How to Gain PR experience—without PR experience

You scroll through countless internship opportunities, excited to break into the field of public relations. However, you run into a problem: Every internship requires experience. 

But I’m applying to internships to gain experience, you may be thinking to yourself. 

As a college student, you likely have or will face this dilemma at some point. Employers are increasingly requiring applicants to have industry background. In fact, a 2016 study found work experience is required for 48% of all civilian jobs. 

Luckily, there are four main ways to gain PR experience both on and off campus. 

Volunteer

Volunteering not only benefits your community but also provides you with invaluable professional skills. Because nonprofits often have a limited budget, they must outsource necessary functions to volunteers. Some PR-specific tasks include grant writing, event staffing and social media management. 

Ready to start serving? UF provides a list of volunteer opportunities for issue areas ranging from hunger to the environment. No matter what area you choose, studies show volunteering will give you a 27% greater chance of being hired. 

Join student organizations 

GatorConnect makes it easier than ever to find an organization that aligns with your interests. From Gator Chess Club to Rowdy Reptiles, UF offers more than 1,000 student groups. 

One group specifically tailored for PR students is PRSSA. As a pre-professional society, PRSSA provides education, professional development and networking opportunities. It also has various leadership positions, which would look great on a resume.  

Even if your club doesn’t have a formal communication position, you can make one. All organizations need positive publicity and outreach. Creating a new role also demonstrates initiative, which is a must-have trait for any prospective employee. 

Freelance

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business, then freelancing may be for you. To begin, you can sign up with platforms like Fiverr or LinkedIn’s new Marketplace. These websites allow you to advertise your communication services to potential clients. 
Another way to freelance is by reaching out to local businesses to see if they are interested in improving their brand images. Although you may not be paid, freelancing will allow you to build connections and bolster your portfolio. 

Complete classwork 

Yes, even classwork can showcase your PR skills and industry knowledge. Assignments for classes, such as public relations writing, can make noteworthy additions to your portfolio. Just make sure you tell employers that the content was made for classroom purposes.

Written by Blaine Bunch