Starting a PR internship is one of the biggest milestones in any communications student’s career. Moving from the classroom into a real agency is something to look forward to, but it’s also a step into the unknown. After months of lectures, feedback and guidance, the lingering question remains: “Am I ready?”
This was certainly the case for me following 10 months of study at Dublin City University for my MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communications.
Fortunately, I had secured my INTRA placement with Comit, which was an instant relief for me. As my start date approached, however, there were a few nerves too. Would I be able to keep up with the pace of agency life? Would I have the skills to contribute? Or would I spend the next three months watching from the sidelines instead of gaining real experience? I can safely say those worries disappeared from the moment I began, and now, a month in, I can’t believe how much I have done.
I was welcomed straight away by the supportive team here, trusted with meaningful work and given the opportunity to learn by doing. If you’re a student in a similar position to where I was, here’s why I would encourage you to apply to Comit for your work placement.
Gaining real PR agency experience from day one
One of the biggest concerns students have before starting an internship is whether they’ll be trusted with real responsibility. As we all know, there’s no substitute for putting theory into practice. On my second day at Comit, I was already building portfolios of potential interview opportunities and identifying and distributing high-profile press coverage for clients. By day three, I was generating media coverage for an appointment notice that would go on to appear in a tier one national publication.
My confidence built quickly as I learned more and more from my colleagues and within the first month, I had pitched to journalists, attended client meetings, issued press releases, and worked on social media content, among many other tasks. Rather than simply watching from afar, I was able to make a meaningful contribution from the outset with the help of my Comit teammates. The hands-on experience has meant I have learned so much so quickly, and each new opportunity has helped build the self-belief I need to take on the next challenge.
Developing PR skills with the right support
All of the opportunities Comit has given me so far has meant that I have been able to build my skills much faster than I had ever expected. A big part of my development has been the people around me, to the rest of my colleagues who have been very helpful in guiding me through every new task. They have answered every one of my questions (of which there have been many) with patience and understanding, which has allowed me to do the best I can when faced with difficulties. Every draft has been an opportunity to improve. Feedback is not criticism; it’s an essential part of growing as a PR professional, and taking it on board will help you accelerate your development. One of the most important things to remember is that everyone genuinely wants you to succeed, and the supportive culture means you feel encouraged to get involved and ask for help when needed.
What it’s really like working in a PR agency
Agency work means that no two days will ever look the same. You may be repeating the same tasks, but working with a variety of clients will mean that you are constantly adapting your previous work to suit the messaging needs of the task at hand. Comit works with a number of clients across business, technology, and sustainability sectors, and so our clients all have different needs. There’s no ‘copy and paste’ work involved – one day you could be writing a blog on the topic of AI and digital transformation, and the next day you could be getting creative on Canva to highlight new survey findings. The variety of work means that every day brings something different, and of course, it’s such a bonus when it comes to acquiring that hands-on experience that will benefit your career in the future.
Why you should consider Comit for your PR Internship
If you’re preparing for your DCU communications internship applications, I would highly encourage you to consider Comit. Just one month into my placement, I can confidently say it’s been the highlight of my Master’s degree. I feel like I am truly a part of a team, trusted with client work, and making valuable contributions. Looking back, it’s hard to believe the amount I have achieved in just four weeks. Tasks that felt intimidating on my first day now feel like a part of my daily routine. The skills that you’ll gain here cannot be replicated in the classroom, and I feel so fortunate to have landed at an agency that is more than happy to let me experience all of this. I’m excited to see what the rest of my time here has in store.