25 Disadvantages of Being a Public Relations Intern (Coffee Runs Galore!)

Considering a career as a Public Relations intern?

It’s easy to get swept up in the glamour:

• Networking opportunities.
• Hands-on experience in the industry.
• The chance to craft compelling narratives for brands.

But let’s flip the coin.

Today, we’re delving deep. Really deep.

Into the arduous, the demanding, and the outright challenging aspects of being a Public Relations intern.

Cutthroat competition? Check.

Long hours with little pay? Quite likely.

Navigating the complexities of different clients’ demands? Absolutely.

And let’s not overlook the pressure of managing public perceptions.

So, if you’re considering stepping into the world of Public Relations, or simply curious about what’s behind those press releases and event launches…

Stay tuned.

You’re about to get an in-depth understanding of the disadvantages of being a Public Relations intern.

Low or No Compensation for Work Performed

As a Public Relations Intern, you may find that you are not adequately compensated for your work.

Many internships in the public relations field are unpaid, offering experience and exposure in lieu of a traditional salary.

Even those internships that do offer some form of payment often provide a stipend that is significantly lower than what full-time employees earn.

The expectation is that the knowledge and experience gained during the internship will compensate for the lack of financial remuneration.

However, this can be challenging for those who are financially independent or for those who have to support themselves while undertaking the internship.

This lack of income may require you to find additional ways to support yourself, such as part-time employment or loans.

 

Limited Authority in Decision-Making Processes

As a Public Relations Intern, you are at the bottom of the corporate hierarchy, which means you have limited authority in decision-making processes.

Your role primarily involves assisting the Public Relations team in executing strategies and campaigns.

While you are able to contribute ideas and suggestions, final decisions are typically made by senior team members or managers.

This lack of authority can sometimes be frustrating, especially when you feel you have a valuable contribution to make.

However, this experience can also provide valuable insight into the decision-making process, preparing you for future roles with more responsibility.

 

Potentially Menial Task Assignments and Lack of Challenging Work

As a public relations intern, you may often be given tasks that are more administrative in nature, such as filing press clippings, updating media lists, or scheduling social media posts.

These menial tasks, while necessary, may not provide the intellectual stimulation or challenge that one might seek in a professional role.

In addition, you may not always have the opportunity to participate in strategic decision-making processes or high-level project planning.

This lack of challenging work may lead to frustration or dissatisfaction, especially if you are looking to rapidly gain experience and advance your career in public relations.

However, these tasks are part of the learning process and can provide a solid foundation for understanding the basics of the industry.

 

Inconsistent Feedback and Guidance Leading to Unclear Professional Growth

In the role of a Public Relations Intern, one might face inconsistent feedback and guidance from superiors or colleagues.

As an intern, you are still learning the ropes of the industry and require regular feedback to improve.

However, in a busy PR environment, the seniors may not always have the time to provide detailed feedback on your work or guide you through your tasks.

This inconsistency can lead to confusion and uncertainty about your professional growth and performance.

You may not get a clear idea about your strengths and areas of improvement, which is crucial for your career advancement.

Moreover, this lack of guidance may also make it difficult for you to understand the industry dynamics and PR strategies, slowing down your learning process.

 

Long Hours Without Overtime Pay or Compensatory Benefits

As a public relations intern, you may be expected to work long hours especially during events, campaign launches or crisis management situations.

Unlike full-time employees, interns are often not entitled to overtime pay or benefits such as health insurance, paid leaves, and retirement plans.

Additionally, these demanding hours can often encroach upon personal time or academic responsibilities.

This is because PR is a field that operates around the clock, requiring the intern to be on their toes and available at all times.

However, it is important to note that this experience can provide a realistic insight into the demands of a career in public relations.

 

High Competition for Full-Time Positions Post-Internship

Public Relations is a highly sought-after field with a large number of aspiring professionals.

As a Public Relations intern, you may find yourself among many other interns all vying for the same full-time positions post-internship.

With the high level of competition, securing a full-time position with the company where you interned can be challenging.

This means that even after a successful internship, you may still have to spend significant time job hunting, networking, and possibly even interning again at another company to land a full-time role.

Not only can this be stressful, but it may also result in a longer period before achieving steady income and job security.

 

Need to Balance Internship Duties With Education Responsibilities

As a public relations intern, you are typically still in the process of completing your education.

This means that you will need to balance your internship duties with your academic responsibilities.

You may find yourself working on press releases, event planning, or research for your internship while also needing to study for exams, complete course assignments, and fulfill other educational obligations.

This can be challenging and may require you to develop strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

It can also lead to high stress levels, particularly during peak academic periods such as finals week.

This balancing act can be a substantial disadvantage, especially if your academic program is rigorous or demanding.

 

Potential for Minimal Exposure to Strategic Aspects of PR Work

Public Relations Interns may often find themselves being assigned routine, administrative tasks such as clipping news articles, monitoring social media, or helping to coordinate event logistics.

While these tasks are essential to the PR operations, they may not provide the intern with a complete understanding or exposure to the strategic aspects of PR work such as crisis management, strategic planning, or campaign development.

This could limit their learning and growth opportunities, leaving them unprepared for higher-level PR roles in the future.

Moreover, their creativity and strategic skills may not be fully utilized or developed during the internship period.

However, taking initiative and expressing interest in these areas could potentially lead to more diverse responsibilities.

 

Necessity of Quickly Adapting to Corporate Culture and Professional Etiquette

As a Public Relations intern, one of the key challenges you may face is the necessity to quickly adapt to the corporate culture and professional etiquette of your organization.

This may include understanding the company’s values, norms, behaviors, and expectations, as well as learning how to interact professionally with colleagues, clients, and media contacts.

The corporate culture may be substantially different from what you’re used to in the academic environment, which could make the transition difficult.

Furthermore, professional etiquette such as timely communication, maintaining confidentiality and respecting hierarchy can be initially overwhelming.

Mistakes or misunderstandings can lead to negative impacts on the company’s public image and relationships.

However, mastering these aspects can significantly enhance your professional growth and effectiveness in the role.

 

Limited Networking Opportunities Due to Junior Status

As a public relations intern, you may find that your networking opportunities are limited due to your junior status.

While you’ll undoubtedly be surrounded by industry professionals, you may not have the same opportunities as full-time employees to engage with them.

For example, you may not be invited to important meetings or events where you could meet influential people in the field.

Additionally, your work may primarily be overseen by a direct supervisor rather than higher-ups who could potentially serve as mentors.

This lack of exposure can limit your ability to form relationships and connections that could be beneficial for your future career in public relations.

 

Pressure to Perform Well in Short Time Frame to Secure Future Opportunities

As a public relations intern, you may face the challenge of demonstrating your capabilities and value to the company within a very short time frame.

Most internships last for a few months, and within this period, you’ll need to showcase your skills, adaptability, and commitment to the job.

This pressure to perform can be intense as your performance will likely impact the possibility of securing a permanent role within the company or obtaining a positive reference for future opportunities.

Furthermore, the competitive nature of the PR industry makes this even more challenging as there are often many interns vying for a limited number of positions.

Consequently, the ability to handle stress and work under pressure is an essential attribute for a public relations intern.

 

Inadequate Mentoring or Professional Development Opportunities

As a public relations intern, you might face a lack of adequate mentoring or professional development opportunities.

Due to the fast-paced nature of PR, senior professionals may not have the time or resources to properly guide and mentor interns.

This could mean you spend much of your time figuring things out on your own, which can be challenging and overwhelming.

In addition, the company might not have a structured professional development plan or resources to help you grow and improve your PR skills.

This can limit your learning and development during the internship, which can affect your readiness to take on a full-time PR role in the future.

 

Temporary Employment Status With No Job Security or Benefits

Public Relations Interns often face the uncertainty of temporary employment status.

This means that they are not guaranteed a job at the end of their internship, which can add stress and insecurity to their professional life.

In addition, as they are not full-time employees, they usually do not receive employment benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid vacation days.

This lack of job security and benefits can pose financial challenges and may not provide the desired stability for those looking to establish themselves in a long-term career.

Furthermore, the competition for full-time positions in Public Relations can be intense, adding to the pressure of securing a job after the internship period.

 

Expectation to Learn With Little or No Formal Training

Public Relations Interns are often expected to learn on the job with little or no formal training.

They may be thrown into situations where they are expected to perform tasks and activities without having been properly trained or briefed.

This can create a steep learning curve, adding stress to an already challenging role.

In addition, this lack of formal training can result in mistakes or mishaps that could have been avoided with proper instruction.

While this method can foster independence and problem-solving skills, it can also lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration.

Therefore, it’s crucial for interns to be proactive in seeking guidance and clarity when needed.

 

Juggling Multiple Tasks With Sometimes Vague Instructions

Working as a Public Relations Intern often involves handling multiple tasks at once.

These tasks can range from drafting press releases, coordinating events, to maintaining media lists, and more.

Each of these tasks requires different skills and attention to detail, making it a challenging role.

Furthermore, instructions given may not always be clear and concise.

Interns may be expected to figure out many things on their own, which can be stressful and overwhelming.

This lack of clarity can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes, which can potentially affect the image of the company.

This role demands a high level of adaptability, organization, and problem-solving skills.

 

Risk of Being Treated as Expendable Rather Than Integral to the Team

As a Public Relations Intern, there is a risk of being treated as expendable rather than an integral part of the team.

Despite the fact that interns are there to learn and gain experience, some companies may view them as temporary or less valuable than full-time employees.

Interns may not be given meaningful tasks or opportunities to contribute significantly to projects.

Instead, they may be assigned routine administrative tasks, such as photocopying, filing, or answering phones, which may not provide them with the valuable PR experience they are seeking.

This can limit their learning and professional growth.

Moreover, because of their temporary status, they may not be included in team meetings or decision-making processes, which could make them feel disconnected or undervalued.

 

Uncertainty of Career Path Advancement Within the Organization

As a Public Relations Intern, there’s a significant level of uncertainty regarding career path advancement within the organization.

While internships provide valuable experience and insight into the PR industry, they do not always guarantee a permanent position within the same organization.

Interns may often find themselves at the end of their internship period without a clear direction or offer for advancement within the company.

This uncertainty can be stressful, as it may require beginning a new job search or possibly accepting another temporary internship.

It also means that despite gaining industry experience, interns may still face challenges in securing a long-term position.

 

Possible Strain on Personal Resources Due to Unpaid Position

Public Relations internships are often unpaid, especially in the initial stages.

This can put a significant strain on personal resources as individuals need to cover their living costs, transport, and other necessities.

Interns may need to work part-time jobs or rely on savings or family support to manage their expenses during the internship period.

This can be especially challenging for those who move to expensive cities for their internships or those who don’t have a financial safety net.

The unpaid nature of the role can also limit opportunities for those who can’t afford to work for free, leading to a lack of diversity in the field.

 

Encounter With Workplace Politics as a Newcomer to the Field

As a Public Relations Intern, you may find yourself in the midst of workplace politics even as a newcomer to the field.

Navigating the power dynamics and interpersonal relationships within a company can be challenging, especially when you are still trying to learn the ropes of the profession.

You may experience situations where you have to manage conflicting interests, make decisions under pressure, or handle sensitive information.

This can be particularly tough as an intern, as you are still building your understanding of the industry and the organization.

However, these experiences can also provide valuable lessons in diplomacy and strategic thinking, which are crucial skills in the field of public relations.

 

Challenge in Gaining Tangible and Impactful Experience

As a Public Relations Intern, gaining meaningful and impactful experience can be a challenge.

As an intern, you may often be tasked with administrative duties such as answering phone calls, scheduling meetings, or maintaining the media contact list.

While these tasks are important and provide a foundation for understanding the PR landscape, they may not offer the valuable, hands-on experience with strategic planning, campaign development, or crisis management that is crucial in a full-time PR role.

It can be difficult to prove your abilities and grow your skills when you are not given the opportunity to work on more substantial projects.

This lack of tangible experience may limit your ability to transition into a more senior role within public relations.

 

Difficulty Managing Workload During Peak Event or Campaign Seasons

Working in public relations often involves managing multiple tasks at once, and this can become extremely challenging during peak event or campaign seasons.

As an intern, you are expected to assist with all aspects of a campaign, including research, planning, execution, and follow-up.

This can mean long hours and high-stress situations where you are juggling multiple tasks with tight deadlines.

Furthermore, as an intern, you might not have the experience or skills yet to manage such a workload efficiently.

This can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and burnt out.

However, it can also provide a valuable learning experience and an opportunity to develop strong time management and organizational skills.

 

Exposure to Client Confidentiality and Sensitivity Requirements Without Previous Experience

Public Relations Interns are often thrown into the deep end when it comes to client confidentiality and sensitivity requirements.

PR agencies deal with a variety of clients, each with their own set of rules and regulations around privacy and confidentiality.

Interns are expected to learn and adhere to these rules quickly, without any prior experience.

This can be a challenge as mistakes can lead to serious consequences, such as loss of client trust or even legal repercussions.

Additionally, PR Interns may also need to handle sensitive client information or delicate situations which require a high level of professionalism and discretion.

This can be stressful for someone new to the industry, trying to learn the ropes while also maintaining the utmost confidentiality and sensitivity.

 

Limited Access to High-Level Strategic Meetings and Industry Events

As a Public Relations Intern, you may not have the opportunity to participate in high-level strategic meetings or attend industry events.

These are often reserved for senior team members who have more experience and a deeper understanding of the company and its clients.

This can limit your exposure to the strategic decision-making process and important networking opportunities.

Your role might be confined to administrative tasks, preparing press releases, and assisting with social media content.

Although you would be gaining experience and learning the ropes of the industry, you may feel that you are not fully immersed in the core operations of public relations.

 

Intellectual Property Concerns When Contributing Creative Ideas

As a Public Relations Intern, one may be expected to contribute creative ideas and content for campaigns or promotional strategies.

However, there can be intellectual property concerns associated with these contributions.

The work you create as part of your internship may legally belong to the company you’re interning for, not you.

This means that even though you may have originated the idea or content, you may not have the legal rights to use or reproduce it elsewhere, limiting your ability to showcase your work in a personal portfolio or use it in future endeavors.

Furthermore, without legal protection or proper credit, there’s also a risk of your ideas being used without your acknowledgement, which can be disheartening for aspiring PR professionals.

 

Facing a Steep Learning Curve in Fast-Paced PR Environments

As a Public Relations Intern, you may often find yourself in a highly dynamic and fast-paced environment.

The PR industry is ever-evolving, with new trends, tactics, and technologies emerging regularly.

Interns are expected to keep up with these changes and adapt quickly, which can be a daunting task.

On top of that, you are likely to be juggling multiple projects at once, requiring you to learn quickly and effectively manage your time.

While this steep learning curve can be challenging, it also offers a valuable opportunity to gain a wide range of skills and experience in a short amount of time.

However, it can also lead to stress and burnout if not properly managed.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

A candid exploration into the pitfalls of being a public relations intern.

It’s not just about press releases and glamorous events.

It’s rigorous work. It’s commitment. It’s maneuvering through a labyrinth of demanding tasks and high-pressure situations.

But it’s also about the satisfaction of a successful campaign.

The joy of seeing your client in the headlines.

The thrill of knowing you played a role in shaping public perception.

Yes, the journey is challenging. But the rewards? They can be phenomenal.

If you’re nodding along, thinking, “Yes, this is the challenge I’ve been looking for,” we’ve got something more for you.

Dive into our comprehensive guide on the reasons to become a public relations intern.

If you’re prepared to embrace both the peaks and the valleys…

To learn, to evolve, and to excel in this dynamic industry…

Then perhaps, just perhaps, a career in public relations is for you.

So, take the leap.

Investigate, immerse, and innovate.

The world of public relations awaits.

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