It’s been exactly eight months and 16 days since my first day on the job with NewmanPR. On Oct. 1, 2009, I was the nervous newbie, striving for perfection, yet missing the mark time and time again. A lot has transpired since that time and although I am reminded daily that I am still a newbie, I thought I’d share with you all my professional growth and experience thus far.
I can honestly say that in just eight short months I have learned more than I could have ever imagined. Granted, I am surrounded by intelligent, industry veterans who are teaching me the ropes, one step at a time. I have interviewed a lovely pair of cruise-enthusiasts, ages 97 and 100, on the other side of the country for Star Clippers’ magazine, written countless press releases, manned the press room at Cruise Shipping Miami and witnessed the true meaning of crisis communications during the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better I earned a promotion from account coordinator to account executive. I do understand that this position was earned through blood, sweat, tears and a pair of agency partners who simply adore me. Not to mention my newly earned “Diva” title, but that’s a whole other blog entry.
From the company’s holiday luncheon and office potluck, to the yummy office breakfasts every Friday and those unforgettable happy hours after work, I can honestly say that I am having a blast. This is where I belong.
Trust me, I have bumped my head more times than I would like to admit, but along the way and with each experience I have learned important life lessons.
Lessons Learned at the Eight-Month Mark
Andy, the agency’s senior vice president, taught me early on to assume nothing and question everything. Being able to think analytically and independently is key to being a great media/public relations person and is also an important life skill. He also shared with me classic YouTube videos, and in vivid details, a story about his college sweetheart turned wife. The moral of the story was that true love is blind. But that too is a whole other blog entry.
From Buck, the agency’s executive VP, I’ve learned the importance and beauty of succinct, clear writing, in addition to many other things that I don’t have time to mention here. He introduced me to cool Lebanese stations on iTunes Radio, the super cool Zuper Pollo restaurant that I have yet to visit and all the latest trends in social media. Buck also gives me random projects to complete and his old New York Times Book Reviews that I love so dearly. Each day he convinces me that he really is the coolest mature person I know.
Julie, senior account supervisor, has turned me into a savvy little blogger. Although she may not know this, she teaches me daily how to work smart and crank out those press releases, both the exciting ones and the not-so-exciting ones. From her I also learned that Corn Pops cereal contains less sugar than Raisin Bran plus fiber. I’ve come to believe that only highly attractive moms are privy to those type of facts.
My most recent lesson came directly from the big man himself, Stuart, the founding father of NewmanPR. He advised me to project my voice and be confident at all times. After all, PR is a fun industry and should resonate as such. Lesson(s) learned.
Looking back, I guess it’s true what they say, every moment is an experience and full of life lessons. So stay tuned … this is only the beginning!
