After 9 fantastic weeks our 2022 cohort from 10,000 Black Interns finished up a summer at Edelman UK. We caught up with this year’s cohort - Danielle, Benedict, Syah, Denise, Yomi, Emmanuel, Amani, Nicole, Aaron and Daniel. From media launch events to international meetings, the class of 2022 share with us their insights, highlights and surprising moments.
What has been your highlight(s) during your internship?
Taking part in numerous social events and activities within the company such as the DXI sports day! – Amani Nashih
Working on the St Andrews Youth Club Pro Bono Project alongside Alex Eeles. I got to visit the club and interview some members too! I loved it. – Syah Eyison
Working alongside Karin Robinson on a pharmaceutical client project which involved liaising closely with the Paris team. – Aaron Oquaye
Working at a client launch, it was interesting to see the other side of product launches. It made me appreciate the work goes into to putting on these events. I got to talk with top tier journalists, and I learnt a few valuable things about the media industry, extremely grateful for that opportunity. – Benedict Aristotle
I’ve enjoyed the work I did with Nina Bass for a women's health charity, gathering some information for a LinkedIn mockup of the health team. – Danielle Evans
Having the opportunity to meet and connect with such a variety of interesting people and getting the chance to learn from their knowledge. – Nicole Adesunloye
Being able to learn about PR, I did not have a vast range of previous knowledge so it has been great to practically learn about it. - Denise Moyo
Being able to see the ins and outs of how PR work is carried out for different clients. - Yomi Atiko
Getting a greater insight into the world of PR & Communications while also seeing how Edelman actually has a much bigger reach than most firms. PR is not a sector I would have considered but Edelman have really opened my eyes. – Emmanuel Popoola
Being invited to a client media launch, it felt very exciting to see the hands-on approach at Edelman - and seeing an exclusive launch for the first time! – Daniel Adekandle
What surprised you the most about your internship?
That my mentor Debbie Fagan (Creative Director) could share so much wisdom with me. Despite her busy schedule, she always found the time to help me with some of my projects. It was such a pleasure to work with her. – Syah Eyison
How welcoming and warm the Edelman team is, a lot of companies use the word family, but at Edelman, good working relationships are truly at the heart. – Aaron Oquaye
How vast the PR industry is, with its teams ranging from financial communications to health communications. I didn’t realise how broad PR is before I started at Edelman, and I’ve enjoyed having the opportunity to explore and learn from the different areas it has to offer. – Nicole Adesunloye
The range of paths people took to end up in PR - it is nice to see an area of work that embraces and thrives off of different skillsets. – Denise Moyo
The number of campaigns that I’ve seen in the past, that I've just realised Edelman has been behind - such as ‘Halo Master Piece’. - Yomi Atiko
How well integrated the firm is, with the amount of different teams it amazes me how the company as a whole works together and makes sure everyone is moving in the right direction. – Emmanuel Popoola
The amount of work behind the scenes it takes to bring a campaign to life. – Daniel Adekandle
What advice would give to anyone considering an internship at Edelman?
Create a LinkedIn Account. Don't be shy, many people in Edelman are always happy to connect! – Syah Eyison
Just give it a go. If you find the idea of working at Edelman interesting or find Edelman’s work interesting, then come and see how you would find it for yourself. – Danielle Evans
Ask as many questions as possible and try get to know people; everyone is so lovely and you will learn invaluable lessons about PR, being an intern and much more. – Denise Moyo
Do not think twice! Just go for it! Edelman is a great company where you’ll have the opportunity to explore your abilities as well as learning about the company itself. The people are extremely intelligent and very welcoming and so, it is the place you want to be if you’re looking to expand your career further. – Amani Nashih
Make sure to dive in headfirst. You don’t need prior knowledge to make use of the internship so the more you put in, the more you stand to get out. One thing I have loved about the experience is how people at all levels are happy to take some time out to talk to you about their job and offer advice. I would not say I am a very social person, but it has really helped to talk to different people and hear their different stories and advice. – Emmanuel Popoola
Do not be afraid to be yourself, you have earned the right to work here. – Benedict Aristotle
About 10,000 Black Interns
The #10000BlackInterns initiative has been designed to help transform the horizons and prospects of young Black people in the United Kingdom. The 10,000 Black Interns programme offers paid work experience across a wide range of sectors, providing training and development opportunities and creating a sustainable cycle of mentorship and sponsorship for the Black community.