Can you trust PR interns? Read on.

Can you trust PR interns? I worked with 21 student interns from The University of Georgia’s College of Journalism & Mass Communication. They turned out to be my inspiration to teach and now I'm into teaching with a passion at the University of Oregon. During the '90s, as director of public and investor relations for Atlanta-based Alumax Inc., I had a small staff and huge responsibilities. I turned to UGA for help. Competition for interns was keen in Atlanta with companies like Coca-Cola, Bell South, Southern Company, Equifax and others. So, to get the very best, I knew I would have to offer the very best internships I could manage. I met with UGA's representative who was liaison with area employers, like Seth Walker is for the University of Oregon in Portland. Soon thereafter, a faculty committee was established that selected and sent me a student intern for each of 21 consecutive quarters. The question, at the time, was how much responsibility could I entrust to a young public relations intern? Would the interns be a help or a strain on my already overworked resources? I’ll give you examples of what the interns did and you can judge for yourself. Wendy researched worldwide a speech on environmental sustainability that was delivered before not one, but two different conferences. Ashley prepared marketing materials to open offices in China and Poland, was hired full time and later started her own business. Penny developed a customer relationship building program with the sponsorship of an Indy race car team and was hired full time. Jennifer coordinated press events in New York City, Atlanta and Jackson simultaneously announcing a $75 million project in Tennessee, which included a luncheon celebration for 300 people with the governor. Michelle developed an environmental report, then went to work for a yacht builder. Cherie and a video crew used a corporate jet to visit eight operations and produce a video for Fox-TV, then went on to become press agent for land speed record team Spirit of America. Jasen developed a 350-page corporate Web site. Kelly handled PR for a clean-up of hazardous material. Li Li was chief translator for a $50 million successful joint venture negotiation with a Chinese company. Leigh Ann researched and wrote, “How Communication Planning Can Help You Achieve Your Business Objectives.” Melissa drafted the speech, “How To Develop Business in China.” Asia finished writing the speech that was presented before a world conference in London. Laura developed guidelines for a new charitable giving program and then became development director for the College of Fine Arts at the University of Kentucky. Rikke developed a program to publicize the technical center. Maria wrote complex sections of the company’s last annual report before Alumax was acquired by Alcoa, and went on to work on energy issues for a utility in El Salvador. How were these inexperienced interns able to take on such major responsibilities? One reason is that they had exceptional academic training. Another reason is that they instilled confidence in their employers that they could be trusted to take direction, learn and deliver results. Another reason is that their employers gave them a chance to perform. Another reason is that they were well paid so that they could focus on their work and not have to hold down one or two jobs in addition. There are many good sources for interns in every region of the country. Employers should consider offering internships to undergraduate students, graduate students and recent graduates. So, what do you think? Can you trust a PR intern? I did and with my experience with such outstanding students at the University of Oregon over the past seven years, I have more confidence than ever in young people who just need to be given a chance to show what they can do.