Harpswood welcomes Jessica Ahmed

Jessica Ahmed joined Harpswood this summer through the 10,000 Black Interns programme, which aims to empower black students with paid internships and unleash their true potential in British businesses.

Jessica is a Law with Politics student studying at Lancaster University. 

The programme fosters professional growth, reveals untapped talent and emphasises the value of equal opportunities for diverse talents in the workplace.

We asked Jessica to reflect on her experience… 

What attracted you to Harpswood?

I was attracted to Harpswood because of their commitment to working with businesses that are making the world cleaner, fairer and better. I’m passionate about the environment so this was a really exciting opportunity. 

What do you feel you learned about PR?

It’s been really hands-on - which I've loved! I’ve had the opportunity to get involved with activity across the agency, from meeting clients and researching journalists to pulling media lists and writing articles. My to-do list has been varied (and often quick to change!). The experience has given me an understanding of how PR agencies operate and deliver results for their clients. 

What’s your average day like?

At Harpswood, every day is different. I have worked with the team across many different clients which has broadened my understanding of different industries. Most days, I’m monitoring news sites for relevant stories to our clients, drafting pitches for journalists and carrying out research. I’ve also had the opportunity to attend client calls and media interviews - I loved heading along to a podcast recording with Tim Creswick (the CEO of Vorboss). It was great to be in the studio and see how a CEO delivers their key messages. 

What were your highlights?

The highlight of my time at Harpswood has undeniably been the team social - the 'Harpswood Hangout’. We started the evening with a lovely dinner and then went on to a music pub quiz. As a team we worked together and emerged victorious! The experience left a lasting impression on me, as I was able to see and be part of the strong team culture at Harpswood.  I also loved participating in my first client immersion session. Walking into the Climate X office with the account team, I was warmly welcomed and greeted by the cutest dog! As the session flowed, I quickly realised that immersion sessions aren’t purely about facts and statistics; they’re about setting a new account up for success, getting to know the client and learning how you can best work together.  

What did you learn about yourself?

From the rigidity of my degree in Law with Politics to interning in the dynamic world of PR, this summer working at Harpswood has been eye-opening. This experience has allowed me to be creative and learn new things in an exciting industry. My confidence has been boosted both personally and professionally - I now have a stronger faith in my own capabilities. I owe much of my personal growth to the guidance of my line manager, Eva. Her mentorship has guided me through unknown territories and she’s been instrumental in raising my  confidence and championing my skills. She consistently pushed me by delegating new and diverse tasks, even when I was unsure, and was always on hand to teach and support me. It's hard to put into words just how transformative my time at Harpswood has been. It's as if this place has sparked a kind of growth in me that I hadn’t expected.

What would you say to someone thinking of doing an internship in PR? 

I would say, go for it! An internship in PR offers a dynamic and immersive learning experience that goes beyond textbooks. It's a chance to witness the inner workings of communication strategies, media relations, and the fast-paced world of reputation management. You'll gain transferable practical skills, learn how to network, and discover if this exciting industry aligns with your career aspirations.

What would you say to someone thinking of doing an internship with Harpswood? 

I’d say you should take the leap. Harpswood isn't just a place to work – it's a platform for professional growth. There are so many opportunities to learn, innovate and evolve. The internship offers an incredible hands-on experience and the team's genuine friendliness creates an environment where collaboration feels like second nature. It’s been an experience that I will never forget.