So as you may or may not know; I just finished my 2nd year of uni (woohooo!) and for my 2nd Year of uni I was lucky enough to undertake a 3 month placement. Now obviously this was one of the most nerve racking things in my life; just finding a placement was difficult enough. But anyway; I hauled myself to London for 10 weeks and undertook my placement in the Next Press Office in which I also got to attend the Next Autumn Press Day. This placement was honestly one of the best things I've ever done and everyone that I worked with were genuinely so lovely and so welcoming. I had the best time at my placement and really feel like I got so much out of it. In fact this week I'm back for a week to help out at their Christmas Press Day. Interning is such a good way to get experience and if you truly put the effort in you will get so much out of it - so since I really loved my placement and had the best time I thought I would share a few tips for getting an internship and completing one! #1 Broaden your horizons When applying for an internship I recommend that you apply to so many because odds are that over half of what you apply for won't actually get back to you. When I was applying to my work placements I applied for lots of different jobs in the field that I'm interested in - and whilst my greatest interest lies in PR; I applied for all sorts such as Visual Merchandising, PR and Digital Marketing. So even if you think the internship isn't exactly what you want to do in the future; you will definitely learn something of value or you may even find your true calling. #2 Say Yes to (almost) everything Work ethic is one of the things that I pride myself on most so I take on every job that I do and always do it as best that I can. Being an intern, sometimes you are going to get manual jobs as the industry isn't always as glamorous as it seems BUT never be that person who turns their noses up or moans about the jobs you are given. If you are asked to do some filing - fab, give a helping hand, if you are asked to pop out and pick up an order - fab, give a helping hand. Every job you are given as an intern is helping out the company and gaining you experience whether you think it or not. Whatever job I am given I'm always happy to do it, as it's likely that if they see you doing the menial tasks, they'll give you something amazing to do next time. However I will say, never say yes to anything that you feel uncomfortable with or that is going to put you in danger. #3 Ask Questions Okay, I mean this in two different ways. If you want to learn about the industry then definitely ask questions about it as you do your jobs or ask your employer if they would mind setting aside some time that you could use to get some answers to your questions. I did this when I was on placement and it allowed me to gain great insight into the operations of a PR. Secondly, if you are unsure about the tasks that you are given - then definitely do not be afraid to ask for help. After all it is better to ask and make sure you do it right then stay quiet and do it wrong! #4 Network, network, network Both in the professional way and in the social way. Obviously I'm not saying invite your new boss round to your house for a BBQ BUT instead get to know the people that you are working with. I was lucky that everyone was so nice where I worked so it was really easy to get to know everyone. Networking is one of the best things you can do, because not only does it create a good impression of yourself but also you never know what doors it may open. PLUS you never know who you will get on really well with!
I would seriously recommend internships for anyone looking to get experience in the job field they are interested in as it really helps with confidence (which if is something you struggle with you can read my tips here) and gives you a look into the industry you want to join. What tips do you have for anyone either interning or looking at interning?
4 Comments
Hannah
7/20/2017 01:34:17 pm
Ah thank you, so glad you loved the post! So glad you loved your placement too!x
Reply
7/27/2017 01:46:07 pm
These are such helpful tips to always keep in mind. Many start off with this mindset, but deviate a few weeks in. I find it hard though to network with older professionals because it's almost like using then, as they pretty much don't get anything out of it.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
| Categories || Archives |
December 2018
Previously on instagram.. |