-Lauren Marano
On my first day as a PR intern, I arrived at the office half an hour early, just as the first worker pulled into the driveway. I was incredibly nervous, excited, bemused and downright scared. My dad always told me, “Think it through, Lauren.” But for some reason, I couldn’t think past everyday tasks. Am I sitting in this chair right? How does this sweater look? What if my garlic hummus is too garlicky? Do people even like garlic here?
OK, that last question didn’t run through my head, but I did wonder about the “small” stuff. I didn’t want to stick out. I drank a lot of coffee my first day and stared intently at instructions for transferring phone calls. Up until a few days ago, I still didn’t know how to transfer a call, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned from being a PR intern, it’s to stay curious. Being curious means you must accept your limits, utilize the resources around you, and ask more questions than a helicopter parent.
Here are five things I’ve learned as a PR ‘Newbie’:
1. Everyone makes mistakes. The other day, I sent out a press release prior to having it approved by a senior staff member. It was too late. There was no way I could take back the emails I sent. I felt a wave of despair. I worked on the pitch, press release and media lists for days. I was ready, but perhaps too eager. My anxiety mounted, oh no, what did I do? I apologized to my co-worker. Despite the not-so-brief moment of panic, my co-worker said, “Everyone makes mistakes.” I took a few deep breaths and accepted her consolation with open arms. Everyone makes mistakes, and making mistakes is a part of any business, especially if you’re doing it right.
2. Get your hands dirty. “Do you want to help me with this pitch?” “Want to take a swing at an interview prep sheet?” Questions like these can be daunting for a newbie, especially when many of your clients are involved in industries you don’t know too much about. However, my unfamiliarity with these businesses has been one of the most gratifying aspects of this position. This industry requires a constant vigilance to professional relationships and the news. It might take some time to find the perfect hook for a pitch, or the right contacts in a media list, but you have to be willing to dig deep, get dirty and be resilient.
3. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid of asking too many questions. Questions show you are interested and willing to grow. It’s truly humbling to work in an industry where I have no prior experience. My skills as an English and American Studies major have translated well into the business of PR, however, before I began working at Buchanan, I didn’t know what a media list was, how to write a press release, or if spooning peanut butter from the jar into my mouth was an acceptable mid-afternoon snack. Regardless, I’ve done all of those things. I’m still learning how to perfect pitches and releases, but I’ve got the peanut butter spooning down pat.
4. Practice. In an attempt to avoid the platitude, “practice makes perfect,” I realized platitudes are over-used for a reason – they’re helpful. The more tasks I’ve completed and worked on, the more confident I’ve become in my abilities. This is true for practically any industry. Successful entrepreneurs, awe-inspiring athletes and PR pros have all started as amateurs. News pitches may begin as dusty drafts, but with practice, they can be polished into shiny, golden news nuggets.
5. Started from the bottom. Before I entertained the idea of an internship, I was adamantly against beginning my post-grad career as an intern. I vastly underestimated the skills, experience, learning and job opportunities the right internship can offer. As an intern, I’ve grappled firsthand with diverse tasks and challenges. I’ve understood more about what I want in terms of a career, and what I bring to the table as a professional worker. I’ve realized how much there is to learn anywhere and everywhere, and that, is one of the most rewarding attitudes you can embrace.
In the profound words of Drake, “started from the bottom now we’re here.” It’s important to acknowledge your own journey. It may not be what you expected, but there’s always somewhere to go. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished, and whether you’re a newbie or senior staff, stay curious. You still have much to learn, young Padawan.
Have any tips for PR or other professional newbies? Let us know in the comments below.