As part of my SIWES program, I had the opportunity to intern at the esteemed multi-national organization, BHM. let me tell you, it’s been one wild ride so far. Coming from the classroom, I was excited but also a bit apprehensive about diving into the fast-paced world of communications.
From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was met with warm, welcoming hands. The team greeted me with genuine enthusiasm, making me feel right at home despite the frantic energy buzzing through the office. But that initial sense of comfort quickly gave way to a feeling of being thrown into the deep end. It felt like I had been catapulted into the fast-paced world of communications, with no time to catch my breath.
Within my first week, I found myself immersed in the chaos, trying to keep up as best I could. One minute I was drafting press releases for clients, the next I was capturing content and moments at a high-profile client event. The deadlines were strict, and I quickly realized this was a world that moves at lightning speed.
As I navigated this steep learning curve, I realized just how much I had to learn. Pitching stories to journalists, and reporting on client meetings – these were skills I quickly had to hone, often through trial and error. Let’s just say I’ve experienced my fair share of difficulties with reports along the way, including a few “oops” moments.
On a lighter note, one of my biggest cultural shocks on the first day was realizing that it is almost inappropriate to call anyone, even my bosses, with the ‘sir/ma’ salutation. You’re actually expected to call everyone by their first name or initials. As a full-fledged Yoruba boy, this came as a big surprise to me. The Yoruba culture I grew up in places a lot of emphasis on formality and respect through the use of appellations.
This initial adjustment was quite bumpy, as I quickly realized that the rigid use of ‘sir’ or ‘ma’am’ could actually pose a threat to how PR employees relate with one another. In an industry that thrives on bridging cultures and building authentic connections, being overly formal in our address can create unnecessary distance and hinder the free flow of communication. Adapting to this more casual, first-name basis has really helped me feel more integrated into the team dynamic. It’s a subtle but important shift that reflects the collaborative, relationship-driven nature of PR work.
But you know what? I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. The thrill of seeing my work come to life, the satisfaction of pulling off a successful campaign – it’s all worth the occasional sleepless night. This internship has challenged me in ways I never imagined, pushing me to grow both professionally and personally.
Sure, the pace can be dizzying at times, and the pressure is constant. But there’s an undeniable energy that comes with working in PR, and I’ve found myself feeding off of it. Every day is an adventure, and I can’t wait to see where the next twist and turn takes me.