PR isn’t just about strategy or clever campaigns — it’s about connecting ideas with action.
As a communications student at BYU — and now as an intern — I’ve studied the theories behind effective messaging. But what really matters is how those lessons translate into the real world.
That’s where your business comes in. If you’re hiring interns or recent grads, it helps to understand how we’ve been trained to think, collaborate and communicate — and how that can add value to your team.
As a business owner, this is VITAL to understand when hiring recent grads or interns.
So instead of saying “Here’s my journey,” let’s say this:
“Here’s what today’s PR students are learning — and how knowing that will make it mutually beneficial.”
From Theory to Practice: What PR Programs Actually Teach
Today’s PR students are diving into more than just textbooks. We’re learning to:
- Write messaging that connects and moves people.
- Use research to shape strategy (not just support it).
- Listen first — then speak with clarity and purpose.
- Use design not just for aesthetics, but to enhance meaning.
You may not need to know what classes we take, but you should know this: students entering the workforce are learning to balance data, empathy, creativity and strategy — and apply it all to real-world work.
Yes, more than ever, we’re ready to hit the ground running.
What That Means for You
Whether you’re working in PR or just trying to improve your company’s communication, even recent or soon-to-be PR grads understand the need to shift from “me-focused” to “audience-focused.”
If you’re not currently doing that, are you open to input from someone just beginning their work career?
If I were working for you, here’s how I would analyze your communications:
- Does your messaging lead with benefits, not bios?
- Do the visuals support the message, not distract from it?
- Is the strategy built around real people — not just platforms?
Interns Aren’t Just Observers Anymore
If you do work with interns (now or in the future), know this: they’re not just watching — they’re trained to contribute immediately. They’re learning how to spot gaps, offer new perspectives, and bring energy to the table.
That’s not a sales pitch — it’s just where the field is heading.
Are you thinking about hiring an intern? Do you want to make the internship truly impactful? If so, then here are five tips for making hiring an intern a true win-win experience:
- Treat interns like real team members. Don’t just assign us donut and coffee runs. Let us contribute, ask questions, and see how our work makes a difference. Even better, help us see how our work helps the company achieve its overall strategic objectives.
- Offer mentorship, not micromanagement. Help us grow by guiding us, not hovering. (You’ll especially traumatize those who may have been raised by helicopter parents.) Offer feedback for both improvement and acknowledgment of success.
- Give context. Explaining the “why” behind tasks makes the learning stick — and helps us deliver better results. Don’t expect us to blindly follow.
- Let us share ideas. Even if we’re new, our input can be valuable, especially when you want a Gen Z take on messaging or social media platforms.
- Stay connected after the internship. A former intern can become a future employee, ambassador, or referral source. Relationships matter. Besides, it’s NEVER a good idea to burn any bridges.
Your 3 Takeaways
Next time you’re reviewing your messaging, your pitch, or your social copy — even an intern might advise you to pause and ask:
- Am I saying what I want to say, or what they need to hear?
- Am I centering on my audience, or myself?
- Am I communicating to impress — or to connect?
Because whether you’re a student, an intern, or a CEO, the best PR still comes down to this: Be clear. Be real. Be others-focused.
Want to connect?
I’m currently interning with AuthenticityPR, where I get to apply all these lessons in real time — pitching media, connecting with audiences, and helping good stories get told.
If you’re curious about how internships can work for your business — reach out. I’d love to chat.
Stay authentic — and seriously consider making interns part of your team!
Miriam Conover, AuthenticityPR | Authentic PR Assistant
Miriam Conover is a public relations major at Brigham
Young University with a passion for meaningful storytelling
and results-driven communication. With a deep respect for
ethics and a knack for message strategy, she brings a blend
of curiosity, skill and professionalism to every project she
touches.
Her PR experience spans media relations, social media
engagement, branding, and content creation — all rooted in
her belief that stories are more than information… they’re
connection.
Miriam’s writing is clear, concise, and always on-brand. Whether she’s building out a campaign or fine-tuning messaging for a newsletter, Miriam delivers work that’s both thoughtful and effective.
She’s also fluent in Instagram, LinkedIn and X — and she doesn’t just
post. She pays attention to analytics, optimizes performance, and knows how to build community.
Miriam was drawn to AuthenticityPR’s mission because of its unapologetic commitment to integrity, truth, and client-first storytelling. She thrives in environments where creativity meets character, and where learning is a lifelong pursuit.
A firm believer in doing the right thing (even when no one’s looking), she brings a teachable spirit and strong work ethic to everything she does.
When she’s not crafting content or curating campaigns, you’ll find Miriam reading, running, or exploring the intersection of communication, faith and culture.
