Public Relations Intern Onboarding Checklist

Public Relations Intern Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Public Relations Intern starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Marketing onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Public Relations Intern, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Public Relations Intern onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Public Relations Intern Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The intern should be given a comprehensive introduction to the company, including its history, mission, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated supervisor.

2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: The intern should be provided with an overview of the company’s policies and procedures, such as code of conduct, dress code, attendance, and confidentiality. This task is usually performed by the HR department.

3. Introduction to the team: The intern should be introduced to their immediate team members and other relevant colleagues within the organization. This helps foster relationships and promotes collaboration. The intern’s supervisor or team lead typically performs this task.

4. Setting expectations and goals: The intern should have a clear understanding of their role, responsibilities, and performance expectations. This includes discussing specific goals and objectives for the internship period. The intern’s supervisor or team lead is responsible for setting these expectations.

5. Training on tools and software: The intern should receive training on the various tools and software used in the public relations and marketing industry, such as media monitoring platforms, social media management tools, and project management software. This training is typically provided by the IT department or relevant team members.

6. Introduction to clients and projects: The intern should be introduced to the clients the company works with and the ongoing projects they will be involved in. This helps the intern understand the scope of work and gain insights into client management. The intern’s supervisor or project manager performs this task.

7. Shadowing and observation: The intern should have the opportunity to shadow and observe experienced public relations professionals in action. This allows them to learn from real-world scenarios and gain practical knowledge. This task is typically coordinated by the intern’s supervisor or team lead.

8. Training on media relations: The intern should receive training on media relations, including how to draft press releases, pitch stories to journalists, and build relationships with media outlets. This training is usually provided by senior public relations professionals or the PR department.

9. Research and analysis: The intern should be assigned research and analysis tasks to help them understand the industry, target audience, and competitors. This task helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills. The intern’s supervisor or team lead assigns these tasks.

10. Writing and content creation: The intern should be given opportunities to write and create content for various channels, such as press releases, blog posts, social media posts, and newsletters. This task helps them develop their writing skills and understand different communication formats. The intern’s supervisor or content team provides guidance and feedback.

11. Performance feedback and evaluation: Regular feedback sessions should be conducted to assess the intern’s progress, provide constructive criticism, and identify areas for improvement. This task is typically performed by the intern’s supervisor or HR department.

12. Networking opportunities: The intern should be encouraged to attend industry events, conferences, and networking sessions to expand their professional network and gain exposure to the industry. The intern’s supervisor or HR department can facilitate these opportunities.

13. Professional development opportunities: The intern should be provided with opportunities for professional development, such as attending training workshops, webinars, or online courses relevant to public relations and marketing. The intern’s supervisor or HR department can coordinate these opportunities.

14. Wrap-up and knowledge transfer: At the end of the internship, the intern should have a wrap-up session to discuss their overall experience, lessons learned, and future career aspirations. This task is typically performed by the intern’s supervisor or HR department.

15. Exit interview and feedback: The intern should have an exit interview to provide feedback on their internship experience, including suggestions for improvement. This task is usually conducted by the HR department.

By completing these onboarding tasks, a public relations intern in the marketing industry can start their journey with a new company on a solid foundation, gaining the necessary knowledge, skills, and support to succeed in their role

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Public Relations Intern checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Public Relations Intern up to speed and working well in your Marketing team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.