This week I traveled with fellow ONU PRSSA chapter members to Chicago. A group of approximately 15 students and I got the opportunity to spend three days visiting some of the best public relations agencies in town. Before this trip, I had never considered working for a public relations agency, especially in a big city like Chicago. However, I have to admit after visiting with Ruder-Finn, Ketchum, Golin Harris and Weber Shandwick that has completely changed.
As a public relations and sport management dual major, my aspirations have also been to work in the sports world. As a senior, I feel as though I could work in a number of different positions within a professional sport organization, which is why all the applications I have filled out this year have been directed toward getting a job with a sports team. However, after learning more about the opportunities that lie in a position with a public relations agency that may change. Many of the myths and opinions I had about working for an agency were squashed after learning more in Chicago.
The first is the idea that all agencies have "scary, demanding, and harsh" atmospheres. I could not have been more wrong. Although it is clear that agency life is competitive, it was clear that the people working at the firms we visited absolutely loved their jobs. Each professional highlighted fun activities employees do together, mentorship programs and the open door policy their bosses maintain. Some firms talked about happy hours on Friday, volunteer days and softball teams they particpate in that bring employees closer together. To me, this was fantastic and very surprising.
The second myth that was busted was how I thought the hiring process worked. Before visiting the firms, I assumed that account executive positions were announced and these firms looked to recent graduates to fill the position. Wrong again. Every firm we visited pointed out that new hires typically begin as an intern and stay in this position for three to six months. Then, the intern is evaluated and often promoted to either an assistant account executive or account executive position. It is clear that the way to get in with a public relations agency is through proving yourself as an intern.
The third and final opinion this visit changed is the idea that agency life does not fit my personality. Let me tell you, this was completely incorrect. After talking with representatives, it was apparent to me that I hold multiple personality traits that would fit perfectly in an agency setting. The ability to learn quickly, a strong work ethic and creativity were a few that stuck out to me. All of the professionals we met with had these traits, and I believe I do as well.
Overall, I am very happy I chose to go on this trip. It was an amazing experience that allowed me to walk away with a completely new perspective on the world of agency PR. I thought I had my life after college planned out, but after this trip, things may change. Thank you to all the professionals that took the time to meet with us, the ONU Communications and Theatre Arts Department, and our professors Aggie and Dr. I for giving us this opportunity!
The group at Wrigley Field with ONU alum and PR Specialist, Kevin Saghy
It sounds like everyone had a lot of fun and great experiences while you guys were in Chicago, and I'm glad you did! Like you, I never considered myself someone who could work in an agency and I still don't know that I could but I think we always need to keep an open mind about these things. One day we may end up somewhere we never thought we would, right?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I like that this post was about the myths of agency life vs. the facts. We always hear about it in PRSSA from our professional speakers, but hearing it from a peer gives it a different perspective on the idea.