A US Intern's UK Experience In PRAs an American college student studying public relations at Indiana University, I decided last December to study abroad in London, and had no idea how quickly my life was about to change. I just knew it felt like the perfect chance to grow, both personally and professionally. Now, with less than two weeks left in the UK, I’m amazed at how much I’ve grown and learned along the way.
My first impression was that London felt familiar. After all, America originated from this country. But the deeper I dive into the city’s culture and work life, the more I realize how unique this experience truly is. With this being my first real-world PR experience, I honestly had no idea what to expect. The PR world is structured similarly to what I imagined back home in the US. The Flame PR experience is exactly the fast-paced, high-energy agency life I pictured. I could not be more excited to be here. Meeting the Team On my first day at Flame PR, I was nervous. But that disappeared the moment I met the team. Everyone was kind, welcoming, and full of questions about life in America. It helped break the ice and made me feel comfortable right away. One of my favorite parts of the day is our lunch walks to M&S. We catch up, share stories, and enjoy the break together. These moments have helped me feel like part of the team. The office culture is collaborative and supportive. Everyone is focused and respectful, and that energy motivates me to do my best. Laura Holland, in particular, has been an amazing mentor. She’s always available to talk about how I’m adjusting as an American intern in the UK, and most importantly, has given me great recommendations of places to explore during my time here. Learning the Ropes of PR Interning at Flame PR has given me real, hands-on experience. I’ve built media lists, written headlines, researched companies, and helped develop blog ideas for thought leadership. Every morning, I start my day by taking part in the daily news scan. It keeps me updated on current events and helps me see how news connects to our clients and their industries. Working in a UK agency has helped me understand the differences in public relations across cultures. In the US, PR often focuses on big company moments or national coverage. In the UK, there’s more emphasis on trends, expert commentary, and global relevance. That shift in perspective has helped me think more broadly and strategically. I’ve also gotten the chance to work on real accounts, including Tenable, Lionvolt, Flourish, and Forter. Whether I’m gathering media contacts or hearing conversations about next steps, I’m gaining valuable PR industry insights into the pace and process of agency life. Cultural Discoveries Before this trip, I thought the UK’s love of tea was just an overhyped stereotype. I was wrong. Tea breaks are a real part of the workday, and it’s funny how tea makes some people’s day. I’ve also noticed the humor here is different. It’s dry, fast, and full of sarcasm. It took a bit of adjusting, but now I enjoy the challenge of keeping up with jokes and quick conversations. Even small language differences like “on holiday” instead of “vacation” remind me how far I’ve come from Indiana. Funny Moments and Little Surprises One of the funniest things I’ve discovered by talking to my coworkers is how our food is so different. For example, we discussed how common it is to put butter on sandwiches in the UK. In the US, we usually only use it for grilled cheese. It’s a small detail, but it still makes me laugh. There are lots of little moments like that, where I learn something new or have to pause and ask what someone means. Thankfully, the team is just as curious about my American habits, which makes everything feel more balanced. London has also surprised me in how easy it is to get around. Public transportation is efficient, and it’s rare to need a car. People value work-life balance more than I expected. That mindset has encouraged me to slow down and be more intentional with my time across the pond. One thing I still haven’t figured out? The office’s front door. On my first day, and honestly still now, I keep pushing when I should be pulling. While it’s embarrassing, especially when I do it around another coworker, it also helps me laugh at myself. Looking Ahead As the internship continues, I’m excited to keep learning and growing. I want to improve my writing and research skills and build stronger relationships with my colleagues. I aim to sit in on client meetings to help me understand how Flame PR maintains relationships with clients and delivers results. This PR internship in the UK has already taught me so much about working in public relations and about myself. I’ve grown more confident, more curious, and more aware of the world around me. London has challenged me and inspired me, and I know I’ll carry these lessons into whatever comes next.
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