Here at Houston, we believe that hands-on work experience is crucial for aspiring PR experts looking to gain a head start in the industry. Today, we’re catching up with Maddie Crossland, who recently completed a week of work experience at our London office:
How old are you and what are you currently studying?
I am 16 and have finished my GCSEs this summer. I will be starting sixth form in September, where I plan to study Politics, Psychology and English Literature.
Did you know about PR before you joined, and what have you learned?
I did some online research about PR and its purpose, so I wasn’t completely lost when I came in. Whilst being here, I have come to understand more about the importance of PR and now have a much better understanding of the sectors and their differences.
How has this work experience been valuable to you?
This week was my first time in an office, which was an interesting experience in itself, but PR is now an industry I would definitely consider choosing in the future, as I found it to be enjoyable. Work experience has given me some needed direction!
Which aspects of PR have you enjoyed learning about?
The consumer and digital sectors were interesting because it was cool to see some of the behind-the-scenes work for companies I recognised and had bought from before. I was surprised to find an interest in capital markets as well, seeing as I would not usually consider myself that curious about that sector.
What do you want to do next?
I plan to complete my A-levels, and then I am unsure, but hopefully, it will be a decision between university or a degree apprenticeship.
What have you enjoyed the most about PR?
I have enjoyed seeing how varied everyone’s jobs are, and it doesn’t seem to get dull! I also like that the work pays off, and it looks like it could be quite rewarding at times, for example, securing coverage.