PR Agency Tours

On Dec. 5, some members of the Dr. Diane S. Krider chapter of PRSSA and I went to the Detroit area for two public relations agency tours. We went to Franco Public Relations in Detroit in the Renaissance Center and John Bailey & Associates in Troy, Mich.

I enjoyed these tours a lot and I highly recommend going on agency tours if you're still trying to figure out where you want to go with your PR career.

I definitely liked one better than the other. It wasn't because one agency was better than the other; it is purely my own personal reasons and I have nothing against either agency. They are both respectable and do the best work.

However, the agency I preferred had younger employees. They seemed really into the social media and emphasized it on our tour. The atmosphere was more "homey." The work spaces are open so everyone can collaborate and help each other without having to yell or get up and walk somewhere. Everyone in general seemed nicer too. I also prefer the clients they have to the other agency's clients.

A common trend I noticed was that the employees at both places said they got an internship at the agency before they were hired. I guess this is pure common sense because they want to see if you'll fit in with their company and if you're a good worker. One of them said, "It's the longest interview you'll ever have."

In general, going to both places made me so excited to get a job! I love this work and definitely have a deep passion for it. I still have a lot to learn, but I'm excited for that too.

SONG OF THE DAY: Kanye West - I Wonder
Today's Scripture: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:5,8)

*imastar*

PR in NC

It's ALWAYS been my dream to live in NORTH CAROLINA some day. I've been to Caro, NC before and I went in December and it was beautiful there. It was still in the 50s and 60s and there was blue sky and sun! I'm sick of the long winters and unpredictable, crappy weather in Michigan. I also heard that NC was the top state to find jobs in. That was a few years ago so I don't know if that's still true, but I don't really care. The economy there has to be better than Michigan's anyway. Michigan is going down the tubes.

Anyway, I started doing some research on some firms in North Carolina and I came across many!

• carolinapr - "one of the oldest, most established public relations and marketing communications firms operating in the Carolinas; a mid-sized agency; employees contribute their time and energy to further the success of more than 50 local, regional and national civic, and professional organizations"
• fama pr - "only PR firm named to the Boston Business Journal's "Best Places to Work" in 2007 and 2008; partners with technology companies to provide excellence in corporate communications and public relations; Our client base is broad, from stealth startups to publicly-traded companies"
• HiTechPR - "extensive expertise in business to business marketing communications for the electronics, telecommunications and computer industries has set us apart from other companies; multidimensional approach to marketing communications; wins five international public relations awards for the successful launch of Herzlia-Based Genoa Color"
• Hill & Knowlton Inc. - "leading international communications consultancy, providing services to local, multinational and global clients; part of WPP, one of the world's largest communications services groups
• Weber Shandwick Worldwide - "PRSA awarded Weber Shandwick three Silver Anvil Awards, two Silver Anvil Awards of Excellence, three Bronze Anvil Awards and six Bronze Anvil Awards of Commendation at the recent North American awards ceremony; a global public relations and communications leader; a unit of The Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG), which is one of the world's leading organizations of advertising agencies and marketing services companies"

These are just some of the big time firms and agencies. These are the serious ones that you need lots of experience in PR to get a job there. However, everyone has to start somewhere and I believe I will make it there some day! I will move to North Carolina and happily work and live there. I don't know if it will be at one of those places, but I am going to do some more research and see if I can find internships there. I will keep updating on what I find.

In the mean time, if anyone has any suggestions or input or has anything to say about North Carolina in general, please do so! I appreciate any and all comments! I'm sure anything will help me out right now. :) Thanks!

SONG OF THE DAY: Britney Spears-Toxic

Today's Scripture: "Great peace have those who love Your law and nothing shall make them stumble" (Psalm 119:65).

*imastar*