5 Tips from a New PR Intern

Being a first time blogger for the Feed the Interns Blog, as well as a first time PR Intern, I thought it fitting to share what I've found to be most helpful during my past eight weeks at Bailey Gardiner. As a newly initiated member of the Public Relations Intern Club, I've still got a long way to go and lots to learn, but hope these tips prove helpful for those also diving headfirst into the professional world.

1. Learn to adapt and be flexible - Every office or agency has a particular way of doing things, whether that be filing documents on a server, using the copy machine, or cleaning the kitchen. Going in with an open mind and your putting feelers out to pick up these types of things quickly makes the transition easier for you and everyone else you work with so you can get right down to business.

2. Ask questions - Rolling right along and merging into tip number two we find a common and even seemingly obvious piece of advice. Regardless, asking questions is sometimes hard to do when starting work in a new place. And I know, "there's no such thing as a dumb question" (even though I've definitely tested those limits), but in most cases questions are welcomed, as your superiors realize you are there to learn...not to mention there is a better chance you'll successfully accomplish whatever you've been set out to do, which makes everyone's lives easier.

3. Welcome all types of projects - Personally, interning at Bailey Gardiner I have had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects and from every one of them, no matter how simple or how complex, I have learned more about the way PR professionals function internally as well as how their work reflects externally. If you focus on the big picture, every task you put effort into will contribute to your bank of knowledge.

4. REALLY utilize social media - And I don't just mean Facebook stalking. Before BG for example, I had no idea what Twitter entailed, but have since been shown the light and the real potentials of the network. Not only can you stalk celebrities instead of just your friends, BUT you can keep up to date with trends in the industry as well as local/regional publications your company works with and even other Pros who really know their stuff. There's an indescribable amount of knowledge to gain from all the social media platforms out there -- especially when they are all so integrated with PR and marketing strategies today.

And last but not least...

5. Don't be afraid to take a breather every once in a while - By all means, make sure to maintain a professional and appropriate attitude and work ethic, but you don't need to take yourself seriously 24/7/365. As interns we have been given the opportunity to learn and grow on our path towards accomplishing our professional goals, but live in the moment and have fun with what we've been given. There is definitely a line between being driven and driving yourself over the edge and finding your own balance is key to a successful and happy life.


- Elli

Media Relations 101

Everyone knows that media relations is the bread and butter of public relations. It is at the top of most practitioner's responsibilities and daily to do lists. After only two months at Bailey Gardiner, I've had the opportunity to test my media relations skills. Here, I've learned a few important steps that can hopefully help fellow interns out there.

1. Research!
It is always important to do your research. Know what you are pitching, inside and out. Ever try to sell something you didn't really like or use yourself? You probably weren't very persuasive. If you know what you're talking about, you will be more invested and passionate about your pitch. Also, know who you are pitching to. After making your media contact list, Google them! Make sure they are a good fit for your story. See if you have something in common. Find out what their interests are. It will make that phone call or email much more genuine and well-received.

2. Pick up the phone!
One time, in a research methods class, I called over 150 random digit telephone numbers and tried to have them complete a 10 minute survey. And I thought that was scary... Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and dial. If no one picks up, leave a message. If someone answers, do your best. If someone totally rejects you, life goes on. All three have happened to me. But to be honest, it is so rewarding to hear someone on the phone express interest in your story. That one telephone call will accomplish more than 20 emails.


3. Follow up!
After a journalist, freelancer or blogger agrees that your story is newsworthy, make sure to follow up with them. If they need photos, send them images. If they need additional information, reply quickly and accurately. Good follow up and follow through help you establish rapport and a relationship. Then the next time you pick up the phone to call them, it definitely won't be so scary.

So grab your press releases, write your pitch and call away. Good luck! I'll be reading your stories in the San Diego Union-Tribune news room...

Can you spell i.n.t.e.r.n.?

Blogger-me-Blogger

In the last month I have made my debut as a bg intern, candy-cart salesmen, intern blogger and a model (twice!). Okay, okay, those of you who have met me, you know I am not the model-type. Nor will I be going into that profession, but it was fun while it lasted. I am much more interested in the behind the scenes aspects of advertising. Learning about account services, account management, and placement of advertisements is what really excites me. Not so much staring in them. For those of you who don't know me yet, "Hello!" My name is Sadie and I will be blogging away for the next few months as Ad Intern 1. My new partners in crime, the PR interns will be posting also. [see our profiles below]

Next Top Model

My modeling premier took place at Seaport Village during a Bailey Gardiner photo shoot. Seaport Village is a beautiful location and one of the bg's clients I will be working with. Participating in the photo shoot was exciting. I love all things photography and the outdoors - it is not everyday an intern gets to spend their morning on the clock under the San Diego sun and in the salty sea air. My second modeling shoot was for the San Diego Council

 on Literacy's spelling "BEE" benefit event next Thursday, February 24th. Although it is only a shot from behind, I am modeling the agency-designed event t-shirt, so it definitely counts as shoot number two. 

At this rate, by the time May and my graduation rolls around I'll have a stunning resume and modeling portfolio.

Candy-Cart Sales(wo)men

Never underestimate the power of snacks at 4 o'clock on the Friday afternoon. You can learn a lot about people while pulling a child-sized wheelbarrow of snacks around the office. Did I mention it has cowbells? Interpersonal skills and office relationships are formed over the candy-cart. I now know everyone in the office on Fridays, where they sit, and I am beginning to know their snack preferences; salty, sweet, drink or a healthy alternative.

Down to Business

Listed above are some of the perks of interning here at Bailey Gardiner, not to mention the amazing tea/coffee/hot coco machine in the kitchen area and the occasional free goodies left on the table. The real work is much more plentiful and sadly doesn't involve the cowbell. However, my daily tasks are interesting. Every morning I learn who in the USA has taken an interest in Aladdin Bail Bonds, while updating excel files. Some of the relationship descriptions are humorous, for example "mother of his son," which takes away all personal ownership. Contact information can also make for a laugh. For example, one guy last week wrote only the 3-digit area code "818" as his contact. People like this really brighten my morning. I also work on online marketing research and analysis using Google AdWords and Google Analytics. I am getting to be a pro at scanning and filing invoices and starting to get a handle on Workamajig. 

Stay tuned for more on my improvements, specialties and ad talents in future articles.

~Sadie

New Roundup at the Bailey Gardiner Intern Corral

Not only has Bailey Gardiner moved to a bigger and better office in Little Italy, they've picked up four snazzy new interns as well. The newest additions to the BG team are here to introduce themselves.

Sadie Soliozy

Title: Ad Intern
Hometown: Ipswich, MA (heard of it?)
Favorite Food: Egg n' cheese on a whole wheat English muffin, salted with a side of ketchup

Fun Facts:

• I have never lived more that 10 miles from the ocean.
• I drink at least three cups of tea a day.
• In elementary school I played on a boys baseball team because I refused to play softball (may have been my dad's favorite years).
  

Why you are here: To be an amazing intern!

What you want to learn: To learn about and build the skills necessary to work in account service, account management, or maybe even media at an ad agency.

Community Involvement:

• Student Business Advisory Board, USD Student Member
• Ad Club, USD Chapter President

Theresa Schell
Title: Creative Intern
Hometown: Poway, CA
Favorite Food: Chocolate anything

Fun Facts:

• My favorite musician is Jack White.
• I love black and white photography.

Why you are here: To learn about the advertising industry from the inside and find out if that's the kind of graphic design work I'd like to do when I finish school.

What you want to learn: How the process of design work is in the real world, what kind of problems do designers face in this industry, and most importantly how to be a better designer.

Elli Vacca

Title: Public Relations Intern
Hometown: Ventura, CA
Favorite Food: Movie theater popcorn

Fun Facts:

• At 5 years old on the YMCA swim team I won every race because I was the only one in my age bracket.
• Last year I was bit by a dog and broke my ankle in the same month. The E.R. nurses remembered me.
• I was a contestant on The Price is Right - and my price was right.
  

Why you are here: Bailey Gardiner offers such a fun and inspiring environment - it is the ideal place for an intern to get a feel for the industry.

What you want to learn: Anything and everything.

Community Involvement:

• Pi Beta Phi, UC San Diego Panhellenic Association
• UCSD Undergraduate Communication Society, Member

Robin Canedy

Title: Public Relations Intern
Hometown: Mission Viejo, CA
Favorite Food: Churros


Fun Facts:

• I can tap dance.
• I own over 20 pairs of Nike shoes.
  

Why you are here: To see what PR looks like outside of a textbook or classroom and to be part of the Bailey Gardiner team.

What you want to learn: I hope to pick up and learn the skills necessary to be a great PR practitioner.

Community Involvement:

• Public Relations Student Society of America, SDSU Chapter President