Interning at PRN - one month in…
By Amber Iqbal
Like many graduates, last July saw me walk across the stage in a cap and gown, move back into my childhood bedroom and ask: “What’s next?”.
I knew that I wanted to work in PR, but after countless cover letter alterations, hours of scrolling through LinkedIn for internship openings and multiple interviews with no follow-up - I found myself unsure of how to find a way in.
As the summer drew to a close, a mutual connection put me in touch with our co-founder, Nicky - we spoke about my degree and previous experience, my enthusiasm to enter the industry and the possibility of me working with The PR Network (PRN).
Our discussion naturally transitioned to the logistics of a remote internship - like many others, working from home is an incredibly familiar concept, with the first year and a half of my degree being completed fully online. After a few more calls with some other members of the team, I began my internship in September.
Celebrating the PRN’s 18th birthday and re-launch, with the PRN team and clients in September.
Looking back on my initial days at PRN, I'm amazed at how much I've learnt already.The past month has been a crash course in the day-to-day operations of PR. With a core team of nine, it was incredibly easy to become acquainted with everyone in my first week. Engaging in both in-person and online onboarding sessions with every team member proved to be an invaluable experience. These sessions not only served as introductions to various facets of a PR role but also provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in the field.
The sense of community and high level of support at PRN has made my transition from being a student into the world of PR feel remarkably seamless. I've had the privilege of working on real projects, tracking press coverage, writing copy for social media and observing how an international agency operates from an inside perspective.
During this time I have been able to grasp a solid routine when working from home, which has not only increased my efficiency but also enhanced my work-life balance, allowing me to maintain a sustainable pace and focus on delivering my best in every task. In addition to remote working, I've had the pleasure of often meeting my colleagues in person. We've gathered for productive meetings over coffee, engaged in co-working sessions, and celebrated the agency’s 18th birthday together! At the celebrations in London on our 18th birthday I also got to meet many of our clients, associates and partners. These in-person interactions have added a human touch to my remote experience, reinforcing the strong sense of camaraderie which characterises PRN.
Attending a PRCA event with PRN co-founder, Nicky, September 2023
One of the key takeaways from this experience is the importance of staying well-informed about current affairs, especially in the sector relevant to our clients, allowing for professionals to tailor their plans strategically, ensuring that their clients remain not only relevant but also proactive in their communication efforts. Additionally, I've come to recognise the vital role that measurement and evaluation plays in demonstrating the value of PR. The ability to quantify the impact of our efforts, whether through media coverage analysis, social media metrics, or other KPIs informs future strategy and allows clients to see the true value of their PR investments.
With my first month behind me, I am keen to apply my newfound knowledge and skills to my upcoming projects and continue to contribute meaningfully to our clients' success. I feel more than ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead, and deepen my understanding of the wider PR industry.