Progressions

My Experience Interning at a PR Agency–The Bliss Group

There’s a First Time for Everything

This summer I had my first internship with The Bliss Group because I was awarded the Bliss-Baker fellowship through PRSSA. So, before I start a big thank you to PRSSA for giving me this opportunity. As excited as I was, the imposter syndrome kicked in pretty quickly afterward. This was my first internship, I had no idea what to expect. 

My plan wasto fake it until I made it. I had no idea what life in the public relations field looked like, let alone what agency life was like. School prepares you for the basics, but I have never had the opportunity to put these skills to use. As a young professional who is eager to get into the industry, this was the experience that I had been waiting for. 

I knew after my first week that my summer with Bliss would be an enjoyable one.

BRAT Corporate Summer

As hectic as agencies can be, Bliss made it very easy to learn in a professional environment. I could be myself and was welcome to ask questions and be curious. Bliss’ culture includes having employees who pride themselves on being smart and kind, and I can say that they were just that during my time there. 

The support I was given helped as I was settling into a fast-paced environment, where I had to balance both adapting to the workload and ensuring that I was producing quality work. I am someone who usually thrives in fast-paced environments, so I was thrilled to be at an agency this summer. It was a welcomed challenge and I was determined to give it my best. 

My responsibilities included writing press releases, pitching, creating social copy, and research. I was given realistic deadlines for assignments, but I do feel that my experience reflected the agency’s workload. Every time I was given a new project, my supervisor took the time to explain and lay out the details and expectations. I was always reminded of open-door policies, and given the opportunities to network across the agency. 

I was exposed to different types of client work and given the opportunity to sit in on internal meetings, trainings and company outings. Being integrated into company culture like this allowed me to get a sense of what an agency can be like. I loved it; I feel like I did well in Bliss’ environment and was able to accomplish all of the internal goals I had set for myself. 

No day ever looked the same for me-there was constantly something new. I got to see the different offerings and ways that an agency can be of help to a client. Whether that be a new project, or if I was able to sit in on a new skills training, I was constantly given every opportunity to succeed. 

Bliss made sure I was aware that they wanted me to accomplish the goals I set for myself. I had weekly check-ins with my supervisor who constantly asked if I was completing the type of work I wanted experience in. Program directors asked if there were any types of assignments I wanted to get my hands on so they could try to give me that opportunity. Every internship is different, but Bliss exceeded my expectations and gave me an incredible experience. I encourage all PRSSA members to apply to PRSSA fellowships–I walked away with so many new connections as well as new information on the industry because of it. You never know what you could walk away with, too.