What I Learned While Working as a Public Relations Intern

Finding an internship opportunity during the pandemic was a challenge. Seeing news of layoffs here and there, I initially thought that internship opportunities for students might also be scarce. After searching for internship openings at public relations agencies, I finally came across Media Buffet PR. Without hesitation, I sent my application to this top PR agency in Jakarta and went through the interview process, including a post-interview test. The process moved very quickly. Just one day later, I received an email—yes, I was accepted! I feel blessed to be part of the team!

Amid the pandemic, I had to get used to working from home. At Media Buffet, everything from client meetings and progress updates to event execution is done online via video conferencing platforms like Google Meet, Zoom, and BlueJeans. Early in my internship, I had the opportunity to assist with online press briefings for Likee and Mobile Legends: Bang-Bang.

This was my first valuable experience. I expect to learn even more from here on out.

Life at Media Buffet

“Everyone’s voice is heard, including interns”

As an intern at Media Buffet Public Relations, my thoughts are valued and taken into consideration. For instance, during daily meetings, we often discuss the hottest news stories and analyze them from a public relations perspective. Not wanting to be left out, I put my skills to the test by sharing my perspective. No one judges me.

Another enjoyable aspect is when I’m involved in developing strategies for clients. It’s not uncommon for me to suggest ideas that I think are suitable and realistic to complement the proposed strategies—such as increasing brand awareness or simply suggesting small details like ideas for digital content.

Overall, being a Public Relations intern is fun. Throughout my internship, I learned several things that I eventually turned into strategies—and hopes—for achieving the best possible outcomes after graduating from Media Buffet.

1.) Setting personal goals

During the interview, Mas Bima said, “Everyone at Media Buffet is expected to keep learning, both inside and outside the office.” Those words really inspired me and made me want to use this internship as a learning opportunity. So I began setting goals to hone the PR skills I’d learned theoretically from my professors at college—such as drafting press releases, developing PR proposals, and analyzing problems quickly.

2.) Ask, ask, and ask

As an intern, it’s natural to fear making mistakes while working on tasks assigned by consultants. However, that fear should actually serve as a driving force for interns to explore things they haven’t yet understood or known. I often asked consultants to clarify instructions whose purpose wasn’t clear, both to minimize errors and to learn.

In my free time, I also frequently ask the consultants questions about the PR world, such as how to build good relationships with journalists, how to plan a PR career after graduation, and what skills are most in demand in the PR industry today.

3.) Maintaining good communication with teammates

While working from home, the consultants at Media Buffet stay in active communication with one another through WhatsApp groups, video conferences, and phone calls to stay updated on work. The same goes for interns who need guidance from their supervisors. I usually discuss with consultants what tasks need to be completed and keep them updated on my progress.

4.) Embracing the Kaizen Spirit

During the interview, as a prospective intern, I asked about the office’s work culture. Such questions are a natural part of a prospective intern’s curiosity to prepare themselves if they’re successful in joining the team. Eventually, I learned that Media Buffet embraces the Kaizen spirit in its work.

Kaizen comes from Japanese and means “change for the better.” Sure enough, this is reflected in how Media Buffet consistently conducts both small and large evaluations after completing a task and is determined to do better the next day. I’ve adopted this spirit myself. If I make a mistake today, I strive to do better tomorrow. Even though I often work from home, this Kaizen spirit must remain a priority.

Last but not least, even though this internship is entirely online, the experience and lessons learned in the professional world of PR are still invaluable—and the many new challenges make your internship experience even more memorable!

Going to Cikini and Encountering a Ghost

Running through an alley while lifting my skirt

Hopefully these tips can help

Ready for your internship? Let’s rock!