First Steps, Lasting Impressions: A Newcomer’s View of PR

One month ago, I walked into the Fair Communications office for the first time, wide-eyed and unsure, not quite knowing what to expect. While I had a growing passion and curiosity for the world of Public Relations, I now realise I only had a vague idea of what "PR" really meant.

As a third-year BA Communications student at the University of Exeter, I was fortunate that my course gave me a basic understanding of PR. Terms like “brand reputation,” “press release,” and “crisis communication” were familiar, but nothing truly prepared me for how much I would learn in just a few weeks.

Learning about PR in a classroom gave me the framework, but doing the work was a whole different experience. Pitching, writing, copyediting, shadowing client calls, and more, showed me just how much more there is beyond what I knew.

Finding My Footing

To my surprise, I quickly realised just how central client, brand, and people relationships are in the world of PR. I had expected to be working more behind the scenes, but after shadowing client calls with Vicky and seeing the constant stream of communication in action, it became clear how relationship-driven this industry truly is.

I quickly grew more confident as each day brought new experiences and challenges. What stood out to me early on was the integral role technology plays in modern PR. Platforms like CoverageBook, Mailchimp, Roxhill, Wix, and others immediately caught my attention as essential tools for delivering high-quality, accurate work for excelling in the industry.

CoverageBook has really fascinated me as a core tool that I've been learning to use over the last few weeks. It had never fully occurred to me how you'd demonstrate the impact of PR work to a company, but seeing this platform in action was clearly the answer. It compiles all the relevant coverage and presents it in an efficient and aesthetic way. This has completely shifted my perspective, and now I can see how stories spread and understand why one approach might be successful over another.

I also noticed how important AI has become within the industry. I’ve been learning how to use it in a way that enhances the work rather than becoming a substitute for thoughtful effort. I do think it’s possible to rely on AI too much, but finding a healthy balance is important, using it to simplify tasks without cutting corners or investing time in unnecessary work.

Learning to Navigate

As I’ve grown more familiar with the role and the tools, I have inevitably encountered a few challenges, primarily around the responsibility of the tasks I am given. Interning for Fair Communications has been an incredible journey, and the work that I am doing for Vicky truly carries meaning. Because of this, I have been learning how to find the right balance between taking initiative and maintaining respect for the standards of the work that is expected.

To navigate this challenge, I’ve focused on presenting honest communication. Vicky has encouraged me to stay open and curious, which has accelerated my learning and improved the quality of my work. From creating newsletters and writing one-pagers to researching journalists and beyond, I approach each task, big or small, with a willingness to learn and a desire to grow.

Looking Forward

One month isn't a long time in the grand scheme of things, but a tremendous amount of personal growth and knowledge can be built in such a short period. The most significant change I've noticed throughout my internship at Fair Communications so far is my confidence. Looking back on that first day when I walked into the office, wide-eyed and unsure, to sitting here writing this today, I can't help but feel proud of the journey I've been on.

Confidence is more than just navigating these digital platforms with ease, or becoming more efficient with tasks, though those matter too. It’s also about having faith in your ideas and recognising that you’re here because you have something meaningful to offer.

Right now, I'm looking back at that uncertain student from a month ago and feeling amazed by how much I've grown, and I can't wait for future me to look back on where I am today with that same sense of pride and curiosity.

Zoe Anderson is a PR Intern at Fair Communications. For more information visit: faircommunications.co.uk