How to Be Public Relations Intern - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 11, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The increasing focus on public relations has had a drastic effect on how businesses operate and how they interact with their customers. By fostering good relationships with the public, businesses are able to gain trust, customer loyalty, and ultimately higher profits. This is achieved by utilizing various tools such as social media, press releases, and blog posts to create a positive public image. As a result, more companies are incorporating public relations as an integral part of their marketing strategy, leading to a surge in demand for PR interns, who provide an invaluable service to businesses by helping them manage their public relations efforts.

Steps How to Become

Research public relations internships and job postings to identify potential opportunities. Look for postings that offer experience in the type of public relations work you are interested in.
Develop your resume and portfolio to showcase your skills and experience. Include any relevant internships or volunteer work, as well as any awards or recognition you have received.
Reach out to your network for referrals and introductions to potential employers. Ask if anyone can connect you with people who work in public relations or hiring managers in the field.
Attend industry events and network with professionals in the field. This is a great way to gain insight into the industry and make connections.
Submit your resume and portfolio to public relations internships and job postings. Follow up with potential employers to show your interest and enthusiasm for the role.
Prepare for the interview process by researching the company and role and practicing your answers to common questions.
After you land an internship, make sure to take advantage of the opportunity. Network with other professionals, take on new projects, and look for ways to add value to the organization.

Public relations is a skill that requires strong communication abilities and a deep understanding of the goals of the company that is involved. As a result, an effective PR intern must possess a high level of interpersonal and technical aptitude. A skilled and efficient PR intern should be able to utilize a variety of tools and resources, such as social media and press releases, to generate positive publicity for the organization.

they should have the ability to create effective marketing campaigns and successfully pitch stories to the media. Furthermore, they must have a strong understanding of the target audience, be able to identify key influencers, and continually monitor and analyze the effectiveness of their campaigns. With these skills, an effective PR intern can help an organization reach its goals and maximize its visibility in the public sphere.

You may want to check Public Information Officer, Public Works Director, and Public Works Project Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Researching media outlets and developing relationships with journalists, bloggers and other influencers
Writing, editing and proofreading press releases and media materials
Drafting proactive and reactive pitches to target media
Developing content for social media channels
Monitoring and tracking media coverage
Assisting in event planning and execution
Developing and managing communication strategies, plans and campaigns
Creating and maintaining media lists
Developing, designing and creating marketing materials
Assisting in crisis management planning
Scheduling meetings and interviews with media representatives
Assisting in media training for executives and other spokespeople

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Knowledge of public relations principles and practices
Able to work independently as well as part of a team
Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects
Knowledge of social media platforms and online tools
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Strong organizational and time management skills
Possess an understanding of media relations and crisis communications
Familiarity with media tracking and analytics software
Research and analytical skills
Understanding of public opinion trends and public perceptions
Ability to develop creative content for marketing and press materials
Planning and event coordination experience

Having strong communication and writing skills is essential for success as a Public Relations intern. Good communication enables the intern to effectively build relationships with clients and other stakeholders, while good writing skills can help them craft persuasive messages and create high-quality written materials. being able to think strategically and critically is also important to identify opportunities and develop effective PR strategies.

Having research skills is also essential, as it will help the intern to stay up to date with industry trends and develop a better understanding of their target audience. In turn, this will help them create more compelling campaigns and materials. Finally, having a good eye for detail will help ensure accuracy in all aspects of the work.

All these skills combined will ensure that the Public Relations intern is well-equipped to succeed in this role.

Public Health Inspector, Public Defender Investigator, and Public Policy Advisor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What do you think are the most important skills in public relations?
What experience do you have with writing press releases?
How do you stay up to date on industry trends and news?
What strategies would you use to build a successful media list?
How do you handle difficult or confrontational situations?
How have you incorporated social media into your public relations strategies?
What strategies have you used to increase visibility for a client?
What methods do you use to measure the success of a public relations campaign?
How do you prioritize tasks in order to meet tight deadlines?
How do you develop relationships with media outlets and influencers?

Common Tools in Industry

Social Media Management Platform. A platform used to plan, publish and monitor content across multiple social media channels. (Eg: Hootsuite)
Content Management System (CMS). A platform used to create, manage, store and publish digital content. (Eg: WordPress)
Email Marketing Software. Software used to create and send automated email campaigns. (Eg: MailChimp)
Press Release Distribution Platform. A platform used to distribute press releases to media outlets. (Eg: PR Newswire)
Analytics & Reporting Tool. Software used to analyze website and social media performance metrics. (Eg: Google Analytics)
Public Relations Database. A database used to store contact information for key influencers and journalists. (Eg: Cision)
Media Monitoring Tool. Software used to track coverage of a brand or topic across media outlets. (Eg: Meltwater)
Video Production Software. Software used to create, edit, and produce video content. (Eg: Adobe Premiere Pro)

Professional Organizations to Know

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
International Public Relations Association (IPRA)
Association for Women in Communications (AWC)
International Association for Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC)
Digital PR Network (DPRN)
Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (GA)
Global Alliance for PR and Communication Management (GAPRC)

We also have Public Relations Manager, Public Defender, and Public Sector Auditor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Public Relations. the practice of managing the public perception of an organization or individual. It includes communication strategies, media relations, and reputation management.
Media Relations. the practice of maintaining positive relationships with journalists and other members of the media.
Reputation Management. the practice of monitoring, improving, and protecting an organizations public image and reputation.
Communications Strategy. a plan for how an organization or individual will communicate with their publics or audiences. It includes objectives, goals, tactics, and messages.
Publics. any group of people that an organization or individual needs to communicate with. This can include customers, employees, shareholders, media, and the general public.
Audiences. the specific groups of people that an organization or individual is trying to target with their communication efforts.
Messaging. the key messages an organization or individual wants to communicate to their publics or audiences. This includes both verbal and visual messaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What skills do I need to be a successful Public Relations Intern?

To be successful as a Public Relations Intern, you should have excellent writing, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively. You should also have a strong understanding of social media platforms and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

How long is an average Public Relations Internship?

Most Public Relations Internships are between three and six months in length. Some organizations may offer longer internships, but this is not always the case.

What is the salary for a Public Relations Intern?

Salaries for Public Relations Interns vary depending on the organization and position. Generally, Public Relations Interns make between $15 and $20 per hour.

What duties might a Public Relations Intern be responsible for?

A Public Relations Intern may be responsible for researching media contacts and outlets, crafting press releases, creating content for social media accounts, coordinating events, and assisting in media relations activities.

What qualifications are necessary for a Public Relations Intern?

A Public Relations Intern should typically have a degree in communications or public relations, as well as prior experience in the field. Many organizations also prefer individuals with strong research and writing skills, as well as a knowledge of social media best practices.