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What is it like to be an intern at Firebird?

Undergraduate Amy writes about her work placement at Firebird

Amy Montague, a second year student studying Advertising and Public Relations at the University of Northampton, is an intern working at Firebird Public Relations for nine weeks. In this article, she articulates her thoughts and opinions into her overall experience of working at Firebird PR.

Being a student at the University of Northampton, studying for a business and marketing degree, I am continuously aware of the fact that having a degree on its own is a thing of the past and no longer acceptable in the working world of business. Therefore, I am persistently advised to try and obtain a work placement that would allow me to put the theory I have learnt into practice, and have an insight into what it is like to work in the sector first-hand. Of course this is an optional entity and many students may not see it as an important factor, believing that a stand alone degree is enough to get them to where they want to be.

I completely disagree with this notion, and therefore took it upon myself to search for an internship over the summer of my second year that would be able to offer me the chance of experiencing a variety of different things and would give me the best opportunity to establish the realism of working in a Public Relations agency.

From my own judgements and the factors that I have learnt at University, I decided that I would prefer to work in a smaller agency for my internship as I felt that I may receive more responsibility which would allow me to learn a great deal more. I discovered Firebird Public Relations and when I was offered an internship I soon realised that I could not have been offered the chance to work in a more impressive agency. The work that I am able to take part in and experience is nothing like I would have expected from a small agency, being so diverse and high profile. With tasks ranging from research and creating press lists to filming with The One Show; along with press conferences and attending client meetings.

I could not have asked to work with a better team, who are so charming and kind, whilst maintaining their sense of professionalism. Working closely with them, and shadowing their tasks and activities has taught me that the highest level of communication is essential when working in the PR sector and building a strong network of people that are relevant to your type of industry is extremely important. I have learnt that working in the world of Public Relations is incredibly fast paced and you need to get your message out there in any way you can, no matter what it takes.

Jane and Susannah work tremendously hard and this is highlighted in the end results of campaigns that they have put together. Everything I have learnt so far at Firebird PR has reconfirmed my choice of course of Advertising and Public Relations and has reiterated my previous beliefs of working in an agency as opposed to in-house; and working in a small agency can bring you referrals with a variety of different and exciting responsibilities. I am extremely grateful for being given the opportunity to work with Jane and Susannah and hope one day I can be as good at Public and Media Relations as they are.

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