TIPS FROM A PR INTERN: BE YOURSELF, GET READY TO LEARN, ENJOY THE RIDE
I finally felt like a true “New Yorker” when I was on my first morning commute to the 72Point office in Brooklyn. I had to fight for my own spot on the train, brace myself for the people walking on the wrong side of the stairs, and run for my subway.
Ah, the life.
I was excited to go to work then, and I still enjoy it over a month later. (How lucky am I to say that?!)
From my first day here at 72Point, I was thrown into working life with full force and I haven’t turned back since. This is definitely not the type of internship where you are running around getting coffee for people all day — something most of my friends cannot relate to. I am seriously involved in the company, and actually feel like I can contribute. I have learned so much since then, I feel like I have been working here for way longer than a month.
My trainer and official “work-mom” taught me everything I needed to know from checking for clients’ coverage to managing our media databases— and most importantly the best breakfast wrap in DUMBO, and how to work the coffee machine.
As my understanding of these tools quickly solidified, I was also given the opportunity to take on more responsibility within the department. They trusted me to start pitching out stories to editors which helped me find my own voice within 72Point. With this new responsibility also came a level of fear with contacting people outside my network. However, the excitement after seeing my first pitch hit made all of that fear worthwhile. This is the growth that I really hoped for out of my first internship.
While I enjoy the work that I do, my favorite part about interning at 72Point is the work culture here in the office. Because I am a rather hyper-active person, I was very worried that office life was going to be too boring for me. From the beginning I was happily surprised by the energy in the office. Everyone really seems to be happy to be at work, which is no mean feat- especially with “angry New Yorkers.” We work hard in the office, but also figure out how to have fun with each other throughout the day which makes my 9-5 feel really short.
Of course, all of my great co-workers make this work culture possible. I felt welcomed from the get-go, even though it took me a few weeks to learn everyone’s names. From a simple good morning to sharing snacks with each other, everyone at 72Point has made me feel like part of the team. I have loved getting to know all of the creative and inspirational people that also work here and look forward to getting to know them better during my time here.
Now that I’m interning, I see how valuable this experience is for my career in the future. I am learning so many new things every day, not only for a future job but also about myself that I didn’t know before. For example, I understand the importance of being responsive over email now more than ever before, and I also realized that I need to leave a little early, so I don’t feel rushed on my commute.
For those thinking about becoming an intern- the most important thing you can do is keep an open mind and be ready to learn. I have been exposed to many new things and people in this past month and being open to learning has been my most useful tool. Also, you hear this a lot, but just be yourself. Your new office (and really, the world) will thank you for it.
Now that I am starting to master the art of being a true “New Yorker,” I am excited to say this is only the beginning. I still have two months left at 72Point, and I can’t wait to keep learning, getting to know the people, and eating more breakfast wraps from my new favorite deli.
Mallory Dubay
Media Liaison Intern
Interested in joining the 72Point and SWNS Media Group team in New York or San Diego? Check out our ‘Work with us’ page for our latest vacancies.
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