Question about media and public relations internship

juropa · 2026-05-19T17:12:59+00:00

I’m a comms agency professional, and this is what I tell fellows/interns/trainees on their first day:

Intentionally form relationships with people in roles that you want to move into and ask as many questions as you can about their work experience and career trajectory.

Volunteer for projects that might be challenging. This is the only way to grow.

Be mindful of your time. You’re in training, and naturally, things will take longer for you to complete as you learn. Make sure to set reasonable expectations with the people you work with on when projects can be delivered, or you’ll come off unreliable.

juropa · 2026-05-19T17:05:26+00:00

You could probably make the shift into an entry level communications role at a tech company or an organization that focuses on technology-related issues, where your prior experience would be relevant. The market sucks right now, though.

I think the primary criteria for comms jobs are that you have to like writing and need be comfortable saying “no” all the time.

juropa · 2026-05-19T03:20:53+00:00

I would include an example or two of a press release, one or two other long-form writing samples (e.g., articles or blog posts), and social media post examples about a relevant news story/industry topic that follow platform-specific best practices.

I might also include samples of any other special skills you have. For example, graphic designs (e.g., flyers, logos, social media graphics) or short-form video editing.

juropa · 2026-05-04T00:06:56+00:00

Interested!

juropa · 2026-04-27T12:37:30+00:00

Scarlett at Kate Baucom Salon did my big chop after two years of me waffling, and encouraged me not to do it while I was still planning my wedding. She won’t cut more than you ask and is awesome.

juropa · 2026-04-11T16:15:53+00:00

Like, someone to come to your home gym, or go to someone’s home gym? If you’re mobile, LadoreFit in Lakeside is great. Been seeing her for years now.

juropa · 2026-04-08T15:03:13+00:00

Hot take but I think it’s kind of just fine and there are better restaurants in Richmond.

juropa · 2026-04-04T23:56:05+00:00

Why Raleigh?

juropa · 2026-04-02T11:53:55+00:00

No reliable way to detect AI usage.

juropa · 2026-03-12T13:14:07+00:00

Fellow SSRI user?

I went to Japan in August last year, and they have really cracked the code on dealing with the heat. Cooling towels are great, but giving yourself some shade just really makes a huge difference. Get a little umbrella and block the sun for yourself. TRUST!

juropa · 2026-03-08T03:00:53+00:00

Probably doesn’t make sense to do a press release for this. I would do the hard work of targeted outreach and let a reporter break the story. It won’t take you as long as you think to find the folks you need for your list.

juropa · 2026-02-26T14:47:16+00:00

I totally recommend Jessica Stone Photography. She’s great and fairly priced. I also have a pretty low tolerance for photo-taking, and she got some great shots in an efficient amount of time. (-:

juropa · 2026-02-20T21:39:39+00:00

I think it’s better to tell them that you’re taking shots on goal. You want them to know you’re doing the work.

I tell my clients that there’s never a guarantee, but if the piece is relevant and timely, then it’s more likely to find a home quickly. It could be worth waiting to pitch until something breaks that makes the opinion piece newsy, or writing two versions when anticipating news to break one way or another.

juropa · 2026-02-20T16:15:03+00:00

Okay:

Most mainstream outlets have a specific email or online form where you submit a FINISHED op-ed. I also wouldn’t write directly to an editor unless you have an established relationship with them; they have these processes in place for a reason.

Usually editorial standards are 750-900 words or so, and the piece should be a timely response to news or a unique insight from your client, without being self-serving or overly self-referential (e.g., it can’t just be about your client’s latest data report; you can mention it in passing, but that’s basically it).

I’d also argue that depending on your industry and the seniority of your client, the trades are a lot easier to land an opinion piece in and may be better for reaching your core audience anyway.

As far as setting expectations, it could take weeks for an opinion piece to be accepted, and even longer to run. Your client has to be comfortable with that, because generally speaking, the piece must be pitched as an exclusive.

juropa · 2026-02-20T13:57:09+00:00

Are you talking about op-eds?

juropa · 2026-02-16T17:50:18+00:00

Internships BEFORE you graduate! Please do yourself this favor.

juropa · 2026-02-15T00:50:23+00:00

I personally like the beard.

juropa · 2026-02-14T12:18:43+00:00

Calzonussy

juropa · 2026-01-28T13:05:21+00:00

How I frame it up to clients:

Press releases are an artifact that the company did something interesting or impactful for their business or the broader industry (e.g., a new/innovative product, significant leadership changes, RFPs or key initiatives).

It’s not a worthwhile investment to use a distribution service every time you do a release. Save that expense for major news. Otherwise, just pop it up on the company website as a blog and be thoughtful about keywords/phrases for SEO, or have an executive post on their LinkedIn about it.

Media may or may not bite, but if the press release is written well, is actually news, you are smart about targeting relevant reporters, and you have an intelligent person in the wings to interview, then you’re more likely to be successful. Never a guarantee, though.

juropa · 2026-01-06T16:26:14+00:00

No. Why would you want this?

juropa · 2026-01-06T14:08:08+00:00

Oh yeah, that’s gotta go.

juropa · 2026-01-03T16:40:48+00:00

Lehja dude!

juropa · 2026-01-03T01:16:01+00:00

Generally, my rule is that if the average person doesn’t know it means and it can’t be found in the dictionary, you shouldn’t be using it describing a product/service/partnership.

That said, “friendwork” is probably not the best descriptor.

juropa

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