My first glimpse into the world of PR

My first week and first placement at Holyrood PR was the rescue I needed from lockdown.

By Lauren Del Fabbro

GRADUATING in July, the imposter syndrome hit hard. I felt confused about my future and unsure of where I would be in the next few months.

Looking to get some writing and public relations experience, I found Holyrood PR’s one-month internship. With a website flooded with positive experiences, I was eager to see for myself what it could be like.

With Edinburgh going under stricter lockdown measures, I was relieved to see that the internship was not cancelled but rather would be done remotely.

Although not as exciting not meeting the team in person, it certainly cuts the commute, giving me a good extra half hour to sleep in – the perks of working from home.

From day one, I knew the previous interns’ blog posts were spot on. With a team that involves you from the start, I was busy jumping from project to project, getting a real first-hand experience of the PR world.

My first three days I spent working for various clients, writing and brainstorming social media content for CALA Homes and Scottish Water, strategizing hotel engagement for Ten Hill Place by Surgeons Quarter, and writing a press release for Mackie’s of Scotland.

Learning something new every day, I’m was amazed at how the days went by so quickly, with a new task right around the corner.

As an unemployed, confused graduate amidst a pandemic, these are the sort of days I was desperate for: busy, stimulating, and full of new experiences.

With regular emails, check in’s and daily morning calls to review everyone’s daily tasks, I’m amazed the Holyrood PR team still has time to brief me on my next assignment – taking time out to give tutorials, explain programs, and outline client objectives.

Feeling very supported, it’s clear to me that by default, Holyrood PR values every employee with the same level of trust, respect, and support.

I feel very lucky to be working with such wonderful people, and only five days in feeling a little bitter sweet that this role is temporary. Striving to meet the quality Holyrood PR produces every day, I feel this internship was exactly what I needed to get my energy and drive back.