Housing specialist PR agency See Media has recently taken on its first intern.
This is the first time the agency has recruited at this level and the Birmingham-based business is pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to help guide aspiring PR and comms specialists.
Toluwani Omotoye, a final-year student at the University of Birmingham studying International Relations, approached See Media for a work experience opportunity.
This was successful and the paid internship was created to allow Toluwani to continue to gain industry experience while completing her studies.
Toluwani’s appointment follows a successful start to the year for See Media. In the last few months, the housing and communications PR agency has been shortlisted for three sector awards, won five new clients and is continuing to grow.
Toluwani said: “For students and new graduates, experience has become fundamental in giving a leg up when navigating the job market. I am so grateful that See Media welcomed me on board. The team genuinely care about my development and I feel like I’m gaining invaluable experience.”
In 2019, Toluwani carried out an internship through the Taylor Bennett Foundation, a charity that exists to encourage BAME graduates to pursue a career in PR and communications.
Research has found that ethnic diversity within the PR sector remains a challenging issue that needs to be addressed. According to the CIPR State of the Profession 2020 report, more than nine in 10 (91%) PR Professionals classify themselves as white and that levels of ethnic diversity are declining.
Toluwani added: “I am very aware of the situation facing BAME graduates looking to work in the PR sector which is why gaining experience during university was so important for me. I would definitely encourage students and new graduates to reach out to agencies and companies, even if there is no specific opportunity directly being advertised, because you never know what it could lead to.”
Stuart Macdonald, managing director of See Media, said: “We are thrilled to have been able to create this opportunity to work with Toluwani as our first intern – she has been brilliant to have on board supporting our work with our affordable housing clients.
“Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it has been even harder for students to find work opportunities. We are a small agency but absolutely committed to investing in the next generation of PR professionals and proud to play our part through this internship.”
See Media is a full-service communications agency that works with housing associations, local authorities, contractors and financiers across the UK.
With the success of its first intern, See Media will continue to providing more work experience and internships to aspiring PR professionals. It hopes to recruit another intern in the summer.
For more information about See Media’s internship programme, please contact: hello@see-media.co.uk.
