Learnings in brand design PR at Red Setter - end of internship Q&A

This summer, Alice and I had the pleasure of completing an eight-week internship at the Red Setter office in Brighton. Having never worked in an office before - let alone in PR - we weren’t quite sure what to expect. What we found, however, was an incredibly rewarding experience.

Keep reading for our Q&A on the highs, lows, takeaways, and future ambitions…

Were the tasks as you expected?

Abi: Not at all. I really appreciated the team’s commitment to training. I was expecting lots of coffee runs, phone answering, and admin tasks, but instead I was invited to sit in on team meetings, given my own responsibilities, and taught so much about PR, the design industry, and our clients. It was a rewarding way to learn both about PR and brand design, and what it’s like to work in an office.

I was trusted to create media lists, write pitches and sell-ins, and track coverage secured by the team. These quickly became my favourite tasks, even though they weren’t what I expected to be doing as an intern.

Alice: To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from PR in the design world, but I was excited to learn and immerse myself in the industry.

I enjoyed applying the skills I already had while developing new ones along the way. Activities like finding newsjacking opportunities, sourcing relevant podcasts, and drafting pitches and event invitations gave me a much clearer understanding of what design PR involves.

A particular highlight was sitting in on a client call - it was invaluable to see firsthand how relationships are managed and how creativity is brought to life in projects. These experiences also really helped build my confidence.

Did you have a favourite day of the internship?

Abi: Definitely the Red Setter Summer Party. It was so nice to finally meet everyone I’d only seen on Zoom or Teams who aren’t Brighton based.

We enjoyed lunch together in the office before heading to Brighton Pier for rides and drinks - although I think I left with a minor case of whiplash from the Waltzer! Everyone had already been so welcoming, but the Summer Party made me feel like a truly valued member of the team.

Alice: I’ve absolutely loved being an intern at Red Setter - every day brought something new to learn, and I always felt encouraged to apply my skills and grow within a supportive, creative environment.

If I had to pick a favourite moment, it would also be the Red Setter Day. Meeting the entire company in person was such a great experience - it showed me just how warm and welcoming the team is.

One unforgettable moment was going on the rides at the pier with Abi (terrifying, but hilarious!). That day summed up perfectly how special Red Setter is: not just a workplace, but a real community.

What is your biggest takeaway?

Abi: One thing that really stood out is that PR is everywhere - if you’ve heard of a brand, chances are they have a strong PR team behind them. I also learned that PR takes many different forms.

By the end of the internship, I finally felt confident explaining to friends and family what Red Setter actually does - something I struggled with at the start!

Alice: My biggest takeaway has been realising just how essential creativity, strategic thinking, and storytelling are within design PR. I’ve also learned that teamwork and clear communication are key to success in this industry.

I now understand how crucial it is to build relationships with journalists and maintain ongoing interactions with them. It was rewarding to see my contributions genuinely helping clients, and it has left me both motivated and excited for the future.

What advice would you give to those starting an internship?

Abi: Take initiative. It makes a great impression if you do obvious little things without being asked - like offering tea or coffee, topping up water jugs, or tidying the office at the end of the day. At the same time, ask lots of questions. The team is so knowledgeable, and it’s the best way to learn.

Alice: Immerse yourself fully, be proactive, ask questions, and grab every opportunity to learn.

What’s next?

Abi: I’ve just graduated from the University of Sussex and I’m going to stay in Brighton - I can’t imagine moving back to my small hometown after three years here! Following my internship I’m also thrilled to be joining Red Setter full-time as a Junior Account Executive. I’m excited to keep developing my PR skills and learning from the team.

Alice: This internship has sparked a real interest in PR and brand communications, especially within design and the creative industries. I’m looking forward to exploring this path further and building on what I’ve learned as I head into my final year at university.