Everyone dreams of one day being a part of their dream company or even getting the opportunity to run their own. Internships are a huge stepping stone into leading you to achieve your goals and objectives. Director of Corporate Communications Internships Karen Carli was able to answer frequent questions that many potential interns are curious to have answered.
Before entering any corporate communication internships, the three most beneficial skills to have are to take any 400-level class along with being enrolled in a corporate communication class. Possessing strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for a successful experience and a future job opportunity.
“As you write, you should be keeping samples of your completed work for your portfolio,” Carli stated. Building your portfolio, by keeping a sample of your work, enhances your chances of potentially landing the job.
“It’s important to ask what type of writing you will be doing. Whether it’s scripts, press or news releases, or articles,” Carli added.
The experiences that stand out amongst job candidates and present employees include entering with current knowledge of the field and understanding what you’re doing. Carli stated, “Interns should be coming up with new ideas for their employers, along with possessing strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
“Willingness to be a part of the team, being open to new suggestions and learning experiences are vital to being successful with a corporate communication internship,” said Carli.
Applying the skills and techniques that you’re being taught in the classroom and incorporating them into your job, will help you stand out.
Carli added, “A successful intern will contribute to the employer while gaining a valuable learning experience.” You have to be motivated to complete all your tasks, whether or not the internship pays. If your employers notice that you’re going the extra mile, you might have a higher chance of landing yourself a job than those who do the minimal work.
There are many corporations where you could apply for internships. Abington Jefferson Health (PR Department), any PR firm in Philadelphia, United Health Services (UHS) in King of Prussia, Dynamic Advertising Solutions, FOX 29, NBC and Variety Children’s Charity (fundraising development) are some places where you could land an internship.
Kelly Hammond, an intern at the Variety Children’s Charity, gave some tips and advice. Her biggest regret going into her internship was not getting her resume proofread. “I could’ve worked on the wording and fluffing the resume up to make it better than what it was,” Hammond stated.
Connections are also crucial in landing your dream job. When meeting new people, you should firmly shake their hand and say your first and last name, making sure they know who you are. Once you make the connection, get to know them and stay in touch because you never know where their relationships could lead you.
“What helped me the most in becoming successful in my internship was that I treated my internship as an actual position, acting if it were a full-time job, even if it’s not paid,” Hammond explained.
No matter where you plan to land your internship, make sure to take these helpful tips and advice, by applying it to your job position. Don’t forget to keep samples of your work in a portfolio and continue to build on it throughout your career.
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