PR Pro Tips: Our Team's Best Advice for Breaking Into the Industry

Hey there, future PR stars!

In the spirit of the back-to-school season, we asked our talented team of PR experts to share their top tips for anyone eager to dive into the dynamic world of PR. From networking hacks to staying curious and everything in between, these nuggets of wisdom are what we wish someone had told us when we were starting out.

Whether you’re hunting for your first internship, trying to build the perfect network, or just figuring out what makes PR tick, our team’s advice is here to guide you.

Ready? Let’s go!

• “Network, network, network! Utilize the connections and tools at your disposal and take initiative. Send notes on LinkedIn to HR/hiring managers of the companies and brands you’re interested in working for.” — Anouska Best (Associate Director, Social Impact, Health & Wellness)

• “Intern at a few different companies that ideally focus on different sectors so you can hone in on what you are interested in. Be open-minded!” — Charlotte LaSala (Senior Director, Fashion)

• “Immerse yourself in the news cycle and develop a media diet of your own. Being well-versed in the media landscape is a superpower in the PR industry. Read as much as you can.” — Chloe Gillespie (Associate Director, Food & Beverage)

• “Interning is the best way to see if PR is the right fit for you before hopping into the industry! Getting hands-on experience not only builds your skills and resume, but actually gives you an honest look at the pace, challenges, and creativity for PR.” — Caroline Canny (Manager, Social Impact)

• “Be your authentic self — forget trying to fit some mold of what you think ‘PR people’ should be. Be curious, be kind, and don’t be afraid to take bold risks. Your unique perspective is your power. Own it!” — Daria Martorana (Senior Director, Social Impact, Health & Wellness)

• “Read, read, read! The best way to stay informed about your industry’s media landscape is to make reading a daily habit. Find two-three publications you check in on every morning and others you read throughout the day to keep your perspective fresh and well-rounded.” — Andrea Baule (Associate Director, Design)

• “Read the news! If you are interested in sports, beauty, or even social impact, subscribe to Substacks and newsletters, follow thought leaders on LinkedIn, and watch subject-related TikToks. Become an expert in the space!” — Kara Riehl (Senior Manager, Social Impact, Health & Wellness)

• “Start building relationships right away! Network relentlessly, seek out every internship opportunity you can, and treat each connection as an investment in your future career.” — Steph Davis (Chief of Staff)

• “Be curious! Don’t be afraid to ask questions or take initiative on the things that interest you. Sometimes the best ideas come from asking the right questions — curiosity keeps you learning and initiative will help people notice you!” — Judith Harrington (Coordinator, Fashion)

• “Intern as much as you can! It is so helpful to get as much experience to absorb industry knowledge and learn what your strong suits are. Also, do not be afraid to ask any questions — it helps you grow! No question is a dumb question.” — Lili Shmaruk (Coordinator, Food & Beverage)

• “Never stop asking questions! The more curious you are, the more you will grow. In this industry, there is_ so _much to learn and so many amazing people to learn from — keep curiosity and intentionality at the heart of every interaction and you will be golden.” — Angie Perry (Manager, Food & Beverage)

• “Leverage your network — LinkedIn connections, old friends, and friends of friends — while staying on top of industry trends through news, webinars, and networking events. PR spans many areas, so connect what you learn to your existing skills to stand out.” — Stina Peterson (Associate Manager, Affiliate Marketing)

• “Be interested in what’s going on in the world around you. The best stories usually come from ‘why,’ not ‘what’.” — Kaylee Richards (Senior Director, Food & Beverage)

• “Apply for internships! A few of us have said it here and I couldn’t agree more. There is no better way to get your feet wet and understand what path is right for you. And remember, fashion PR is wildly different from tech PR, so do a few internships to ensure you’re leaning into the industry that feels most interesting and challenging.” — Libbey Baumgarten (EVP & Head of Growth)

• “Your network is your best accessory in PR — curate it, care for it, and wear it well. Every email, meeting, and quick chat is a door — even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time. Be genuine, be thoughtful, and always have a strategy. Work smarter, not harder!” — Faye Piscopo (Senior Manager, Fashion)

• “Breaking into PR can be tough, especially when it’s your first role. Do as many internships as possible throughout college, even if that’s through your school. No matter how many you do, I also always recommend aiming for a post-graduate internship at a company you’d genuinely want to work for. Think of it as your ‘Plan B’ in case you don’t land an entry-level position right away. Once you’re there, focus on becoming a true resource to the team. Show them you’re invaluable, and they may either hire you or connect you with people who can help you land that permanent role.” – Sara Ganus (SVP, Fashion)

But before you dive in, make sure you’re not buying into common misconceptions — read our breakdown of what everyone gets wrong about PR.