Public Relations Internships in South Africa

Internships within this field encourage graduates to take that leap, from the class to the world of business.  Successful candidates will benefit from hands-on training, direct client interaction and gain invaluable knowledge, as well as experience.

Unemployment in South Africa is one of the biggest challenges faced by the youth today.  However, there are more opportunities for qualified people who have some working experience.  Therefore doing an internship before you start applying for work is ideal.  There are many companies who provide such internships, investing in the future of South Africa’s youth, while stabilizing the economy.  Many of these companies even offer interns permanent position, depending on the need within.

Interns will work closely with experts, learning all the secrets of their trade.  Public Relation interns will get the opportunity to learn how to coordinate function, what marketing is all about, special events planning, exposure and so much more.  They will gain experience in promotional marketing, advertising and all aspects concerned with their career path.  They may be included in brainstorming, planning and even organizing functions and projects.

The PR field is one with many possibilities, it may include data gathering, keep records, creating promotional events, awareness, and trends that affect clients, press releases, and even staff management.  This career path is one that is moving ahead at a fast pace, broadening horizons and bringing businesses to light.  If you are a go getter, someone who loves to inspire and are bubbling over with creativity, this field may just be what you need.

Public Relations Internships Available

If you are planning to work in this field.  There are a variety of internships available yearly.  These may include the following:

• Media
• Media Relations
• Communications
• Community Relations
• Special Events
• Culture
• Fundraising
• Public Relations Management
• Employee Relations
• Corporate Communications

Many of these can be found with companies such as:

• PRISA
• Edelman SA
• Fleishman Hillard
• Magister

Public Relations Internships Requirements

If you want to apply for public relations internships in any of the relevant fields, candidates will be obligated to meet the requirements as set by the company they are applying to.

Here are some requirements most companies have in common:

• Candidates must be a South African citizen
• Candidates must possess a valid South African ID
• Candidates must live in South Africa
• Candidates must either be studying or have completed their studies in a field related to the internship they are applying for
• Candidates must have exceptional verbal skills
• Candidates must pass their Grade 12 with exemption
• Candidates must be computer literate with outstanding knowledge of MS Office
• Candidates must be able to work accurate and in a timely manner
• Candidates must be able to work under pressure
• Candidates must be able to multitask
• Candidates must be open-minded and be able to think out of the box
• Candidates must be motivated and a self-starter

Some internships may require candidates to travel, work weekends or even overtime during the week.  Duration of internships will vary, as well as the hours expected to be worked.  This can, however, be found with each individual company.  Some companies will require candidates to have their own transport.

For more information, find a company that has a current internship available and see their requirements.

Internships Application

Public Relations Internships applications online are available with some companies.  Other companies will have an application form that you can download, complete and send back to them.  These details will be found with the company you select.

Please include your latest school results, academic results and a certified copy of your ID, along with the completed application and all other relevant documentation, to the company you are applying to.

Some of the internships available within this career path are only for 3 months, others are for a duration of 6 months and some even for a year period.  The duration of your internship will depend on the company you are applying to.

Public Relations internships Closing Date

Application closing dates, as well as start dates, vary in accordance to each company.  There are so many companies that have internships within this field, candidates ought to find one with ease, anytime of the year.  Candidates wishing to pursue this career path is urged to find a suitable company, and apply according to their specifications.