As I finish up my last few weeks as an intern at The Hoffman Agency, I have been reflecting on the transformative experiences I’ve had in the last three months. My journey as an intern has been filled with a mix of emotions and opportunities. I am grateful for the growth it has brought me personally and professionally.
Starting at a new company can be intimidating, especially as an intern straight out of college entering the professional world.
The unknowns made me anxious, but it quickly became clear that the team’s support and dedication to my development were top of mind.
In a short time, I have absorbed a lot about the industry but feel I have only touched the surface. I have learned that strong and positive communication is crucial in public relations, both internally with the Hoffman team and client-facing. I now understand why mutual relationships are important for creating trust and respect.
Additionally, the skill of growing by learning from others is vital for personal development. Everyone has a unique skill set, and contributing those perspectives in discussions helps to create something great. An essential part of this process is being open to other’s ideas and being prepared to share your own.
What I valued most about The Hoffman Agency internship program was the immersive approach, doing hands-on work from day one. The fast-paced environment and responsibilities accelerated my learning and team integration. This unique integration allowed me to soak up and learn more than I ever thought possible.
Throughout my journey, I never felt alone because of the constant encouragement I received from my team members and team leads.
Everyone is on your team, and the company only wants to see you grow and succeed.
The day I started the internship, I received a piece of advice that sticks with me to this day and that is to believe in myself and view mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks, to learn from your wrongs and not be discouraged to try again. Embracing this mindset has allowed me to reflect on my journey and remain open to growing and learning from the environment and people around me.
If I had one piece of advice to give someone starting in tech PR, I would tell them to embrace taking risks. Your growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone and voicing new ideas. You are not going to grow from staying quiet or playing it safe. Confidently tackle challenges and ask for help when you need it. In a rapidly evolving industry, new perspectives matter and contributing to that is a reward in itself.
