My transition from the emerald isle to the fast-paced world of Scottish PR

BlogIntern Programme

Challenges and highlights of my first week at Holyrood PR

PR photograph of Sinead Donnelly, an intern at a Scottish PR agency, Holyrood PR

By Sinead Donnelly

THE FACT that it’s already week two of my four-week placement at Holyrood PR is hard to believe.

It feels like only yesterday that I was dragging myself out of bed at 6am and navigating Edinburgh public transport, all while my stomach was doing summersaults at the thought of starting my internship at Holyrood.

I’m an Irish journalism graduate undertaking my masters in Edinburgh and despite having already worked in a small Irish Public Relations agency, I was apprehensive about the thoughts of feeling out of my depth at an award-winning agency.

However, my initial fears dissipated the minute I stepped out of the library and into the office as the Holyrood team put me completely at ease.

The interview

Coming from Ireland, I had limited knowledge about any Scottish PR agencies before attending the meeting with the Holyrood team.

However, when researching Holyrood PR’s impressive website, I was intrigued by their diverse clients and numerous awards and successes.

So, after receiving a couple of other placement offers, I was thrilled when Holyrood offered me an internship with them shortly after the interview.

My time so far

In the short week I’ve been here I have:

  • Created coverage montages on Photoshop
  • Written text to go alongside clients’ videos
  • Created content for Eagle Couriers’ social media pages
  • Interviewed lovely clients over the phone and written comprehensive press releases
  • Conducted some interesting research regarding international press contacts for Nira Caledonia

Challenges

Photoshop has been one of the most challenging aspects of my internship so far and I really struggled to grasp the technicalities of the software at first.

However, after deleting an almost completed montage, nearly pulling my hair out and receiving a lot of patience and support from the team, I managed to complete the assigned montages and was pretty proud of my work.

PR photograph of Sinead Donnelly, an intern at a Scottish PR agency, Holyrood PR

Highlights

My highlight so far has definitely been writing a press release on behalf of Bield about a Valentine’s Day crafts session where a group of savvy tenants created stunning flower arrangements.

This story definitely pulled on the heartstrings as not all the tenants can participate in the crafts activities, with some suffering from arthritic fingers or from Multiple Sclerosis.

However, during the floral art session, everyone could get involved and it was lovely to be able to tell such a heartfelt story.

The team

The Holyrood team are extremely friendly, helpful, supportive as well as incredibly patient and inclusive. They are also exceptionally hard-working and enthusiastic about the telling stories of their amazing clients.

The office is dynamic and welcoming and even features regular visits from two adorable dogs, Maddy and Willow (who will happily put her head on your knee while you’re trying to work).

During my previous PR experience in Ireland, I generally worked on my own without much guidance or support and Holyrood has given me an insight into the importance of a dynamic team environment. It has been great to feel part of a team where everyone is grateful for your contribution.

The team are great at giving at feedback on where my work can improve, making the experience all the more valuable.

The coming weeks

I’m looking forward to any new task that I am assigned over the coming weeks and I’m sure the team will continue to keep me busy – meaning the days fly by!

I’m particularly excited about going out on a job with the talented in-house videographer, Seb, and learning more about the video elements of PR.

Most of all, I am excited about becoming more confident and capable in the fast-paced, exciting world of public relations and I’m sure this internship will enable me to achieve this!

Looking for an internship at a PR agency in Edinburgh?

Get in touch with us by filling out the short form below or send your CV to recruitment@holyroodpr.co.uk.

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