Uppers
The opportunity to meet such high-level individuals such as ex-ambassadors and congressman. The opportunity of working in the CEO's office allowed me to meet some very influential and interesting people. The work, for the most part, was engaging and interesting and not simply "intern-type" tasks.
Downers
Unstable stream of work. When CEO was out work was slow but when she was back, workload increased exponentially.
Advice to Potential Interns
Go out of your way to meet as many people as you can. Those connections are easy to make and are priceless.
Sample Interview Questions
Uppers
Case Study Competition, Pitch Competition, helpful coworkers, amazing environment, constructive feedback
Downers
lack of direction, littler interaction with other interns
Advice to Potential Interns
Do not be afraid to ask questions, everyone is always willing to make an effort to assist you. Also, proofread everything.
Sample Interview Questions
Uppers
They allowed us to work on clients, and do things of importance. They utilized us and treated us as if we were fellow employees, which not only made me feel important but it made me feel empowered. They encouraged us to get involved and I really really liked that. The pitch competition was amazing, it allowed us each to acquire skills that are required in the PR industry. I also really enjoyed how the intern positions are all different. You have two or three other interns you work with in your department. This created a very healthy environment between the interns. It would be only natural to see each other as competition, but there was no room for it because we were all working on entirely different projects and clients.
Downers
Honestly, cannot think of anything at the moment. Sorry!! I loved everything about it.
Advice to Potential Interns
Get your hands on as many projects as you can! The more experience the better.
Sample Interview Questions
Uppers
The other interns and the attention and respect given to you by your superiors. I also really enjoyed the wide variety of assignments given to interns and the amount of trust interns could earn by completing high quality work.
Downers
They pay could have been more competitive.
Advice to Potential Interns
APCO is a great company to work for and interning there is an awesome experience even if you are not a PR major. Everyone is very intelligent and will teach you the ropes. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the job and demonstrate your interest in the position.
Sample Interview Questions
Advice to Management
I would maybe have more intern bonding activities and APCO sponsored ways for us to get to know eachother.
Uppers
Working on real client work that was valued and utilized
Advice to Potential Interns
Strong communication, writing and ability to work on a deadline is essential.
Sample Interview Questions
Advice to Management
For a duration of the program, there were two high school students participating in the internship. They were paid $10 an hour. However, college and graduate students were being paid $11 per hour. I think the difference should be considered.
Uppers
Fast paced environment, independence, availability and variety of assignments, valuable insight into the PR industry
Downers
The work environment is so large and hectic that the experience doesn't feel as "personal" as I might have liked.
Advice to Potential Interns
Be able to think on your feet and always stay tuned into current events/the topics you follow in the media for clients, maintain organization and strong attention to detail in your work
Sample Interview Questions
Advice to Management
Provide more meaningful interactions/shadowing opportunities with senior-level management, be open to collaboration/insight from interns on some assignments, avoid pressuring interns into working overtime without compensation (make overtime pay policy more accessible for use)
Uppers
Friendly co-workers, interesting assignments, and exciting networking opportunities.
Downers
Unclear paths to full-time opportunities.
Advice to Potential Interns
This is a very hardworking an energetic team that pools resources from across the company for any given project.
Sample Interview Questions
Advice to Management
Interns could use updated computers.
Uppers
There was great access to senior members of the team. The client list was impressive, meaning I got to do a lot with foreign clients that I would otherwise not have access to.
Downers
I wasn't utilized to my full capacity.
Advice to Potential Interns
It's the role of the intern to be willing, capable and eager. It is the role of senior management to recognize when an interns capabilities exceed the regular requirements of the role.
Sample Interview Questions
Advice to Management
The compensation was abysmal; but more than a lack of compensation I did not feel stimulated or challenged.