Hi! My name is Yeva, and I’m 21 years old. I live in Poland, study at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, and recently started my internship in the PR Team at SOFTSWISS. While trying to balance work and studies, I can honestly say this period of my life is full of new experiences and constant learning. I study digital marketing at university, and my work as a PR intern consists of writing press releases and assisting with many of the PR managers’ tasks. And today, I decided that I wanted to share my experience. I hope my insights can help others on their professional paths. That’s why I’m starting my Intern’s Diary!
When someone tells you that what you study is the complete opposite of what you’ll do at work, you don’t really believe it. At least, I didn’t. I knew I wasn’t an expert yet, but I honestly thought I was ready for my first meetings with the team. Reality hit fast. In those first calls, I barely understood what my colleagues were talking about. Abbreviations like SoV, GGR, REG, FTD, and ABM sounded like random words in a language I’d never learned. I used to think that university theory and a few extra courses would be a magic pill, something that could turn me into a specialist overnight.
It turns out real work demands something else first. Can you easily talk to new people and honestly let them know when you don’t understand something they’ve said? Are you comfortable asking even “silly” questions at the start of your professional path? Can you face the fear of looking inexperienced, whether you’re writing code, drafting a press release, or even writing a text like this one? As a girl just starting my career, I’ve already discovered a few rules that have helped me find my footing, and might also help anyone walking into their first job.
Rule 1: Theoretical knowledge doesn’t guarantee high-quality work, but it’s still essential for doing your job well
At first, theory didn’t help much, especially in meetings. I felt completely lost, and I honestly thought all my university knowledge was useless. But everything changed when I got my first real task. Staring at a blank document, I realised that the boring basics, like a press release structure or understanding how to define an audience, are not random “nice-to-have skills”. They are practical tools that help you create something strong instead of something chaotic. And the more curious you are, the easier it becomes to work, because curiosity turns theory into real thinking.
Rule 2: One of the best things you can do at your first job is ask plenty of questions
As I mentioned, during my first meetings, I barely understood a single word. The worst part was that I was sure I had to understand everything immediately – all the terms, plans, campaigns, and metrics. In my head, not knowing meant “I’m not good enough.” But for my colleagues, it was obvious that as a newcomer, I couldn’t know all the specifics yet. Still, I was afraid to ask because I didn’t want to look unskilled. Luckily, the team created such a kind and comfortable atmosphere that I understood there was nothing wrong with asking questions.
That’s how I realised one of the best things you can do at your first job is ask plenty of questions. Even better, try to find the answer yourself first, then check it with a professional. It saves time and shows independence. So don’t be afraid of finding the wrong answer – be afraid of not asking at all.
Rule 3: Be as proactive as possible: look for new projects, bring ideas, suggest solutions, and volunteer whenever you can
After the first month, I felt much more confident and started taking the microphone in meetings without a shaky voice. I even began bringing ideas I considered fresh and useful. I wasn’t sure if my colleagues would like them, but I shared anyway, because out of a million ideas, one is always brilliant. Not every thought of mine was possible to practice or useful, but all of them were perceived positively. I shared new things I had learned, suggested solutions, volunteered for small tasks, and it worked in my favour.
Being proactive matters not because you need to impress anyone, but because new eyes often see something others don’t. And your teammates notice when you care enough to contribute. That was the moment when I stopped feeling like “the new one” and started feeling like part of the team.
Rule 4: Ask for feedback from your colleagues – they can help you see where there’s room for improvement
I felt this most clearly when I participated in my first interview for a work project. I was nervous, trying to listen closely, keep the conversation natural, and not miss anything important. When it ended, I sent the draft and asked for feedback because I really wanted to know how I came across, whether my questions made sense, and what I could improve next time. The response wasn’t intimidating at all. It was thoughtful, specific, and kind in a way that made me feel safe to keep learning. What surprised me even more was that my colleague also asked for my feedback on the process. And suddenly it didn’t feel like “a senior reviewing an intern.” It felt like two people building something together. And in that moment, I truly felt like part of the team: not someone who just completes tasks, but someone whose voice and perspective matter.
Rule 5: When something feels both exciting and a little scary, it’s usually a sign you’re on the right path
My main insight here wasn’t really mine. During my first month as a PR intern, I was absolutely excited and afraid of everything. I was afraid of making mistakes, afraid of asking questions, and it took me a lot of effort to write my first press release. One evening, I talked to a friend who had also just started her first job, and she said she felt exactly the same. We laughed and then realised something simple: when a step feels both inspiring and a little scary, it’s usually a sign you’re on the right path. That fear marks the start of growth. Move towards it, and each step really does make you braver. It works.
Today I feel like I’m in the right place. Sometimes I still feel afraid of new tasks, but now I know what that fear means. It’s the moment right before growth. The more challenging something feels, the more it teaches me. These five lessons didn’t make my first job smooth or perfect, and honestly, I’m glad they didn’t. They made it real.
If you’re about to start your first job and you feel excited, confused, and a little terrified all at once, don’t panic. That’s normal. That’s the beginning. And step by step, you’ll find your footing too.