January marks my first six months with Wrights and also my first six months working full time in the PR industry. The past two years have certainly been difficult to navigate with lockdowns and restrictions, starting my career amongst this hasn’t been the most traditional. I have grown and learnt so much already, so here are my top takeaways from my first half a year in PR.
- Ask questions
Everyone has been in a position where they feel their question is too small or too obvious to ask, but as the saying goes ‘there is no such thing as a dumb question’. My first six months with Wrights has taught me the importance of not just asking for assistance when I’m stuck but also seeking feedback. The more I ask, the more I learn and develop my skills.
- Read the news
As a PR professional, it is crucial that we know the media landscape inside and out. Not only to determine when and who to pitch to, but also to be part of the conversation and jump on potential stories. Our daily news reviews have become an integral part of growing my knowledge of the media and have been essential in developing my writing.
- Your team is your biggest asset
The Wrights team have been a massive support network in my nascent career. Everyone has their own skills set and experiences and it is important to utilise them. I’ve learnt that at the end of the day, it really is one team one dream and being a team player is one of the most important attributes to have.
- Communication is key
PR isn’t just about having great communication with you clients’ audiences but it’s also about having clear communication with clients, team members and everyone else you engage with. The PR industry is based on communication, so knowing how to communicate is an essential skill.
- Find balance
PR can be a demanding profession and at the end of a long day or long week I can find myself exhausted. I’ve learnt the importance of maintaining a work-life balance, particularly when working from home where work and rest all happen from my bedroom. Learning when to switch off has helped me to not only relax but also allows me to come back with more creativity and energy.
- The learning never stops
In PR change is the only constant. The media landscape is always evolving so there is always something to new to learn. A new job can feel overwhelming at times, but it is important to remind yourself that everyone started somewhere, and to never stop learning!
No two days are the same in PR and that makes for an exciting career. My time at Wrights has already taught me so much about my chosen profession and I am excited to see what the rest of my career has in store.
