How to Stand Out at Your Internship: A Cheat Sheet

As young public relations professionals, we always try our best to make a great impression on the employees of the companies that we work for as interns . However, in order to secure stunning letters of recommendation and LinkedIn endorsements, it is important to become the intern your internship coordinators will talk about for semesters to come!

Becoming a stellar intern isn't as difficult as it may seem ,but it does require more than just sitting at your cubicle:

Ask Questions: An internship is as much a learning experience as it is an opportunity to lend your talents to a real-world company. When you are surrounded by professionals who are living your dreams, it can be beneficial to not only ask them questions when they come up about the work you are doing, but also ask them about your dream position and what advice they could give to someone who wishes to follow in their footsteps. Not only will this give you more of an understanding of your career field, but it will show your co-workers that you are serious about your professional life.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for More: It is common for an overseer at an internship to give an intern a bit less work than they are used to in order to see how much they can complete in a day. If the work load is too small and you finish early, don’t be afraid to ask for more. Your coordinator will be impressed by your confidence, and you will be able to get more experience from your internship.

Make Every Second Count: It can be tempting on a slow day to check your social networks or do homework at your internship, but it isn't worth it. You aren't there for downtime, you are there to learn and get as much professional experience as possible. If your coordinator is unable to send you any more assignments at the moment (see above), create your own work! Perhaps while you are researching ideas to improve a company’s social media platforms, you will find something that your coordinator or boss will thank you for later.

Remember, a semester internship is only a few months long, so it is important to use your time wisely and make a great impression on your co-workers and coordinators every day you are in the office.

How Introverts Can Succeed in PR

It is a common misconception that introverts lack social skills and an awareness of standard social cues. By that extension, it would appear that the world of public relations, with its emphasis on social interaction and networking, would be an ill fit for an introvert. On the contrary, introverts with their characteristics of thoughtfulness, prudence and creativity, can bring a sense of balance to the workplace and successfully stand out in a group of Chatty Cathy’s.

Introverts are great listeners and clear communicators: Introverts are known to be pensive and conceptual. When in conversation, an introvert will often fully listen and analyze what the other person is saying and before responding, will have thought out a valuable reply. While an extrovert may have the gift of gab in small-talk, an introvert is great in crafting insightful and objective messages.

Introverts value meaningful relationships: Introverts thrive on the creation and maintenance of deep, mutually-respected relationships with others. In public relations, where building a sense of rapport and trust with a client is vital, the natural skills of an introvert are ideal.

Introverts excel in social media: In our social media-driven industry, social networking is the public relations godsend for introverts. For those that may not be as comfortable in traditional networking settings, the internet provides endless opportunities. Valuable relationships can form from social networking where introverts, with their quiet contemplation and creativity, can have the upper-hand.

Introverts think before acting: In public relations, how you respond- particularly in the face of controversy- can be a make or break situation for your client. Introverts are methodical, meticulous and incredibly thoughtful in the way they enact effective public relation strategies. Using forethought before taking action can be the difference in smooth-sailing or ending up neck-deep in a PR crisis.

Still need convincing that introverts can’t be as successful in the workplace? Bill Gates, Barbara Walters and Barack Obama are just a few of the famous individuals who identify as introverts!

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Cara Graeff.

"Top Ten Tips for Success and Happiness" by Dr. Oz

Confession time,  I love Dr. Oz. Best friend and catalyst to Dr. Mehmet Oz’s booming two-time Emmy television career Oprah, Dr. Oz got his start on her show as the in-house physician answering audiences health questions and concerns.

In 1986, Dr. Oz obtained a joint MD and MBA degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and The Warton School.  Dr. Oz recently came back to his old stomping ground to deliver the MBA class of 2012 commencement speech in which he exclaimed, “Graduation is a time to reflect on the meaning of success and what will make you happy.” He then offered his “Top Ten Tips for Success and Happiness.” They are as follows:

10. Every day feel productive and challenged in a way tailor made for your unique desires and strengths

9. Generate an expertise in an area other than the profession in which you earn your living

8. Develop a system for a living your life, meeting challenges and evaluating opportunities.

7. Find a mentor, evaluation their strengths and weaknesses, and cop[y their positive attributes.

6. Whatever you choose, do it fully with passion and child-like enthusiasm

5. No one is a jerk on purpose. Let people surprise you.

4. Recognize relationships need to keep growing and partners should positively influence each other.

3. Never forget that the body is the temple of the soul.

2. Live in the present. Yesterday is history and tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why they call it the present.

1. Make the driving force in your life love, even more than wisdom. Humans die, not of darkness but of cold.

Whether you are a recent graduate and about to get your first big job or a new freshman embarking on a journey, follow your heart and success will find you.

Watch Dr. Oz’s entire speech