Lara Edwards, an English Literature and History undergraduate at the University of Birmingham, completed a PR work experience placement with us in July 2011. She advises potential applicants that sticking to Octopus's core values can improve your work experience.

Astute - asking the right questions to get the best answers

As an intern you want to project a confident and capable image. There is a tendency therefore to pretend you completely understand a task even if you don't have a clue what's going on. Don't fall into this trap. Being inquisitive is great - it shows you're engaging with the work and taking it seriously.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, whether you're unsure about a task you've been set or if there's an aspect of PR you are keen to learn more about. I soon learned Octopedes are passionate about what they do so giving them a chance to chat about work isn't going to be a problem!

Brave - not afraid of thinking big

It's vital to jump in at the deep end and make the most of every opportunity. If something scares you about PR then aim to practise that aspect the most.

So, if you lack confidence when talking on the phone then prioritise pitching and selling in to journalists. If writing isn't your strong point then ask if you can have a go at some press releases.

Enthusiasm is the main quality that separates the great interns from the average ones, so providing you remain positive when tackling each task and are able to deal with constructive criticism you will be absolutely fine. Early on in your placement you'll realise that it's all a learning curve and mistakes are just part of the process.

Together - life here is a team sport

One feature of Octopus that really made it stand out for me as an agency is the team's strong identity and the company culture. The agency is extremely inclusive and it feels as though each member of the team is valued, no matter how junior they are.

PR agencies generally tend to be very social, so be sure to get involved in any group events or after work drinks that are taking place. Involving yourself in social events is crucial as it's a fantastic opportunity to establish yourself as more than just another intern and for your personality to shine through.

Socialising is one of the perks of PR so make the most of it! It also reflects well on you if you're prepared to take the time to get to know everyone rather than running out the door at 5:30pm.

Hungry - forever wanting more for ourselves and our clients

I don't think the word 'hungry' can be used in relation to Octopus without mentioning cake. If there's anything I learnt from my month at the agency it's that Octopedes love cake. So a word of advice from me to you, if you're applying for a position here, a sneaky mention of your love of baking or your delicious chocolate cake that everyone raves about would definitely not go amiss.

On a slightly more serious note, I want to re-iterate my point about integrating yourself with the team and getting involved with every possible opportunity. Work placements are not very long so make sure you put 100% into every piece of work you're set. Be flexible with your time, and prepare yourself to fit your plans around your internship and go the extra mile for a project. PR isn't a 9-to-5 job, which means it's less predictable but hopefully more exciting than most office work.

True - saying what we see

One benefit of having no prior experience is that you'll be able to provide your employers with a fresh perspective. As an intern your opinions aren't tainted by previous campaigns and relationships with clients so you may come up with ideas that would never have crossed your boss's mind.

You can afford to be really creative. Ask to sit in on brain storms and meetings to see how the team works and bounces ideas off one another, and don't be afraid to voice your opinion. Even if they don't use your ideas it'll be helpful for your colleagues to be aware of alternative perspectives.

It's a bit of a cliché to say that the job market is tough and getting your foot on the first rung of the ladder has perhaps never been harder. But this is why getting some relevant work experience is vital for anyone entering the job market. Perhaps by taking Octopus's five core values on board you can ensure your placement is worthwhile.

Good luck!

Lara