I’d like to say I stumbled into PR, but really, it’s always been waiting for me to find it.

I’ve long been curious about how people think, and how the stories we tell shape our understanding of the world. This curiosity led me first to journalism, then to marketing, and it was when I discovered PR and strategic communications that something just clicked. I’d been searching for a career that challenged both sides of my brain: where I could think critically, ask questions, and be creative to build something engaging and human. PR brought these strands of myself together.

How I found Stand, and what stood out to me

What truly drew me in was the potential of comms to drive change. The more I learned, the more I saw how the right message delivered well can shape behaviour, shift debates, and create a meaningful impact. When I started reaching out to agencies, I looked for ones aligned with my values: purpose-led, curious, and committed to making a difference. That’s how I found Stand.

What stood out to me from the outset was their clear commitment to digging beneath the surface, getting to the heart of what a brand truly stands for, what drives it, and how it can connect with people in meaningful ways. It wasn’t just about making noise, but about asking the right questions, and really getting to the root of the ‘why’ behind everything, to create work with purpose.

After nervously reaching out to Grace, Stand’s Director and Head of Culture, our conversation confirmed everything I’d hoped. She was warm, insightful, and deepened my interest in both the industry and how things worked behind the scenes at a place like Stand. Just a week later, an internship opportunity opened and, after a short interview process, I was soon on my way down to Old Street, London for my first day, feeling equally nervous and excited.

My time working at Stand

Before I started the internship with Stand, I had some vague ideas about what working in PR and the corporate world might be like: long hours, fast-paced environments, the occasional burnout dressed up as a badge of honour. I’d prepared myself to keep my head down and just learn as much as I could. But what I didn’t expect was to genuinely love it, and wake up every day excited to head into work.

During my time at Stand, I had the opportunity to support client work across their various sectors, from renewable energy and financial services to education and social care. I built media lists, researched journalists and podcast hosts, supported sell-ins, drafted and proofread PR materials, and contributed to campaign research and new business efforts. A couple of highlights include landing coverage for a client in The Sunday Times and Entrepreneur Magazine as well as creating a LinkedIn post that became Stand’s highest performing to date.

The best part was the culture at Stand

From day one, the team was open, collaborative, and kind, creating an environment where questions were welcomed, no tasks is beneath anyone, support was constant, and every win was celebrated. I especially loved the Thursday “shoutouts,” where everyone recognised each other’s efforts, something that boosted confidence and built a real sense of team spirit. Even Laura, the Founder, said she gets a little boost every time she gets a shoutout!

Of course, there were plenty of moments when I felt out of my depth. Researching speaking opps, assisting with sell-ins, drafting media materials – these were all new tasks to me.

But I quickly realised that the best way to learn was by diving in. Even when priorities shifted quickly (as they often do in PR), it never felt frantic. There was always a sense of structure and shared purpose underneath it all. Plus, I never felt like I was navigating it alone. There was always someone there to check in, offer guidance, and make sure I had the capacity to help before adding something else to my plate. That kind of support made it easy to settle in and it didn’t take long for me to feel like a real part of the team.

Shifting my mindset about agency life

There’s a common assumption that success must mean 12-hour days, relentless hustle, and treating rest like weakness. Online, it’s everywhere, from 5am routine videos to “grindset” influencers glorifying burnout.

But Stand challenges that narrative. People work incredibly hard, but it’s never about proving your worth through exhaustion. The focus is on doing great work with purpose, in a genuinely supportive environment. The energy is focused and fast-paced, but always human, punctuated by chats about The White Lotus, debates on how many cups of coffee may be too many, and check-ins that feel sincere and genuine.

Stand doesn’t overpromise or posture; they’re honest with clients, realistic about delivery, and focused on long-term impact – a part of why they call themselves a consultancy, not a traditional agency. Their values like curiosity, action, and impact aren’t just slogans on a website, but principles that shape how they work every day. In a world where graduates are often told to be grateful for any job, even one that exploits or exhausts them, Stand genuinely stands apart.

I used to think loving your job was a rare privilege, but my time at Stand changed that. I’ve seen how work can be both challenging and energising, purposeful and kind. In just a few weeks, I’ve not only gained real PR experience but, more importantly, I’ve also gained a clearer picture of the kind of career I want to build and the team I want to be part of, one that challenges and supports you and reminds you that enjoying your job doesn’t mean you’re not working hard enough. It just means you’ve found the right place.