Agency Tour
photo credit: Cuba Gallery, flickr.com
I’ve toured more agencies in the past three weeks than I have ever before in my life. In the course that I’m taking to compliment my internship, we toured Edelman, a multi-national agency. The agency was beautiful. Everything looked brand new and was tastefully decorated. We also got a lot of advice from former ducks about starting work at an agency and what they look for in interns. I thought it was neat that from the first day, the interns felt like contributing members of the team, not like lowly interns.
Wednesday of this week, I attended a PRSA event for new pros at Maxwell PR, a firm I’d love to work for. They do tourism and consumer PR for reputable brands such as Whole Foods, Yogi Tea and Kettle Chips.
Although they seemingly never hire, so I no longer have my heart set on the agency, I had the opportunity to meet a few members of the board on PRSA. The pros also offered some good advice for up and coming PR professionals.
Here’s some advice that I took away from the night.
1. Agencies look for someone with original, fun and clever writing and thinking.
2. They want someone detail and results oriented. This seems a little counter-intuitive, but it’s important to see both the big and small picture at the same time.
3. Target your job search. Don’t just send your resume out to every agency or every open position. Making sure that a position fits you is just as important as you fitting in at the company or agency.
4. Stay in touch. If you are seriously interested in an agency (like Maxwell), don’t give up. Keep sending them your media placements and show your continued interest.
5. Consider options other than an agency. I’ve been set on working at a sustainability-oriented agency, but a PRSA member suggested that I don’t limit myself to agency work, but look into corporate PR. Currently places like Portland General Electric (PGE) are looking for people who can promote sustainability with their brand.
All in all, I’m glad I went to the event. I was a little nervous and didn’t know what to expect, but I took away some valuable advice and learned what Maxwell is really about.
Hooray! You finally got to see the inside of Maxwell! Good job!
~J