From university to agency: What I’ve learned as an intern at Chapter II

Starting my internship at Chapter II, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from agency life. As a second-year university student with very little office experience, I’ll admit I felt a bit nervous going in, but it didn’t take long for those nerves to settle, and I ended up having an incredibly rewarding experience.

If you had asked me just a couple of weeks ago, “Where do you see yourself taking your degree?” I probably would have stared blankly, unsure of the answer. Now, I can confidently say I have a much clearer idea of the areas within marketing and PR that genuinely interest me. 

One of the most valuable parts of my time here has been the exposure to such a variety of tasks across different clients. I’ve had the opportunity to work on press releases for a range of brands, which has pushed me to adapt my writing style depending on the client, tone, and topic. While I’ve practised press release writing at university, working from a real brief brought a whole new level of understanding, which I found challenging and rewarding. 

Alongside this, I have been involved in creating social media content, from writing captions to brainstorming ideas for platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn. I enjoyed this aspect, as it required me to think more deeply about audience engagement - what captures attention, what resonates, and what encourages interaction. 

I’ve also spent time conducting influencer research and looking into client strategies more broadly, identifying ways to enhance their digital marketing efforts. With such a diverse range of clients at Chapter II, this meant exploring different audiences, spotting opportunities, and analysing what makes campaigns successful. It’s been interesting to see how strategy can vary so much depending on the brand. 

What stood out to me most during my internship was how varied agency life is. No two tasks are the same, and each one requires a slightly different skillset. It’s an exciting environment and constantly challenges you to think creatively and strategically.

Beyond the work, being part of such a supportive and welcoming team has made a huge difference. Over the past two weeks, I have grown much more comfortable in an office setting and have gained confidence in my abilities. 

Overall, my time at Chapter II has given me a really positive insight into agency life and helped bridge the gap between university and the professional world. For anyone considering a career in PR or marketing, I would strongly recommend gaining hands-on experience - it’s an excellent way to learn, grow, and discover what you enjoy most.