While approaching my final year of university, I had the scare I’m sure many students have experienced: I realised I didn’t have enough work experience. Although I had some experience under my belt, I realised it wasn’t enough to succeed in a competitive graduate market. I was acutely aware that I was going to struggle finding a paid internship in Cardiff on my own, so I opted for the university’s on-campus internship scheme. I applied for a PR & Communications Engagement Intern role at Media Cymru, but to be frank, I didn’t think I would get the role.
To my surprise, I was offered an interview, and a few weeks later, I received an email offering me the role!
I began the internship in June, initially terrified that it would be a demanding role – something far beyond my capabilities. However, when I arrived on my first day, the Media Cymru team were incredibly welcoming. From the outset, my supervisor, Jess, made it clear that she wanted me to make the most of this experience, and so I did. Within the first two weeks, I got the opportunity to write copy for social media for Media Cymru’s Innovation Campaign, update the PR database, attend multiple events, and attempt to write a press release for Sugar Creative, a leading UK-based creative innovation studio.
Throughout the course of the internship, I got to speak to multiple members of Media Cymru’s talented team, who were extremely welcoming and open. They shared so much great career advice and valuable industry insight – and even now, they still keep in touch, which really means a lot. I also got the chance to meet the Creative Cardiff team, who were just as inspiring and supportive.
I completed various other tasks throughout the internship, including writing an article for the Creative Cardiff website about my experience at the BBC Cymru Wales tour, and I even began drafting a PR campaign for Media Cymru’s end-of-programme showcase. When reflecting on my time as an intern at Media Cymru, it is safe to say I gained so much experience and a real glimpse into the world of PR.
Don’t get me wrong, I did face some challenges. Alongside this internship, I worked as a bartender at a local Cardiff pub, meaning I often only had one day off a week. This also meant I was unable to go home to visit my family or friends all summer, which I often felt guilty about. Despite being a student at Cardiff for almost three years now, it wasn’t until this summer that I truly felt at home at Cardiff. I made so many new friends and industry connections through this experience, and I wouldn’t have spent my summer any other way.
This internship opened so many doors for me both professionally and personally, and I am fortunate enough to say that I will now be working as a Marketing Assistant at Sŵn Festival, Cardiff’s annual multi-venue music festival, an opportunity I likely would not have been considered for before this internship.
So, there are many bits of advice I would like to share with fellow students in light of my experience. Firstly, always apply for every opportunity, even if you may think you aren’t qualified enough. I had my hesitations about applying for this role, but I went for it anyway — and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Also, push yourself out of your comfort zone. Beginning a new job and an internship in the same week was definitely daunting, especially given that I’m often uncomfortable meeting new people, but stepping into that unfamiliar space helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect.
This turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my degree, and looking back, I’m glad I took the chance.
Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash