The Coolest Things I’ve Done at My Internships

Over the past six months, I’ve completed two public relations internships at Philadelphia-based firms. Sure, I’ve learned a lot about the profession during this time, and yes, I’ve written my fair share of press materials and social media copy. But the reality is that being a PR intern comes with a lot more unexpected delights than I ever anticipated. Beyond the day-to-day tasks, I’ve had opportunities that genuinely excite me to show up each day.  

I kicked off my journey with a summer internship at Relief Communications, where I quickly realized that PR isn’t just about emails and deadlines; it’s about experiences. One of the highlights of my time there was participating in the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival. Being part of such a large-scale cultural event was surreal. I wasn’t just learning about event promotion from the sidelines; I was immersed in it, seeing firsthand how storytelling, community engagement, and media relations all come together in real life. Watching months of planning turn into a vibrant, public-facing experience was incredibly rewarding and gave me a new appreciation for experiential PR.

After an amazing summer, I transitioned into my current internship at Bellevue Communications Group, where the “cool stuff” somehow became even cooler. One of my favorite experiences was watching the 2025 holiday tree be lifted off the back of a truck and set in place at City Hall, all while sipping Wawa hot chocolate, eating a soft pretzel, and listening to a speech from Mayor Parker. What could be more Philly than that?  

Another unforgettable moment was attending a convention at the Philadelphia Convention Center, where I somehow found myself holding puppies. Yes, puppies. Getting paid to hold puppies was not on my internship bingo card, but I’m definitely not complaining. Events like this showed me how creative and unexpected PR work can be, especially when it comes to engaging audiences in memorable ways.  

Of course, no convention experience would be complete without walking away with a ton of free swag. From branded merch to fun giveaways, it was exciting to see how companies use tangible items to leave lasting impressions, and even more exciting to bring home a bag full of it.

What has surprised me most across both internships is how much trust and responsibility I’ve been given. At Bellevue, especially, I’ve been encouraged to contribute ideas, take ownership of tasks, and step outside my comfort zone. Whether it’s assisting with events, brainstorming creative angles, or supporting client campaigns, I’ve felt like a real part of the team.

Overall, the foundational skills I’ve learned while doing the “cool stuff” have been invaluable. I’ve been exposed to so many industries, people, and experiences that I never expected from an internship. These past six months have shown me that public relations, especially agency life, is not only strategic and fast-paced, but also creative, fun, and full of surprises, and that’s what makes it so exciting.

Written by: Emma Sexauer, Director of Digital Communications. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn!