Gaining PR Skills Through Internship Experience

Internships are more than just résumé boosters; they’re opportunities to translate classroom practices into real-world impact. As a Public Relations student at Florida A&M University, I’ve always been passionate about storytelling, minority representation, and ethical communication. This summer, my internship allowed me to grow personally and professionally. Here’s how:

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1. Improving My Communication Skills

In PR, the tone of what you’re saying is just as important as what you say. During my internship, I had the chance to:

• Draft social media content that matched brand tone

• Write blog posts with clarity and purpose

• Practice presenting campaign ideas to supervisors

These moments taught me how to communicate strategically for diverse audiences, a skill every public relations professional must master.

2. Enhancing My Adaptability

Unlike the classroom, internship environments can shift quickly. From unexpected client edits to changing deadlines, I learned to:

• Adjust my workflow under pressure

• Stay flexible without losing attention to detail

• Balance multiple projects with different teams

This flexibility is crucial in PR, where things often move fast and stories evolve quicker.

3. Studying Professional Tools & Platforms

My internship has taught me to rely on tools beyond Microsoft Word. I became familiar with:

• Canva for designing social graphics

• Spaces by WIX for team collaboration

• Media monitoring tools to track content performance

These hands-on experiences gave me confidence in my technical skills and helped bridge the gap between academic courses and industry practices.

My internship didn’t just give me assignments; it gave me insight, perspective, and professional growth. I feel more prepared to take on roles where my communication skills, adaptability, and passion for representation can shine. For students in PR and similar fields, internships aren’t just a stepping stone; they’re a launchpad.