I met Melissa in a room full of hundreds of students, all hungry to learn about the PR field. We gathered in Dallas, Texas, attending the PRSSA ICON International Conference. I didn’t know what to expect from the conference, but I was nervous. I was shy. After hearing Melissa speak is when I learned my first lesson. Of course, Melissa’s talk was full of lessons, but the first one I really took to heart was asking questions. After a keynote presentation the next day, I introduced myself to Melissa and Julia, who were selling PR merch and Melissa’s book, Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know. I asked Melissa if she hired interns, to which she replied, “Yes! Message me on LinkedIn.” So I did. 

I found that internships are a great opportunity to gain practical experience and apply what you’re learning in the classroom to real-world situations. As a go-getter, I love to learn, and internships are where I have learned my most valuable lessons. Here’s a peek into some of the things I’ve learned at MVW.

1. Professionalism is Key: During my internship, I learned the importance of presenting myself professionally. This included dressing appropriately, even though I was remote, communicating clearly and effectively, and being respectful of others. Maintaining a positive attitude and being willing to learn and take on new responsibilities were important.

2. Asking Questions is Indisputable: Asking questions has always been scary. I’ve spent a long time thinking I should be able to figure out everything on my own, so I’m here to tell you, don’t waste your time. If you don’t know the answer or how to do something, ask. No one will judge you, and they won’t know you need help until you ask!

3. Networking is Essential: That’s how I got here, which proves its importance. Networking is crucial in public relations. I learned to step out of my comfort zone and speak to professionals I admired. This will allow me to feel more comfortable connecting with journalists and other professionals in my field. 

4. Flexibility is Important: My internship work varied daily, so I quickly learned that flexibility is essential in the workplace. As someone who thrives on change, the day-to-day difference excited me. Adapting to new situations and taking on new challenges is vital in any career.

5. Time Management is Crucial: Working in the public relations field, especially for an agency, I balanced multiple tasks and projects. I learned the importance of managing my time effectively to ensure I met deadlines and completed my work to a high standard. This skill will continue to be helpful in my future career as I balance multiple responsibilities.

My internship at MVW Communications was a valuable learning opportunity that helped me grow personally and professionally. From professionalism to time management, the lessons I learned during my internship will stay with me throughout my career. I’m grateful for the experience and look forward to applying my learned skills in the future.