now fully understand why so many businesses are creating these programs. Not only is a great way to offer students an opportunity to gain real world experience, it is also a relatively inexpensive and creative way to increase profit.

The typical campus rep is an outgoing, engaged and well-connected student on campus. They work to promote a brand as a part-time job and can represent a non-profit, Fortune 500, or a start-up  The job may consist of giving out brand swag, hosting events, running local marketing efforts, and much more. Many reps are paid top dollars for their work while other reps get thousands of dollars of swag. Some reps even get full-time job offers after their part-time work! One thing is clear about the campus rep job: it gives any student great marketing experience, a great resume filler, and--most importantly--an unforgettable experience during college.

This recent explosion of campus rep programs all around the nation is especially beneficial to aspiring PR pros, even if you aren't super experienced yet. Most campus rep programs specifically seek out student majoring in PR, communications or marketing. And what student wouldn't want to help develop his or her skills in the areas of marketing, promotions, communications, sales and public relations. The program I am enrolled in will help me gain event planning experience which is something that I have been looking for in an internship during my past three years as a college student!

Are you a rep for a brand on your campus? Which one? Let us know!

Social Media Sweep: Clean Up Your Profile

Generation Y is all about online sharing, but when it comes to getting hired, how much sharing is too much? 

A recent study by Harris Interactive and CareerBuilder found that 43 percent of hiring managers who research candidates via social media say they've found information that caused them not to hire someone. This number is up 9 percentage points from last year.

Pictures from your wild spring break. Delete. Drunken tweet made at the bar. Delete. Post complaining about your new boss on your friend's wall. Delete. Suggestive Instagram selfie. Delete. Basically, if you have to think about - delete it. 

The amount of employers who research candidates via social media is also up this year. Thirty-nine percent of hiring managers say they use social media to vet applicants, compared with 37 percent last year.

There has never been a better indication that now is the time to clean up your social media profiles. 

Employers who took the candidate out of the running for a job after looking at his social media profiles did so for the following reasons:

• Candidate posted provocative/inappropriate photos (50%)
• Candidate shared information about drinking or using drugs (48%)
• Candidate bad mouthed a previous employer (33%)
• Candidate had poor communication skills (30%)

Do you think twice before you post? We want to know!

No LinkedIn? No Job.

LinkedIn has become a staple in job and internship searches.  It gives employers a way to check out your experience and internet presence before you even step foot into an interview.  This can be a great opportunity for you to make a statement about your professional self.  It can also be a way for you to lose points with an interviewer.

I was recently told by a family member that they knew of a company that wouldn't hire someone if they didn't have a LinkedIn profile.  My family member was shocked.  They don't have a Facebook or a Twitter or a LinkedIn simply because they don't feel the need to share so much information with the public.

I explained that there are many benefits of LinkedIn, but only if it is used properly.  I've had a lot of classes that require you to make a LinkedIn and all too often after the class is over students neglect their profile.  That sends a negative message to potential employers.  I think LinkedIn is a great way to connect with the professional community, but if you're going to have a profile it's important to keep a few things in mind:

Use it. Don't just let your profile sit with a blank picture and out of date information.  Even if you don't check it every day, make sure you're updating your content and interacting with people once and a while.

Join groups.  There are tons of groups on LinkedIn that talk about job postings or just advice for young professionals.  They are a great resource.

Connect the right way.  It's important that you're personalizing your messages when asking to connect with someone, especially if it's someone you're interested in getting a job with.  That little message is your first chance to show someone who you are.

So whether you have an up to date and well used LinkedIn or you're just considering getting a profile, keep these tips in mind! 

Do you think it is wrong for companies to disregard interviewees because they don't have a LinkedIn? Share your thoughts!

What Does Non-Profit Healthcare PR Mean?

As PR student and a member of two of Temple's largest PR organizations, I've heard of many of the different areas of PR one can get into: sports, lifestyle, fashion, non-profit, corporate, etc. One that I haven't heard very often is non-profit health care.

For the past three years I have played with the idea of going to medical school. I love medicine, learning about it, hearing about people's stories, and everything in between. But I'm not the brightest bulb in the box when it comes to math and science, and so I've put medical school on the back burner for the moment. Instead, I looked into different hospitals and health organizations. All of them have PR teams. On Friday, I had lunch from the PR manager at Shriners Hospital for Children to learn more about what exactly non-profit healthcare PR is. And I fell in love.

Part of what the PR department at a hospital does is learn about patients. Through telling the story of a patient, the PR rep can then tie-in a mention of the hospital, e.g. a new machine that allows for John Doe to walk for the first time in 20 years, etc. Just like any other industries, you will pitch reporters, create internal newsletters, and the like. But you get to talk to people every day who you are directly helping. By spreading the word about your hospital, more people will be interested and inclined to seek help at your hospital or donate.

For someone who has been struggling about their career for forever now, it feels so relieving to finally find my place in the world, a place that I'm passionate about. I would encourage anyone out there struggling to find their path to just dabble in everything, it may take awhile but you'll find your place too :)

Exposing Myths About Virtual Internships

Last Summer, after securing one internship at a local public relations agency, I was offered another position as a virtual intern. The internship required me to log a certain amount of hours working from home, completing various projects, and being available for conference calls with supervisors and clients. Having one in-office internship and a work from home internship was a great way to gain two very different types of experiences. Many of my friends assumed that my virtual internship was less work, and didn't require much time or dedication, but this was absolutely not the case! That is only one of the myths about virtual internships or working from home.

Here 4 disproved myths from Ragan's list of work from home myths.

Myth: Working from home means you can relax more and not take work seriously.

FALSE! While telecommuting does mean you can often be more flexible about your hours, you still have to dedicate a set amount of time to getting work done.

Myth: If you aren't surrounded by other employees, you will not be as motivated to get work and assignments done.

FALSE! During my virtual internship, I had to communicate with other interns via email, Skype, and phone calls to discuss or progress with certain projects. Knowing that I would have to bring something to the table always motivated me to get my work done!

Myth: It is harder to find time to communicate with the client when you work from home.

FALSE! When I first accepted my position as a virtual intern, I also had to submit my availability  and commit to remaining available at those times. Knowing that I had to be around to be reached at certain times meant that my virtual internship always knew when they could get in contact with me.

Myth: Virtual interns aren't involved with brainstorming and planning.

FALSE! Many of the phone and Skype meetings that we would have were strictly about brainstorming new ideas and planning new projects. One of the major benefits of have virtual interns is that you can find people from many different walks of life to provide fresh ideas!

Have you ever heard of or had a virtual internship? Share your experiences with us!

Resume Words to Avoid

It's the most wonderful time of the year - time to update your resume that is! Most of us are in the middle of our summer job search and what better way to prepare yourself than by editing your resume before you send it off to an employer. 

The best way to land the summer job of your dreams is to stand out! While you're updating and editing, make sure to avoid these overused words:

1. People Person - Do you honestly even know what this means? Employers want to see that you can successfully communicate your ideas but "people person" does not really relay that. Use "effective communicator" instead and nix the "people person" nonsense. 

2. Hard Worker - Everyone claims to be a "hard worker" believe it or not! To impress your employer, explain how you have gone the extra mile by citing examples.

3. Dynamic - Unless you have figured out how to cure a disease or are a superhero, ditch the word dynamic.

4. Familiar With... - This is geared towards editing your skill set and qualification section. To describe your knowledge of computer programs like Microsoft Excel or Photoshop, use descriptive language such as: beginner, intermediate, proficient or advanced to really speak to your level of knowledge. 

5. Reliable - You wouldn't be applying for a job if you weren't reliable so it is okay to leave this word out. Employers expect you to be dependable and to arrive at work on time, no need to brag about it. 

The main point here is that you want to be able to show employers why you are the right person for the job. Words are a powerful thing and using descriptive words will help you stand out above the rest!

Check out more words to avoid here!

The Do's and Don'ts of Being An Intern

     Whether it is your first or third time as an intern, you will come to realize no internship is ever exactly the same. Although your duties as an intern may vary, your behavior should always remain the same; be diligent, willing and professional.  

     The internship process can get tricky sometimes, especially if it is your first time. Here are some great "Do's and Don'ts" to remember when interning, provided by PR specialist Lorra Brown:

Don’t ever enter a meeting, even an informal drop by from your manager, without a notebook and pen.

Don’t be afraid to tell your manager you’d like to be busy—ask for more work.

Don’t be a social media or text addict; checking your status and phone can wait.

Don’t leave for lunch or at the end of the day without checking with your boss or peers to see if they need help with anything before you go.

Don’t decorate your cube with college party pictures; you are a working adult now.

Don’t party. You may be at a fun work function or event, but you are working (regardless of how much fun your bosses may seem to be having).

Do proofread everything. No matter how mundane the task or email may seem, attention to detail and pride of ownership will pay off.

Do take initiative and come up with ideas for projects, pitches, organization, etc. Show your value. Great ideas can come from anywhere, including the intern. 


Do ask questions and ask for clarification if you are unsure of an assignment. Asking your manager to help you prioritize is wise, too.

Do provide short check-in emails or updates to your manager regarding the status of projects.

Do solicit feedback and ask for areas in which you need to improve.

Do treat this as a job audition. Most companies are looking at you as a possible future colleague.

You Survived the Internship….Now What?

So you landed an awesome internship, worked hard to make a good impression, stressed over writing a good press release, and now it’s coming to an end. What are you suppose to do? Wave goodbye and walk out the door? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Here are four tips to end your internship as strong as you started it: 

Tip 1- First and Foremost…. Remember your manners!

It is extremely important to thank the people who gave you this amazing learning opportunity. An email can be sent to everyone at a small agency or just the PR department at a large company. If someone acted as a mentor to you, a hand written note is a thoughtful way to acknowledge their guidance and support.

Tip 2- Don’t Forget your writing samples!

A well written press release is a great addition to any portfolio. Ask if it is okay to use the company printer to print your writing samples on company letterhead. Doing this helps build a portfolio that has variety and looks professional!

Tip 3- Take all the advice you can get…. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

An internship is not simply a resume builder, but also a valuable learning experience. Seek out positive and negative feedback and improve upon it. You may have a fun writing style, but your grammar may need some TLC. Let your superiors be honest with you. It is better to learn from your mistakes now than later.

Tip 4- Establish connections… networking is crucial in PR!

Ask your supervisors for permission to use their name as future references. Landing an internship can sometimes be a game of “who knows who.” Interested in healthcare PR? Maybe somebody at your current internship has a contact at a hospital that you may be able to use. 

As your internship comes to close, it is important to finish as strong as you started. People will remember an intern who was both professional and polite and prepared for their next step. 

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Lauren Bentley.

How To Find An Internship

Finding internships to apply to can get a bit overwhelming, especially in the public relations field. The problem with our field is PR jobs aren't usually posted. With so many internship websites out there vying for your attention, it’s difficult to tell which ones will be worth looking at for PR internships. The process of trying to find the right internship for you can be a difficult one. This is why I've come up with a list of the best ways to find yourself a PR internship to help make the process a little smoother. 

1. Ask your peers: As is key to PR, networking means everything. Make sure to reach out to your personal networks to see if they know of any openings. If you have a classmate that has a really cool internship you'd be interested in working at, ask away! It never hurts to ask. 

2. Ask your professors: Most likely your PR professors have friends outside of the academia world who need interns! Email your professor and ask if they have time to discuss internship opportunities with them one day after class. You never know what connections they have to the world of PR. 

3. Social Media: Is there a particular company that'd you'd love to work for? Connect with them through their social media platforms. You never know when they will post about an internship opportunity. Or, if you don't have time to lose, comment/message/or tweet at them and ask! Showing initiative is never a bad thing. 

4. Internship Websites: Some of my favorites for PR/Marketing Internships are: www.Internships.com (you can search by major), www.Idealist.org (great for non-profit internships) and www.MediaBistro.com (more for social media internships).

How did you find your internship? We want to know!

An Intern of all Trades

At my first internship, I remember feeling as if I had to be a little bit of everything to everyone in the office. I would sit through weekly staff meetings, and it seemed that I would be assigned to help out on projects that often were completely separate of one another. One of my favorite things about interning at such a diverse agency was getting to see and help with projects for so many different clients. As exciting as it was, it was easy to feel overwhelmed. Staff meetings were only held once weekly, meaning on Monday I could be assigned something to do for Friday, which could be easily forgotten by Wednesday. In situations like these, I found that I had to become a Jane, or Intern, of all trades. I had to learn to do a few things very well, including managing myself. Here are a few tips to help you become an intern of all trades:

Always keep a notebook, and write down everything- There is no such thing as an unimportant detail. When assignments are being given out or projects are being discussed, it is better to have too much written down than to be missing crucial pieces of information.

Be on time- Being on time can often mean being a little early in the intern world and it definitely means never being late. Show up with enough time to get yourself settled and prepared so that you aren’t scrambling when it’s time to get started. If you have to commute, be sure to map out enough time to get there, and plan to be delayed along the way.

Ask questions – Don’t wait until the hour an assignment is due to ask for clarity. Review what work needs to be done ahead of time, and ask for help as you go along.

Be invested – Take the time to do a little research on the clients you are working with. The more you know about what you’re doing, the more likely you are to be passionate about it.

An internship is your chance to gain real professional experience. The more you put into your internship, the more you will get out of it!

Hunting Season

As the start of spring semester rapidly approaches and I hear about my classmates obtaining various internships and receive several internship opportunity emails from my school listserv, it got me thinking, when is the right time to apply for internships? I've always struggled with this, tending to procrastinate deadlines like these. Of course, the time frames differ according to when you want to intern for a organization, but below are some guidelines as to when to apply to an internship:

For a fall internship: Some people suggest to start around spring break. It is always a good idea to start earlier rather than later, but as long as you have your applications in by the start of summer, you should be fine. Of course, pay attention to incoming emails from your school and always have a fresh copy of your resume and a cover letter ready to send off, just in case.

For a spring internship: November is prime time for applying to a spring internship. Many students will apply between November and even early January so be mindful of your competition.

For a summer internship: Many times, summer internships are special or extended programs, so they will require a little more planning. Most students start applying between February to March. But there is no harm in reaching out to an organization and asking when they will being accepting applications for the summer. That way, you'll be the first in line.

The above guidelines are generalized, some specialized and competitive programs require an application six months to a year prior to the desired internship period. Scope out all of the internships you are interested in and create a timeline for applying.

3 Crucial Things You Need In Your Cover Letter

I recently followed USA Today College Edition on Twitter and stumbled upon this great article. Writing your first cover letter can seem like a daunting task. If you are applying for your first internship it is vital that you have a stellar cover letter to accompany your resume. Presenting an internship coordinator with a cover letter, even if it was not required, will make you a stand out among the other applicants vying for the same opportunity.

Here are three crucial things you need in your cover letter:

1. Professional Format - Make sure you are using a simple and generic font (think Times New Roman). Keep the font size to 11 or 12 and make sure you are using black ink! The cover letter is a letter, so make sure it is formatted like a letter. Tip: Use Google to find the standard format of a business letter if you are confused.

2. Business Tone - Like I mentioned above, the cover letter is synonymous with a business letter. Keep it business professional. If you are applying for a more creative position within the PR industry, I suggest you create a portfolio of your creative work rather than trying to get creative in your cover letter.

3. "Dear Mr./Mrs. X" - Never address a letter "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir." It is impersonal and unprofessional. Make the extra effort to find a specific individual's name and title.