This is an intern-vention: A guide to acing your internship

I didn’t know much about public relations when I started looking for an internship. Studying media at UNSW (the University of New South Wales) Sydney in Australia, I gravitated towards PR because topics like ‘reputation management’ and ‘crisis communications’ intrigued me. They opened windows into the busy media landscape. It appeared fast-paced and, at times, a little intimidating, but it promised the chance to shape narratives, advocate for exciting ideas, and influence perspectives.

When I discovered Sefiani, part of Clarity Global’s internship program, I was excited by the prospect of learning from leading communications strategists so I could hone my skill set within a B2B environment, across various industries. 

Here are some of the key takeaways from my internship at Sefiani:

Many hands make light work

The Australian media landscape is dynamic. Blink and you might miss a massive development. A PR internship is rewarding because you’re the eyes and ears of the agency. Every day is different, but they all began when I immersed myself in the daily news cycle, staying on the pulse of the media agenda and building relationships with the team by keeping them informed on developments that could enhance client reputations or spark growth opportunities. 

Every day is different

The tasks you’ll complete as an intern will vary, but they’re all critical to the organization’s success. Providing administrative support across the agency allowed me to improve my time management skills, and taught me to be flexible and skilled across numerous technical capabilities. I built core skills through platforms that enable media coverage tracking, competitor analysis, media list creation, and evaluation report development. This also provided insight into various industries’ landscapes, helping me identify trends that could empower the team to make decisions and build strategies.

Learning from experts

Working with Sefiani’s experienced and friendly team across sectors like technology, sustainability and not-for-profit was invaluable. Their mentorship, support and constructive feedback helped me grow both professionally and personally. An internship also unlocks a network of industry connections, which is invaluable for career development. 

Contributing to culture 

It’s easy to get caught up with day-to-day tasks, but getting to know my new colleagues and contributing to the organization’s culture was one of the most rewarding aspects of my internship. 

Sefiani’s REAL values - Respect, Energise, Aspire and Learn - are practiced by the entire team. By embodying these values, I felt like an integral part of the team, and was confident in my ability to communicate ideas that aligned with clients' strategic goals.

Curiosity is encouraged  

If you hear a phrase you’re unfamiliar with or an idea that piques your interest, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification, or pursue an opportunity to take part in an exciting project. These experiences challenged my preconceptions and nurtured my interests, which are fantastic traits to develop.

Although it might seem overwhelming, I highly recommend applying for an internship while you are studying. It gave me invaluable insight into the world of PR and communications. You definitely won’t regret it.