It was sometime in elementary school—when calculators were unjustly banned from use during tests—that I decided to break up with long division and started serious relationships with reading, writing, and art (we’re even Facebook-official).
When high school and college rolled around, I decided I didn’t want to starve as an artist later in life, so I began to pursue writing. Seven failed novel attempts later, I discovered public relations and immediately felt at home.
Fast-forward to this past December, when I began seeking a summer internship. Googling “public relations + Philadelphia” produced more results than any human could possibly wade through, so I narrowed it down and applied only to the firms that seemed human, had a great social media presence and whose websites were beautifully designed. Hello, Buchanan PR.
I have been fortunate enough to have spent the past few months surrounded by the PR superstars at Buchanan, and I have learned an incredible amount. Here are the top five lessons I learned during my internship at Buchanan PR:
1. PR is not about knowing things and people. It’s about knowing names and connecting with people. It’s not about calling a reporter to simply make your pitch; it’s about listening when the journalist complains of being too busy to even take a vacation. It’s about using the manners your mother taught you and remaining pleasant, no matter how many gray hairs your interactions with reporters may cause.
2. Patience is a virtue. I’ve been amazed at how gracefully the team at BPR handles what could be stressful, anxiety-inducing situations, including those with clients, the media and others. Their photos are going on my Pinterest boards for inspiration!
3. “So…what exactly do you do?” is the question that usually follows when I proclaim that I work in PR. Ordinarily, I would mumble something lame like “press releases and writing.” Now, however, the Buchanan team has gifted me with the experience and eloquence to respond confidently with, “Did you read about our client in the Philadelphia Business Journal? Did you see the infographic I designed on X’s Pinterest board? Do you know how Shark Week relates to social media? I’m the one who helps to get these stories placed, who designs the graphics and who leverages seemingly unrelated connections to create meaning.”
4. Have faith. I’m not going to get on my soapbox here: I’m talking about confidence. When I didn’t even know what pitching reporters or tracking clients in the media meant, the BPR team trusted me to handle these important projects. It was a case of trial by fire—and I survived with their guidance.
5. Dogs make life more fun. I never considered myself a “dog person,” (blasphemy, I know) having grown up with those sassy meowing creatures, and so was quite nervous when faced with spending entire days in an office where dogs are office mates. I’m glad to report that I have survived Romeo’s great wrath (he’s a Toy Poodle), and have even come to enjoy Lacey’s laps around the office.
Thank you, Buchanan team. I have had a taste of everything from pitching to behind-the-scenes of website design, and I am eternally grateful for not only soaking up the invaluable knowledge floating around the office, but for your support and friendship.
It’s not “goodbye”—it’s “see you soon.” And, if you have a second, could you hand me that calculator?
Photo: https://www.connellypartners.com/2013/04/interning-at-connelly-partners-the-ins-and-outs/intern-2/