STRAIGHT FROM THE PR INTERN'S MOUTH

If you told me 6 months ago that I would still be an intern today I wouldn’t have believed you for a second. As a recent DePaul grad living in Chicago I expected the next chapter of my life to begin instantly with a fabulous new career in public relations. The reality is I’m still an intern.

Don’t get me wrong, I love being “the intern.” I’ve learned more in the past few months than I did sitting in the classroom for the past few years. I’m grateful for the people I’ve met along the way and the experiences I get to be a part of. Throughout this journey I’ve gained the knowhow, work ethic and confidence in becoming the successful publicist I know I can be.

3 Things I’ve learned: 1.) Intern, intern, and intern some more! 2.) Be persistent and fight hard for what you want, because if you don’t someone else will. 3.) Relationships are everything, especially in PR. Network like it’s your job, even on your day off.

In closing, two quotes from the creators of WhoWhatWear.com:

“Be humble and hungry, there are no tasks that are “beneath” you. Execute every job perfectly and treat everyone respectfully because the industry is small and memories last forever.” - Hillary Kerr

“Be prepared to work hard along the way. Harder than you even knew it was possible.” - Katherine Power

Ashley Kime Intern at Zapwater since October 2011