Blogs: Edward secures a paid internship

Post 2, April 2013

Edward James studied broadcast journalism at the University for the Creative Arts, Surrey. One day he hopes to do a Masters in either English literature or journalism, but until then he's on the hunt for a paid internship

The last time we met, I was working in retail and discussing the problem of graduate underemployment.

This time around, though, things are a little different. I've found a paid internship in public relations (PR) and I'm building up some relevant working experience.

So what's my paid internship like?

Well, PR is a world away from journalism and, to be honest, it goes against my beliefs as a journalist. However, I am certainly not complaining that I work in the field of healthcare PR because the people I've had the pleasure of meeting on my internship journey are some of the most dedicated, passionate and hard-working individuals that I've ever encountered.

I have found the work challenging, and at times pretty difficult to grasp. The vast majority of it relies heavily on data and the input of data, which to me, being the arty-creative type, is like a foreign language.

Nonetheless, I've found myself getting to grips with it all, although I'm still in the process of learning how to prioritise tasks and take the initiative when the occasion arises.

In addition, one of the key elements of working in PR is the ability to work well as part of a team. This particular element is something that I'm still getting used to, but in time, I'm sure that I will be able to.

PR is a fast-paced environment which takes no prisoners. If you're unreliable, inefficient and downright slow, then it's probably not for you.

If there's one particular aspect of life that university doesn't prepare you for, it's the fact that in the working environment - in PR at least - no one really cares what degree you have done and where you have done it. All they want to know is what you can do within the PR environment.

Welcome to the working world. It's harsh and tough.