At Whistle PR, we value the fresh perspectives and energy that our interns bring to the team. This year, we had the pleasure of welcoming two talented Public Relations students from Birmingham City University, Adiza Moussa and Calista Bryant.
We sat down with them to hear about their experiences, the lessons they learned, and how their time at Whistle PR has shaped their career aspirations.
Exploring the World of PR
Adiza’s journey:
For Adiza, her time at Whistle PR was filled with a variety of projects that challenged and inspired her. From crafting press releases to developing interactive quizzes for a local careers fair, every task offered a new opportunity to grow.
“I worked on press releases for a bathroom company and a retirement apartment company,” she explained. “What I enjoyed most was the creative challenge of making the products sound exciting and essential. With the retirement company, I learned how important it is to use language thoughtfully and inclusively.”
One of the most exciting parts of Adiza’s placement was pitching a marketing concept internally to our team for Brother’s Bond Bourbon, an alcohol brand founded by actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley. “I enjoyed learning how to present my ideas confidently, I discovered that thorough research is key to understanding the audience and their preferences.”
However, the experience didn’t come without its challenges. “At first, I was shy and nervous to ask questions, but I gradually became more comfortable and learned that it’s always okay to ask for help.”
Calista’s experience:
For Calista, sitting in on client meetings was a standout moment. “Being part of these discussions gave me a deeper understanding of how PR professionals build trust and communicate openly with clients,” she shared. “I learned that successful client relationships are built on honesty, transparency, and always being prepared to meet their needs.”
Her work extended to writing press releases for brands like hib. and Churchill Living. “I realised how important it is to adapt your writing style to reflect each client’s unique voice, thorough research and using compelling statistics also make a huge difference in crafting impactful stories.”
Like Adiza, Calista also faced initial nerves but found that embracing the unpredictable nature of PR was part of the excitement. “One day, I’d be creating social media content; the next, I’d be attending an industry expo. No two days are the same, and that variety is what I love most about PR.”
Learning and Growing
During their time with us, they both got hands-on experience in all aspects of public relations and social media.
Adiza: “I improved my press release writing significantly; I also became a better presenter. I learned to speak confidently without relying too much on my notes. This placement showed me what working in a PR agency is really like, which was eye-opening.”
For Calista, time management became a crucial skill. “Balancing multiple projects taught me how to prioritise tasks and stay organised, it’s a fast-paced environment, and staying on top of deadlines is essential. The team are incredibly welcoming and supportive, there was a real sense of community where everyone was eager to help each other succeed.”
Advice for Future Interns
When asked what advice they would give to someone considering a PR internship, both emphasised the value of seizing every opportunity.
Adiza: “Take the chance, it’s a fantastic way to develop your skills and uncover strengths you didn’t know you had.”
Calista: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. No one expects you to know everything right away, it’s all about learning and growing. This experience bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real-world practice.”
They also shared valuable lessons they learned from the Whistle PR team.
Adiza: “I was advised to be more persuasive in my writing and to pay attention to product details when presenting. And the most important advice? Always ask for help when you need it.”
Calista: “One of the best pieces of advice I received was that no one has all the answers, and every day is an opportunity to improve.”
Shaping Future Aspirations
Their time at Whistle PR has left a lasting impression and helped shape their career aspirations.
“This experience has confirmed my desire to work in PR,” said Calista. “I particularly enjoyed writing press releases and interacting with clients. Each task gave me practical insights that will guide me as I pursue my future career.”
For Adiza, the placement solidified her goal of becoming a social media executive. “I learned so much about managing social media pages and how to make platforms like LinkedIn more engaging,” she said. “This placement has been a crucial stepping stone for my career.”
When asked to sum up their Whistle PR experience in three words, Adiza chose “Amazing, interesting, educational,” while Calista described it as “Welcoming, educational, supportive.”
At Whistle PR, we are proud to support and nurture emerging talent, and it has been a privilege to watch Adiza and Calista grow during their time with us. We wish them every success in their future careers and look forward to seeing where their PR journeys take them next.
