By Wes Moran
My journey into the PR world began in the summer of 2023 with an internship at Issues Management Group after my sophomore year at Boston University. Those four months gave me a crash course in the fast-paced public relations industry and laid the foundation for my return in 2025 for a second internship. Although I’ve been back at 30 Winter Street for a matter of weeks, the growth and skills I gained in my first internship have already made this an entirely new and more efficient experience.
It’s been an exciting journey, from mastering tech tools to building meaningful relationships, and I’m thrilled to share some lessons I’ve learned along the way.
From Harder to Smarter
Before my first internship, I considered myself comfortable with Microsoft Office, but working in a corporate environment at IMG quickly showed me that efficiency wasn’t just about knowing how to use the software; rather, it was about using it strategically to work smarter.
My “aha” moment came when I was tasked with creating my first media list. Instead of starting from scratch, I pulled a relevant, existing list to work off. This simple move underscored the importance of leveraging existing resources from the company’s OneDrive (when possible) to save time. Additionally, I learned how to format using shortcuts, which made me far more efficient, and I continue to apply this approach to various tasks, using templates and past examples to work faster, smarter, and with greater confidence.
From Overwhelmed to On Top
My first internship quickly revealed how challenging it can be to balance task deadlines in a fast-paced, agency environment. One particularly busy day during my first summer with IMG, a colleague checked in on a task that was outstanding, which made me realize I needed a better system for managing projects and setting priorities.
Until then, I’d been juggling everything at once, but this conversation made me realize that without a clear process in place, I was bound to miss important deadlines or overlook critical tasks. It was the push I needed to reevaluate my work style and find a more effective way to stay on top of everything.
The breakthrough came when I started to create a prioritized task list using Google Keep in collaboration with my manager and team. This simple act of organizing my work and proactively seeking input made all the difference in reducing stress and focusing on what truly needed to be done. By my second internship, I had honed my ability to manage my workload more effectively by prioritizing my tasks every day on my to-do list.
From Oversight to Insight
During my first internship at IMG, I did not fully grasp the importance of proactive media monitoring until I missed a key piece of coverage that should have been added to a newsletter.
When my manager pointed out the omission, I realized that staying ahead of industry news was not just a goal to strive for; it’s essential. That moment pushed me to be more intentional and proactive. Now, in my second internship, I have made media monitoring and flagging key updates a staple of my morning routine, setting hundreds of Google Alerts and saved bookmarks, ensuring I never miss important information again.
Similarly, I learned that in PR, quality matters more than quantity. A colleague helped me see the value of being thoughtful with outreach rather than sending out mass messages and hoping for a response. By taking the time to utilize PR-centric platforms, like MuckRack, social media, and Google to research and identify the best-fit journalists and outlets, I have been able to craft personalized, targeted pitches that lead to stronger engagement and more successful media coverage.
From Quiet to Connected
At the start of my first internship, I was hesitant to ask questions, provide updates that weren’t exclusively positive, or share challenges with my teammates due to apprehensions that these would make me seem unprepared or uninformed. By my second internship, I had completely shifted my approach. I made it a point to ensure I communicated progress, asked questions, and shared any challenges I was facing. Not only has this helped to streamline tasks and reduce errors, but it also fostered stronger, more collaborative relationships with my team members.
Additionally, I found that building personal relationships through shared hobbies or team bonding activities enhanced my enjoyment and made for a positive work environment. Being part of the IMG Fun Committee has helped me understand how small, personal touches, like organizing an office event or celebrating holidays and birthdays, can build a more inclusive and positive team culture. It’s not just about professional communication but about making personal connections (thankfully, IMG is a Swiftie office) which makes everyone feel valued and motivated to contribute.
The Journey So Far
Looking back on my journey so far, I can see how much I’ve grown as both a budding PR professional and an individual learning the ropes of a professional environment. The insights gained from my first internship have shaped my second experience and continue to influence the way I work today. From mastering new tools to refining my communication style, each lesson has contributed to my overall development as a young professional.
As I continue to build on these experiences, I’m excited to see how my time at IMG will guide me in the future, and I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead in the ever-evolving PR landscape.