My Internship Experience: Thriving in the Fast-Paced World of Corporate Relations
Welcome to my journey as an intern! My name is Sean Walsh, and as a senior Public Relations major at Drake University, I was thrilled to land an internship in the Corporate Relations Department at Principal Financial Group. Many students wonder what a corporate internship is *really* like. Is it just fetching coffee and making copies, or do you get to do meaningful work? I’m here to share my story, offering a transparent look into the responsibilities, challenges, and incredible learning opportunities that have defined my experience so far.
Before diving into my day-to-day tasks and the lessons I’ve learned, it’s helpful to understand the scope of the Corporate Relations department at a major company like The Principal. It’s a multifaceted hub responsible for shaping the company’s voice, image, and relationship with its stakeholders—both internal and external. This is the engine room of communication, and I was excited to be a part of it.
What Does a Corporate Relations Intern Actually Do?
The department is a vibrant ecosystem of specialized teams, and my internship was designed to give me exposure to several key areas. These include everything from employee communications and media relations to advertising, web development, financial communications, sponsorships, and community relations. My role was primarily split between two crucial teams: Employee Communications and Community Relations.
Driving Engagement from Within: Employee Communications
My main focus was with the employee communications team. This group is responsible for keeping thousands of employees informed, engaged, and connected to the company’s mission and culture. My tasks were far from trivial. I was immediately entrusted with writing articles and feature stories for the company’s intranet site, “Inside the Principal.” This meant I was interviewing colleagues, researching topics, and crafting compelling narratives that would be read by the entire organization. I also played a key role in editing and assembling the monthly employee newsletter, “The Principal Press,” ensuring it was polished, informative, and delivered on time.
This work taught me the critical importance of internal communications. A company’s greatest asset is its people, and keeping them aligned and motivated is essential for success. I learned how to tailor my writing style to a corporate audience, convey complex information clearly, and contribute to a positive workplace culture.
Building Bridges with the Community: Community Relations
In addition to my internal-facing role, I had the opportunity to work with the community relations team. This was an incredibly rewarding experience where I served as a communication liaison for the company’s extensive volunteer network. I helped coordinate volunteer efforts, promote charitable initiatives, and communicate the company’s commitment to social responsibility. My biggest project in this area was helping to plan The Principal’s booth at the renowned Des Moines Arts Festival, a major community event.
The First Six Weeks: Balancing Responsibility and Learning Curves
It’s hard to believe six weeks have already flown by. This summer has been a masterclass in time management, not just because of my internship workload, but because I’m also serving as an Orientation Leader for incoming first-year students at Drake University. Juggling these two significant commitments has meant a few missed days at the office and a crash course in prioritization.
What I quickly discovered is that in a professional setting, especially in a field like public relations, deadlines are non-negotiable. My leaders empowered me by giving me full ownership of my projects. They set clear expectations and trusted me to manage my time and deliver results. There was no hand-holding or constant check-ins; they had their own full plates. This autonomy was both challenging and incredibly empowering. It forced me to become more organized, proactive, and accountable for my work.
This is precisely what I love about the PR world and this department in particular: there is never a dull moment. The pace is fast, the projects are diverse, and there’s always a new challenge to tackle. This dynamic environment became clear from my very first week.
From New Intern to Valued Team Member in One Week
My first day began with a comprehensive intern orientation, where I met fellow interns from across the company. After that, I spent the afternoon settling into my cubicle—my new professional home. I configured my email, recorded a professional voicemail greeting, and organized my desk, determined to make the most of this opportunity. What struck me most powerfully during that first week was how quickly I was integrated into the team. There was no “easing in” period; I was treated as a contributing member from the moment I arrived.
The previous intern had left behind meticulously organized binders detailing my core responsibilities. I spent the first couple of days absorbing this information and scheduling introductory meetings with my teammates to understand their roles and how I could best support them. By the end of that first week, I had already written and published my first articles for the intranet and was beginning to assemble the employee newsletter. The sense of accomplishment was immense.
This speaks volumes about the culture at The Principal. They don’t just see interns as temporary help; they invest in us. Beyond planning valuable networking events and professional development programs, they give us real work that makes a real impact. They make us feel like an integral part of the company’s success.
A Case Study in Ownership: The Des Moines Arts Festival
Nothing illustrates this commitment to intern development better than the responsibility my co-intern and I were given for the Des Moines Arts Festival booth. This wasn’t a small, side project. We were put in charge of planning and executing a major piece of the company’s community presence.
Our responsibilities were extensive and covered the entire project lifecycle:
- Creative Concepting: We brainstormed and developed an engaging activity for children to attract families to our tent.
- Material Production: We were responsible for designing, writing copy for, and printing all the necessary collateral, from flyers to banners.
- Logistics and Operations: We created a comprehensive list of supplies, managed the budget, and ensured everything was ordered and delivered on time.
- Volunteer Coordination: We managed the recruitment and communication for over 40 employee volunteers, providing them with schedules, instructions, and information to ensure the event ran smoothly.
Being so deeply invested in this project from its inception has been an incredible learning experience. I’ve gained practical skills in event management, project planning, and stakeholder communication. Now, after weeks of hard work, I am beyond excited to see it all come to life this weekend and witness the community interacting with something I helped build.
Key Takeaways for Future Interns
Reflecting on these first few weeks, several key lessons have emerged that I believe can help any student embarking on an internship journey:
- Embrace Autonomy: When your managers trust you with responsibility, rise to the occasion. Use it as an opportunity to build your confidence and prove your capabilities.
- Be Proactive, Not Passive: Don’t wait to be told what to do. Study the resources you’re given, ask thoughtful questions, and look for ways to add value. Schedule meetings with colleagues to learn about their work.
- Master Your Time: Whether you’re juggling a second job or just a heavy project load, strong time management is essential. Use a planner, set daily goals, and communicate early if you’re facing a potential roadblock.
- Say Yes to Big Projects: When offered a chance to work on a challenging project, jump on it. This is where the most significant learning and growth happens.
- Understand the “Why”: Don’t just complete tasks. Understand how your work fits into the department’s and the company’s broader goals. This contextual understanding makes your work more meaningful and impressive.
This internship has already been more than I could have hoped for. It is a challenging, rewarding, and deeply educational experience that is preparing me for a successful career in public relations. I look forward to continuing to grow, learn, and share more lessons from my journey in the coming months.