A glimpse of PR

I have been interested in a career in marketing for the last few years, but was unsure of the specific work it entailed. So, when I was offered a week’s work experience with Target PR, I was extremely excited! To apply the skills I’ve learnt at school into a work environment, and see first-hand the ins-and-outs of a PR agency was a wonderful and enjoyable opportunity.

I am currently a Sixth Form student at Pate’s Grammar School in Cheltenham, and with no previous experience in PR, I was quite nervous at the start of the week. However, the whole team were very friendly and helpful, and I soon felt comfortable.

After a tour of the office, and an introductory talk from Sarah Bryars (CEO of Target PR), in which she clarified the role of PR in building businesses’ reputations, it was straight down to work...

From the start of the week, I was kept busy on a number of different tasks for large and well known clients such as Specsavers and ADEY. My days often started with reading newspapers to get a feel for how to write articles, as well as to check for any relevant news on clients. From logging data, to conducting research, and even sitting in on a conference call, I was continually learning about how a PR agency works from day to day.

As well as this, I was even given the opportunity to draft a number of press releases on charity events and competitions run by clients, and received feedback on each one. This was very useful in allowing me to hone my writing skills, and I could feel myself improving, and getting faster at writing releases throughout the week.

Now that I am at the end of my week with Target, I can definitely say that my time here has made me interested in pursuing a career in PR. The tasks I was given provided me with valuable experience about working in PR, while Sarah also offered me extremely helpful advice on the different routes into the industry.

Thank you to everyone at Target for providing me with this wonderful opportunity!

Roxana Mulcahy
Sixth Form student

A week in the life of a Target PR intern

No matter what you’re taught at university in terms of theory, practice and knowledge, I believe you don’t really start learning until you’re in a working environment and gaining hands-on experience - something I have always been eager to do. When I was offered the chance to work with Target, it was something I was very much looking forward to.

Now, coming to the end of my work experience placement with Target, I reflect on my week.

Arriving on Tuesday, I was filled with pre-placement nerves. Still in my first year studying Public Relations and Communications at Leeds Metropolitan University, I really didn’t know what to expect. But, there was no reason for me to have been worried. From the moment I arrived I was made to feel very welcome. After meeting everybody and having a tour of the office, it was straight into work.

Working on behalf of a number of clients including Specsavers, Cotswold Outdoor and ADEY, my week has consisted of a variety of tasks. These included checking newspapers for relevant articles, drafting press releases, conducting research, and helping to create a newsletter. I also sat in a discussion for a campaign which I found very interesting as I was able to see the thought process and different ideas bounce off one another in the office.

Throughout the week, I have been able to gain insight into the PR industry and how a PR agency operates. I feel that the team at Target has given me valuable experience and feedback which I will use constructively to help me both within my studies and in the future.

After an enjoyable week, I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity and I would love to come back to such a lovely agency.

A huge thank you to everyone at Target!

Jess Collier
PR student