In the recent years of my career development, I have often wrestled with one question:
What would I really love to do in the future?
My name is Doreen Du, born in Paris and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. It’s been a pleasure to working as an intern in the School of Fashion Public Relations department for the past 10 weeks. Time flies when you’re having fun… and working hard! Sure, it’s one thing to hear everyone in the office is talented, diligent and supportive, but it’s amazing to experience it. So please sit back and take a breath as you get the inside scoop on what School of Fashion PR interns are actually doing.
As a graduate Fashion Merchandising major, I found an astounding lack of PR resources for entry-level professionals and still fewer comprehensive definitions of public relations as a field. To me accepting an editorial internship with the School of Fashion PR department was simultaneously thrilling and nerve-wracking.
The internship started in June; I cannot begin to describe how much I’ve learned in only two months. I’ve been given a hands-on role in operations with a chance to ask questions, get involved and build a portfolio of actual work by blogging on Fashion School Daily. Everyday at the office I am expanding my skill set and acquiring knowledge about the industry that I just can’t learn in the classroom!
About ninety percent of my work involves some type of writing or presentation creation on FSD and social media outlets, which means being detail oriented is not only an asset, it is a necessity. My experience has been nothing but welcoming and educational. This internship has provided me with more insight to this side of the industry, as well as endless opportunities and better communication skills to develop my abilities as an aspiring public relations professional.
In my own experience, PR has been a learn-as-you-go type of industry, requiring a quick mind, excellent attention to detail and a strong ability to multi-task. I would say lots of energy and a great attitude are a must! What I’ve learned in these past few months is irreplaceable, and will no doubt help to jumpstart my career.
To answer the question I posed at the beginning of this post— now I know that I love PR in and of itself—communicating and creating!
I believe that a major part of life is learning. A challenge keeps you fresh whether it’s learning new skills or learning about new industries. Currently, I am looking forward to the next internship, confident that I am building a solid foundation for a career in public relations.
Written by Doreen Du