Over this past Christmas break, I was thrilled to learn I received the Public Relations internship I had applied and interviewed for with The Henry Ford in Dearborn, MI. I informed all my family and friends about it and couldn’t wait to start shopping for some professional, stylish clothes to add to my “work” wardrobe. After taking a step back a few days later, I had a panic attack of sorts. I realized, through my schooling, I didn’t feel ready for this internship and was nervous that, even though I already secured the position, I did not have enough experience or knowledge to perform the job satisfactorily. In previous classes, I learned definitions and theories. I had improved upon my writing skills since entering college, but, other than that, I felt like I didn’t really learn skills applicable to this real-world job and that left me with a feeling of extreme discomfort.
During this time, I also was in the process of changing my major from Advertising and Public Relations to Marketing. While this internship will still be relevant experience to what I want to do, I was no longer required through the university to take this Intro to PR course. I was very close to dropping the class to take a class through the business school that would work towards my major. Right when I was about to hit the button that would drop the class from my schedule, I had second thoughts and thought this class could be helpful to me in learning some skills for my internship I was so worried about. I then thought back to my Intro to Advertising class, however, where I felt I learned no relevant skills and dreaded going to class because the professor would just drone on and on about topics that would not even help me professionally. I was worried this Intro to PR class would be similar. I decided to follow through with taking it, though, and though “oh well.” If it was like the other one, I may not feel more prepared for the summer, but it’d be an easy “A” and another elective credit.
Turns out, I learned a lot more than I anticipated, and left feeling ready to take on my summer internship (the class definitely was not an easy “A”, however).
This class gave me the relevant experience and knowledge I needed to succeed in the field of Public Relations. It gave me resources and references to keep in mind for the future, and very importantly, a professor who would be a great contact for me if I have questions about my internship, the field, or for just general tips. I honestly have never felt like I have gotten this much out of a class before and wouldn’t trade my experience. I do wish I had spoken up a little more in class. Early mornings are rough for me (I need to get over that), and I was sick and not feeling one-hundred percent much of the semester. This class also made me wish every class in college was like this. It was a lot of work but when you’re doing work you realized you are going to be doing in your actual career, it doesn’t feel so dreadful.
There are so many things I am taking from this class: new skills, facts, resources, and even a beautiful project to add to my professional portfolio. Looking back, I am glad I did not drop my Intro to PR class and am anxiously excited to begin my journey into my career with my internship this summer. Thanks for a great semester!
XOXO
Average Student
Life of a PR student 