MediaSource: Not Your Stereotypical Internship
1/28/2010 11:16:24 AM

By Lindsay Wiese, Media Relations Intern

For years, internships have been an excellent gateway for a college student to enter the professional world. (Not to mention it gives them an opportunity to begin stocking up on business clothes!) Unfortunately throughout the years, certain stereotypes have crept up that give internships a bad name, such as:

-An intern’s only job is to fetch coffee for everyone in the office (extra hot, extra foam, sugar-free, soy latte, please!).
-Interns will spend the majority of time stalking people on Facebook. Why? Because the work they are given seems unimportant, and in that case, Facebook trumps all.
-Interns’ work will be changed and edited until they begin to question if they created that document or their boss did.

I’ll admit that stereotypes have to stem from somewhere. There are probably people reading this saying, “Yep. That sounds exactly like my internship experience.” I’m here to tell you, however, that my internship with MediaSource is not stereotypical.

I have been a media relations intern for MediaSource for several months, but I knew after the first week that I was gaining valuable experience. For example, I learned how to make the world’s best cup of coffee (kidding)!

In all seriousness, here’s what I learned so far:
1. Although I’ve learned at least once a quarter since college started how to write a press release, traditional press releases aren’t the only tool used in the professional, public relations world. Luckily I’ve been given the opportunity to learn how to pitch to journalists and bloggers in a more personal way. I now know what types of pitches work and get results, and which ones will more than likely be deleted with just a glance.

2. These days with multiple channels of communication existing, it is important to know the ins-and-outs of each communication medium. With MediaSource tackling television, social media, print and radio, I have had the opportunity to observe and work with a wide range of communication tools.

3. Social networking sites are huge right now, and they should be! Learning to use these sites to their full capacity will make your work easier as a PR professional (and, FYI: Twitter is here to stay.)

4. Be open to advice from your coworkers and ask them for ideas! I have watched over the months as the people around me casually throw out ideas and appreciate the feedback they receive. It’s important to check your ego at the door and take advantage of the talent in your office.
 
5. Offer your own ideas. I may be an intern and I may be young, but I still have good ideas. There have been multiple occasions where I have come up with new ideas for MediaSource that have been implemented. Therefore it’s important to be proactive, not reactive (I just sounded like my communication professor).

Professional experience is one of the most important things you can gain throughout your college career, so make sure your internship is worthwhile. All that said:

Yes, I get coffee- when I’m craving it along with my coworkers.
Yes, I check Facebook- when I’m doing research for MediaSource regarding social networking.
Yes, my work gets edited but only to help me make it better.

P.S. Word on the street is that MediaSource is looking for a summer intern! Interested? E-mail Marti Leitch for details!