Date published: 09 June 2015 by Anna Jackson
Hi, I’m Frankie and I’ve been interning at Rainbow Trust since the beginning of the year. I’m part of the public relations team which is based at the charity’s headquarters in Surrey. It’s a small but busy department where no two days are the same.
Having worked in property PR since graduating from the University of Nottingham, I knew that I loved PR but my heart was set on working for a charity. I quickly set about my hunt for a charity PR internship. As for most people, my first port of call was a Google search. I don’t know how I could tell from the website, but Rainbow Trust just looked like a nice place to work. There was a list of possible tasks for interns and I liked the level of responsibility – like everyone else, I wanted to get stuck in and to make a difference rather than making the tea and coffee!
Working with the PR Manager Ashley and PR Officer Jasmin, I have felt like a fully-fledged member of the team. They both have a lot of experience and are lovely - I’ve learnt a lot from them about how charity PR really works. The atmosphere in the marketing department, which is on the top floor of the office, manages to be hard-working and relaxed at the same time. The team are keen to hear everyone’s opinion on different things they are working on and you will often find some sweet treats being offered about mid-way through the afternoon. Although not strictly work, getting to know other interns and team members when popping out to lunch has been really good fun.
Dealing with local and national newspapers, magazines and online platforms, it is safe to say that I’ve never been bored. As well as writing lots of different press releases about various campaigns and events, I’ve particularly enjoyed helping on the Trust in Fashion event, a charity fashion show with Marie Claire, THE OUTNET and Boodles held at The Savoy Hotel.
The three month duration has worked well for me. I liked the fact that I could do two days a week as this allowed me to continue my part time job which was funding the internship (you do have your travel and lunchtime expenses paid). It has been long enough for me to see my projects through and to feel like I have genuinely helped the team out – to be honest, I don’t want to leave!
My internship at Rainbow Trust has been a really great experience and has enable me to develop my PR skills. I am now very pleased to say I have been able to accept a position at Macmillan in their press office and I am very much looking forward to putting my skills to work!
