The Importance of Internships
The saying goes, “It’s not always what you know, but who you know.” Internships provide an ideal opportunity to network with professionals in your field of interest, gaining insight into the day-to-day of your desired career and what to expect in the workplace through hands-on experience.
Internships provide an opportunity to apply your knowledge, expand your professional network, and gain real-world experience in a safe environment. While you learn about your desired career path in the classroom, internships offer the chance to put your learning into practice as a bridge between your classroom knowledge and practical skills.
I attended a networking event at Grand Canyon University through Women in Business where I met Nicole D. Rose, a head of PR and corporate communications specialist. She suggested that I reach out to Abbie to learn more about the public relations field. I did and after several conversations, Abbie extended an offer for me to join the team as an intern during the spring semester.
During my time as an intern with HMA Public Relations, I have been able to tap into my own classroom knowledge of marketing and communications to support content creation, client relationships, and project management efforts. Maybe not the most glamorous of tasks, but the chance to update the FinderBinder gave me a deep understanding of the media outlets throughout the state. I participated in story-mining sessions and had the chance to draft a bylined article that will be published in a magazine sometime this summer. Through these opportunities and so much more, I have gained a better understanding of public relations.
My experience with HMA has also helped me better understand the career path I want to pursue in the future as I was able to see firsthand how public relations agencies operate on a day-to-day basis, helping me to understand the work I may be doing every day in the industry if I decide to work for an agency. This has been a great learning tool to help me prepare for my future through well-rounded knowledge and experience from both my academics and HMA.
Having relevant internship experience on your resume sets you apart from other candidates and demonstrates your commitment to your chosen field. This practical experience is so important, especially in today’s competitive market. I have not only been able to build my resume but also my public relations abilities through my experience.
Internships play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of students’ careers, including mine, by bridging the gap between education and the workplace to provide valuable experience and build my professional network.
