From the Intern’s Desk: A Summer With Irvin PR

Interning at Irvin PR has been one of the most influential experiences of my life. Not only did I meet media professionals, gain industry experience, and enhance my communication skills, I was part of a team that genuinely cares about the work they do. The staff at Irvin PR wholeheartedly embodies what it means to positively contribute to the community. 

What I Gained from the Experience 

I will carry the skills I’ve learned during my time at Irvin PR for the rest of my life. I learned the value of professionalism and authenticity. It matters how you present yourself and your company. I learned by example the importance of always being on time, being prepared, and being true to yourself. No one at Irvin PR is trying to be someone they’re not. Everyone puts their best foot forward, and I learned to do the same.

I also learned the power of networking. Specifically, watching Sarah develop and foster meaningful, genuine relationships with our clients was astonishing. Seeing how much our clients love and respect her taught me that genuine relationships are the backbone of any company, and they are one of the many keys to success.

I also learned that every role within a company is important. Everyone might not have the same skills, experiences, opinions, or methods, but everyone is equally necessary. Irvin PR wouldn’t exist without Sarah’s insight and Audrey’s persistence. Dan’s unique lens and knowledge of communication show that everyone has different yet important perspectives. We need Lydia’s innovative ideas and Justin’s extensive knowledge of broadcast journalism. Irvin PR’s socials wouldn’t be the same without Mia’s expertise and Steph’s creativity. I can’t imagine where the team would be without Leah’s graphic design abilities. Even I, the intern, felt like I contributed to this team. Every person’s role is needed.

Lastly, I learned the importance of believing in myself and my abilities. This was my first internship, and the experience was daunting at times. There were assignments I didn’t fully understand, jargon I’d never heard of, and tasks I didn’t think I could complete. However, with some confidence and support from the team, I made it through the experience. I’m not perfect, but I learned so much, and the journey taught me how important it is to be confident in my abilities.

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

The most important valuable lesson I learned at Irvin PR is to not be afraid to take a leap of faith. Yes, it’s corny, but it’s true. In January 2025, after being rejected from every internship I applied to, I decided to email a member of Irvin PR and ask if they had room for a summer intern. It was a long shot, and I honestly wasn’t expecting a response, but I had to try. Much to my surprise, Irvin PR got back to me quickly. We met for coffee, exchanged a few more emails, and soon I was meeting with the entire team. I had landed my first internship. If I hadn’t gotten out of my comfort zone and sent that email, who knows where I would’ve ended up this summer. I learned that sometimes you must be uncomfortable in order to grow.

The Day-to-Day

Irvin PR, especially Audrey, did a great job arranging this internship. I learned many different aspects of PR and communication thanks to the team’s thorough planning. The most helpful elements of this internship were the workplan, getting firsthand experience in the field, and the trainings. Having a comprehensive list of my assignments for the summer helped me stay on task and strategically work toward my goals.

Firsthand experience with the media was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. Waking up between 5 and 6 a.m. for morning live shots with local TV news stations was tough but worth it. Watching live reports, seeing how we contribute to the media’s process, and experiencing such influential events like Susan G. Komen Columbus Race for the Cure and the Columbus Arts Festival was incredible.

Lastly, the team established one-on-one trainings for me to learn about the various skills used at Irvin PR. I took a deep-dive into the best practices of strategy, influencer relations, media reporting and more. Learning from professionals about different aspects of PR was incredibly beneficial. Because each person at Irvin PR has unique skill sets, I gained a well-rounded understanding of how PR works. It also helped me learn about my coworkers and how they distinctively contribute to the company.

Worth the Work

Irvin PR is unique because of its commitment to amplifying the good. Being able to work with companies that care about marginalized groups, the city of Columbus, and the greater good is such a blessing. It proved that there are companies that genuinely care about the work they do and the people they help along the way.

Irvin PR is also committed to innovation. The staff isn’t just focused on the here and now, but on the future as well. There is a culture of constantly learning and improving your skills for the benefit of yourself, the company, and the clients. There is no room for remaining stagnant at Irvin PR and everyone is open to learning from each other. Even as an intern, I felt like my opinions, insights, and experiences were valued by every member of the team.

 Irvin PR has given me the best internship experience I could have asked for, and I’ll forever be grateful to work for this firm. This internship helped me sharpen my communication skills, network, gain confidence, and step out of my comfort zone.

To anyone searching for an internship, my best piece of advice is to find a company you believe in. Find a company that welcomes you unconditionally, contributes to the greater good, and cares about its employees and community. Irvin PR did all of these things exceptionally, and this opportunity has been nothing short of amazing.