Joining Vested 

Our eight weeks at the agency have flown by, mirroring the fast-paced and reactive environment in which PR agencies operate. Right from the start, we were immersed in the Vested culture, introduced and welcomed by both our UK and US teams. Training sessions with new Vesties across both regions helped us get up to speed with the tools we’d be using daily, including Qwoted, Signal, and MuckRack. These practical insights quickly became the foundation of our work. Our dedicated line managers, weekly catch-ups, and coffee runs with different colleagues fostered clear communication and strong support, allowing us to openly discuss progress, ask questions, and align goals effectively.

Agency life (day to day) 

Each day brought a mix of tasks, from sharing news coverage and researching industry events to supporting social media work and ideating new campaign ideas. The varied nature of our workload gave us exposure to different accounts across the financial services space, from traditional banking to crypto and fintech, which helped us better understand key challenges and opportunities that are shaping the UK financial landscape.

As our involvement deepened, we were exposed to the business development elements of agency life in a much more meaningful way. Being invited to brainstorm and asked to work on competitor and channel analysis gave us a clearer understanding of the strategic thinking and effort that goes into winning new work. It was a valuable learning experience that highlighted the importance of collaboration, attention to detail, and adaptability in responding to client needs.

Insights into the PR world 

A key takeaway has been understanding just how far PR intersects economics, policy, and public perception. Editorial meetings with the global team helped us make sense of fast-moving financial news. It became clear how both major news developments and seemingly minor events can significantly influence client priorities and the work required. This experience really solidified our understanding of the need for awareness, agility, and a truly global mindset in shaping effective communications. 

The training we undertook through VestED gave us valuable exposure to the diverse elements that make Vested’s culture stand out, from sessions on financial markets to media training tips from Chairman Dan Simon himself. These sessions served as a reminder that in the communications industry, constant education and fresh insights aren’t just beneficial, they’re essential. The landscape is always evolving, and staying informed is critical to producing work that is both strategic and relevant. What stood out most to us was how this learning culture permeates in the office, allowing the team to stay ahead of the curve.

Takeaways and Thank you

We’re incredibly grateful to the Vested team for making us feel welcome, challenged, and involved throughout the programme. This internship has instilled in us a strong desire to keep learning, to stay sharp, and to approach the world with a more critical, well-rounded perspective, all while encouraging us to nurture the creative thinkers within ourselves, which is essential in a field that values originality and fresh ideas.

Special thank you to our incredible line managers Gian Marco Candolo and Sarah Callaghan and programme leader Amelia Graham.