When I began my internship at Zeno Group’s Chicago office in the summer 2025, I was excited — and intimidated. Butterflies in my stomach fluttered with first-day nerves. Riding up to the 30th floor seemed to take forever. Even logging into my laptop seemed different in an office.

I originally applied hoping to join the Brand team and work directly with clients. Instead, I was invited to join the Marketing team. While incredibly grateful for the opportunity, I questioned whether I was where I was “supposed” to be. That’s when imposter syndrome crept in. Like many interns entering a fast-paced PR agency environment, I wondered if I was prepared enough, experienced enough, or confident enough to belong.

The Power of Mentorship at Zeno

What changed everything was mentorship. Having an internal mentor who guided and supported me transformed my internship experience. Once fully immersed in the Marketing team, my mindset shifted. I found myself surrounded by some of the smartest, most driven women I had ever worked with. Watching how confidently and creatively they approached their work showed me something important: growth isn’t about landing the “perfect” role. It’s about observing, learning, and participating wherever you are. At Zeno, I didn’t just gain experience. I gained confidence! I stopped asking myself whether I belonged and started asking how I could add value.

Learning the PR Agency Perspective

While I initially felt overwhelmed, Zeno’s collaborative culture made growth feel manageable and exciting. I strengthened skills I already had, like social media strategy, but I also learned how to apply them through a PR agency lens. I saw teams balance personal creativity with brand alignment, bringing fresh ideas to campaigns while still supporting a client’s voice, identity, and business goals.

That perspective changed how I think about marketing and communications. Now, when I approach new projects, I consider the larger strategy, the audience impact, and how details connect back to a bigger goal. I definitely feel more prepared for future interviews and career opportunities.

Imposter Syndrome Is More Universal Than We Think

During my internship, I had the opportunity to appear on The Oprah Podcast alongside Adam Grant for the episode “What Is Your Full Potential?” One of the biggest takeaways was realizing how universal imposter syndrome truly is. Even the most accomplished leaders experience doubt. Oprah reinforced something powerful: you don’t wait until you feel ready. You start anyway. Once you understand that everyone is navigating similar insecurities, it becomes easier to focus on growth instead of self-doubt.

Advice for Future PR Interns

Internships prepare you for the real world in ways classrooms and social media never fully can. They help you discover where you thrive, what inspires you, and what kind of professional you want to become. You don’t need everything figured out before you begin. If you’re considering a PR internship, especially at an agency, my advice is simple: start somewhere. Growth doesn’t come from certainty. It comes from showing up, learning, and trusting that you are exactly where you’re meant to be.