8 Game-Changing Lessons from My Experience as a Remote Intern in PR and Social Media

Madison Coombs sitting in her car, applying Frequency Skin’s lip gloss while working remotely on social media content for the brand’s Instagram. She is holding the product in one hand and using her phone in the other, capturing the perfect shot for a post about the beauty brand.
By Madison Coombs

Learn eight key lessons from my remote internship in social media and public relations, covering time management, communication, and tips for excelling in a virtual workspace.

Hi, I’m Madison Coombs, a senior at St. John’s University earning my Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Public Relations (PR). This past summer, I had the opportunity to dive into my first remote internship, which gave me an exciting look into the world of social media and PR. 

I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but what I got was a hands-on experience that really pushed me to grow. From time management to communication, I picked up some valuable lessons along the way—ones that will stick with me throughout my career. In this blog, I’m excited to share the eight biggest takeaways from my time as a remote intern.

About My Remote Internship Role

A collage post created for the Frequency Skin Instagram page, @frequencyskin.
A collage-style social media post I created for Frequency Skin's Instagram page, @frequencyskin.

Since I’ve always had a passion for fashion and the beauty industry, interning at Frequency Skin—a wellness and beauty company—was a perfect fit for me. I found the internship through LinkedIn while searching for opportunities in PR or social media, specifically in fashion or beauty. It felt like a great way to dive into the industry I’m excited to be a part of.

The role itself focused on both public relations and social media, which aligned perfectly with my career goals. I worked remotely two days a week from May through August. Several main tasks included putting together weekly trend reports, reaching out to influencers, writing blog posts, creating social media content, and researching new social media strategies. 

 

 

 

 

Here are the key lessons I learned from my first internship:

1. Manage Your Time Wisely. 

Time management is a big part of any job. It’s not just about finishing your tasks, but ensuring they’re completed by the deadline. Since this was a remote internship, it was easy to get distracted. So, I made sure to limit distractions to stay on track and never miss a deadline.

2. Strengthen Your Virtual Collaboration and Teamwork Skills.

Good teamwork skills can benefit you in all areas of life, but they’re not always easy. Sometimes, teamwork means brainstorming with a partner, and other times, it means finding common ground with a large group. The key is communication—it shows maturity and willingness to collaborate.

3. Professionalism is Essential in Every Work Setting. 

Whether or not it’s your first job, learning and maintaining professionalism and good workplace etiquette is a must. It can be as simple as what you wear, showing up on time, or the language you use. Even though my internship was remote, I didn’t take it as a pass to slack off. I always joined calls in a quiet spot and was camera-ready if needed.

4. Internships Build Your Confidence.

Getting an internship is a big deal, and you should give yourself credit for that! Be proud of the work you produce. It felt amazing to see the social media posts I created for the brand being shared online and getting engagement.

5. Solve Problems without Immediate Help.

When learning new skills, it’s normal to run into some problems. While asking for help can sometimes be crucial, try solving it yourself first. I came across new websites and terms that initially confused me; however, I used this to my advantage and tried to figure out as much as possible on my own. Of course, if you hit a wall, don’t hesitate to ask for help!

6. Constructive Criticism Isn’t a Bad Thing.

Constructive criticism is part of the learning process and shouldn’t be seen as negative. My supervisor sometimes had a different vision for social media posts than I did, which didn’t mean I was wrong. It was about making sure the brand’s image was consistent. The feedback helped me improve, and I grew from it. 

7. Stay Proactive.

Being proactive and showing interest in more responsibilities shows your supervisor you’re dedicated. It makes a lasting impression and could lead to more opportunities, like an extended role or a glowing recommendation.

8. Communicate Professionally.

Professional communication is critical in any workplace. Think of it like speaking with a professor—you wouldn’t use slang or casual language. Always be respectful, clear, and error-free in emails or on calls. It reflects well on you and keeps things professional.

My Advice for Future Interns 

Landing an internship is a fantastic opportunity to help you in your career after college. You get to work on hands-on projects and build skills beyond the classroom. Make the most of it—you never know where your internship could lead! Through my internship, I gained valuable skills and met great people. It also helped me narrow down what I want to do after college. If you’re considering doing an internship, I say go for it! 

A Spotlight on St. John’s Career Services

Are you a current or future student at St. John’s University? If so, remember the fantastic career resources available to help you land your first internship. The Career Services team is super supportive and dedicated to your success. Plus, you can check out their new career portal, which is packed with helpful tools like career guidance, job listings, leadership programs, and mentoring opportunities. It’s your go-to spot for everything you need to kick-start your career journey. 

Here are additional resources:

 

 

St. John's University Student

Madison Coombs

Digital Content Writer

Madison Coombs is a senior student studying Public Relations at St. John’s University. She is a Digital Content Writer through the work-study program. Originally from Gaithersburg, Maryland, she always had a dream of attending a university in New York. Madison is also the Public Relations Chair of RedHouse, the fashion club at St. John’s. Her ultimate goal is to secure a job in New York in the field of social media or public relations.