You
spent months researching internships, applying and interviewing for positions and
waiting for the call to say, “you got the job.” As any talented PRSSA member
would, you worked diligently to excel at every task assigned to you by your
internship supervisor. The internship affirmed your love of public relations,
honed a few of your skills and created new passions and projects.
Now what?
If
you’ve spent the past few weeks reminiscing on an excellent summer internship,
you might find yourself wondering how to stay engaged with the connections you
made during your summer. As someone who finds herself in the same situation,
I’ve gathered a few tips for ways to extend the glow of a great learning
experience.
Send a note
Nothing
beats the old-fashioned, formal sentiment of a mailed (that’s right –
snail-mailed) thank you note. Sending a sincere and well-written note that
details your appreciation for the opportunity and at least one specific thing
you learned during the summer will leave a lasting impression on your
supervisor and open paths for continued communication.
Connect through social media
Make the effort to connect through LinkedIn if
you haven’t already – but be sure to reach out with a personalized message.
Instead of sending the customary memo, communicate your desire to remain
connected throughout the school year and into your professional future. Don’t
limit yourself to just your supervisor, but also consider contractors, clients
and coworkers you met along the way.
Ask for a recommendation from your supervisor.
This action can spur your employer to remember the projects you completed and
the special skills you brought to the position. Just don’t forget to remember
to thank your internship supervisor for the accolade.
Don’t discount Twitter as a means to stay
involved after your internship ends. If you follow your supervisor and the
company you interned for, consider retweeting interesting articles or thoughts
from your supervisor or company. Go the extra step and occasionally tweet
findings that pertain to your internship supervisor or company and include the
appropriate Twitter handles – just make sure that your information is timely
and relevant.
Extend an olive branch
If
you believe that your PRSSA Chapter could benefit from some of the same lessons
you learned under the direction of your internship supervisor, invite him or
her to speak to your Chapter. Work with your Chapter Adviser and Professional
Development Coordinator to develop a speaking topic that best suits the needs
and interests of your Chapter, then coordinate the ideal speaking time and
place with your internship supervisor.
Inviting
someone from your internship to visit your college will allow him or witness
your planning skills and your involvement with the Affiliation. You’ll also
gain the experience to serve as a liaison between practicing public relations
professionals and young college hopefuls.
Volunteer to freelance or continue a project
If
you exceeded expectations at your summer internship, your supervisor will miss
your work ethic and your talent. Volunteer to continue an ongoing project, such
as clipping or blogging, until the company receives a fall intern. Bridging
this gap for your supervisor will stand out as a willingness to continue
learning and growing as a public relations practitioner. Volunteering to
freelance can indicate to an employer that you’ve developed a true passion for
the work.
Recommend and recruit
Ready
to move on but resistant of breaking ties? Keep the connection alive by
recommending some of your best Chapter members as possible interns for the
future. If your past supervisor trusts your instincts, he or she will be
grateful if you send top picks his or her way. Share internship postings from
the company with your Chapter and consider hosting the company during a
professional development event or job/ internship fair.
I
hope these tips will help you and your Chapter make a smooth transition from
summer to semester. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free
to contact me at samanthascribner10@gmail.com.
Samantha Scribner recently began her second term as PRSSA
Chapter President of the Waynesburg University Chapter in Waynesburg, Pa. She will graduate from Waynesburg University in December 2012. Samantha served as
the External Affairs Intern for Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation in Pittsburgh,
Pa., last summer.
