A view from Harpswood’s Intern: Sophie Keetch

Sophie Keetch joined Harpswood for a week this summer through The Social Mobility Foundation’s internship scheme, which works directly with young people to break down barriers to education and work.

Sophie is in her final year of school and exploring a career in PR. We asked her to reflect on her experience in our London HQ…

What attracted you to Harpswood?

I’m about to start Year 13 and am considering whether I want to go to university or pursue a degree apprenticeship - so the opportunity to join Harpswood for a week to get first-hand experience in PR was incredibly helpful. I was instantly drawn to Harpswood for my placement because of their mission to make a positive difference in the world and their work with purpose-driven clients. I was excited to intern with a company whose values are so aligned with my own. 

What do you feel you learned about PR?

I only knew the basics of PR before my week at Harpswood. Throughout my week at Harpswood I learned so much. I came into the week hoping to maybe shadow a few meetings and gain a general overview of PR, but instead I was trusted by the team to get involved with so many tasks. 

One of the biggest things I learned is how much goes on behind the scenes in a PR agency. I saw firsthand how important it is to build strong relationships with both clients and journalists in the process of delivering amazing results. In such a fast-paced environment I saw how important managing your tasks effectively is - as well as how key it is to be able to juggle a number of priorities while maintaining a positive, calm persona. 

The team was so helpful and encouraging throughout the week, and I think PR is a field I would love to work in. 

What was your average day like?

Every day in the office was different, which I loved. I was able to get involved in a variety of projects for a number of Harpswood’s clients. I learned so much over the course of the week.  I began each day by completing a news scan where I would share articles with the Harpswood team that were relevant to clients and the industries they operate in. I also helped to prepare briefing notes for clients ahead of interviews with national journalists and researched industry events for the Harpswood team and their clients to attend. I was also able to observe the different tasks the team does every day - from pitching to journalists and brainstorming new angles to handling tight deadlines and always trying to stay one step ahead of their clients’ needs.

What were your highlights?

It’s difficult to choose one highlight as there have been so many - but one has definitely been working with such an uplifting, welcoming team. They made me feel so comfortable and have been happy to answer all of my questions and give me a glimpse into their roles. 

I also had the pleasure of going for lunch with Harpswood’s director Abigail, which had a huge impact on me. She shared her own experiences and career path into PR, and also gave me a lot of thoughtful advice. Her enthusiastic attitude is reflected in the entire team, and the work culture at Harpswood makes it such an enjoyable place to be. 

What would you say to someone thinking of doing an internship in PR?

I would 100% say to go for it! I think  internships are so valuable, especially in PR: it allows you to gain hands-on experience and can help to guide your decisions about your future career path - while learning more about yourself in the process.

What would you say to someone thinking of doing an internship with Harpswood?

If anyone is considering doing an internship with Harpswood, I would say you have to go for it! The opportunity is one you shouldn’t turn down. The entire team is so welcoming and friendly, and the insights you will gain and the projects you will get involved with will be so memorable. 

At Harpswood, everyone is treated the same and the work culture here is so positive to be a part of. Harpswood is a really impressive company -  without a doubt you will come away from the internship having learnt so much about PR and yourself, gaining transferable skills and so much valuable advice.