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"One month answered three years of questions" After several Internship opportunities in PR, including government sectors, private companies, and startups, I became certain and wondered: What does it take to be a skilled public relations specialist with all the required skills? I was particularly fascinated by PR Agencies and wondered about their inner workings and the specific responsibilities of each team member. What impressed me even more was how someone could manage multiple client accounts and meet their needs? How do they create different strategies and employ different tactics for each client? How do they monitor and adjust their approaches? How do they handle reports, RFPs, market studies, competitor analysis, and Crisis management strategies? I had some knowledge about these aspects, but I doubted whether these were the right ways. So, I asked and observed professional specialists who carried out these tasks. It's been a month, but there have been dozens of questions and inquiries that occupied my mind over the past three years. I was desperate for answers. Of course, one month was not enough to learn everything, but it was enough for me to find out what I lacked and direct me towards what I wanted, just as I knew what I wanted to choose in the future. In the coming period, I hope to immerse myself in learning and practical experience in the world of PR agencies. One crucial lesson I've learned, as my manager told me, "is that real-world experience in this field comes from years of work, facing challenges, making mistakes, and learning from them". This also took me to learn about several markets that I was not aware of and see what is going on around them such as Fintech, Real estate, Electric cars, Outsourcing, Finance and CX. The month enabled me to develop some of my technical skills, such as Research and Analysis skills. This is what made me have an initial view of any company, knowing its direction in CSR activities, How much its strength in media coverage, the tactics it follows, and what it lacks in working on.. So, I'm committed to continuing my journey over the next two years. In the upcoming year, I'll be available for full-time work anywhere, without specific salary demands or job titles until I reach my desired goals. You can see my LinkedIn profile and see what roles I've held, what skills I have, and what certifications I've earned If you have any opportunity for me, feel free to reach out at any time on my phone number or my Email . 😊 mahmoudsobhy2482002@gmail.com 01551531267 #PR_Intern #PR_Student

How often do you think about taking on something new and end up talking yourself out of it? I used to be the queen of this. I was scared I wouldn’t be good enough for whatever new thing I was taking on.  I gave more power to my fears and limiting beliefs than my power and strengths. The good news is over the last 5-7 years I’ve changed and embraced the new and taken on new challenges. Here are four examples of why I’m glad I said yes, when I really wanted to say no. 1️⃣ Advanced Air, LLC: My friend’s husband owned this company and said they needed someone like me involved in their marketing + PR. I resisted. I had never worked in aviation. Eventually I took the meeting, put some thoughts together and the rest is history. Been part of my growth story and one of the best experiences I’ve had since opening Elevate Communications! 2️⃣ USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy: I was approached about doing PR for USC’s Jimmy Iovine & Dr. Dre’s Academy. I had never worked in education, but knew that I could figure it out. (There were a lot more things in my career I HAD done, and I knew I could channel those learnings into a new vertical.) I took it on, built their PR strategy and landed them a big story in a major Hollywood trade created by a pitch I came up with. It was a wonderful experience! 3️⃣  Netflix: In 2012, I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started a new job at a company that was setting out to change television as we knew it. Leaping into the unknown, I didn’t think too much about it and dove in head first. Throughout my 6.5 years of time there, I was given so many opportunities to take on new roles within the company: head up Film publicity, head up Slate Publicity, head up Talent Relations. I said yes to all, but deep down I wanted to say no.  Glad I didn’t b/c each of these roles made me the PR Executive I am today! 4️⃣ Elevate Communications: In 2019, after 18 years of working in Corporate America, I opened Elevate Communications, a full-service, boutique PR firm specializing in entertainment, technology, and lifestyle. It would have been easier and more familiar to go back in house at a network, studio, streamer, but the bigger challenge and opportunity resided in something I thought about a lot:  going out on my own. I am SO glad I said ‘yes’ to myself, when my fear wanted me to say ‘no.’ #attitude #mindset #PR #publicrelations

I was always the person in the room who would ask the difficult question, the one everyone else was thinking but wouldn’t say. It’s why I became a journalist. And it’s also why I walked away from that career - because when I asked myself what good I was achieving in my work, I didn’t have a good answer. Working for the British tabloids probably didn’t help. So now, a few decades down the track in my communications career, I’ve asked myself that question again. (I know, I just can’t let sleeping dogs lie). This time, though, I’ve got a good answer. I work in communications because I help people understand each other better. I help people have a voice when no-one’s listened to them before. I help governments and organisations connect with their communities beyond the superficial, because it improves people’s lives. It’s a bit different to what you might expect from a career in communications. That’s because two years ago, my business partner Kassy Hayden and I started evolving a human-centred approach to our communications practice. We’ve developed a bunch of methodologies and tools, drawn from different disciplines, that have transformed our communications work (and our lives). We’re teaching the methods on our course with PRINZ - Public Relations Institute of New Zealand: the Human-centred Communications Lab, kicking off on 17 September. It’s a tricky time to launch a course, when many people are short of money and unsure of their job security. But right now, it’s more important than ever to keep upskilling. That’s why we’ve cut the price of registration to $365 for PRINZ members and $520 for non-members. It’s being run online over two half-days. You’ll learn completely new skills that will invigorate your practice and get you excited about your career again. We'd love to see you there! https://lnkd.in/ghfVFPxN #empathymatters #humancentredcommunications ------------ I’m Julia, a writer, communications trainer and strategist based in Aotearoa New Zealand. I excel at researching and developing human-centred stories that get to the heart of complex ideas, and help people find common ground on contentious issues. I’m a director of the communications agency Mitra, and a proud Shetland Islander, home of the world’s most difficult-to-master regional accent.

Today's #WeLeadComms honoree is communication leader, podcast host and IABC World Conference speaker Katie Macaulay. In her words: "I grew up wanting to be Lois Lane, so perhaps it was inevitable that I’ve never really lost the mindset of an investigative reporter, driven by a relentless curiosity to ask questions and hunt down the story! "That said, my time in UK tabloid journalism was brief. Once I was introduced to the world of corporate communication, I was hooked. As communication professionals in business, we are in a highly privileged position. We get to see exactly what makes an organization tick, and the quality of our work can profoundly impact its success. "In my early days, I worked across the comms disciplines, helping to craft the messaging to launch the Alternative Investment Market at The London Stock Exchange, writing Barclays Bank’s first CSR report and several of its annual reports, and supporting with a major rejuvenation of its brand in the early 2000s. "Although I enjoyed marketing, branding and investor relations, my true passion has always been employee communication. I see employees as an organisation’s primary audience. They have the greatest impact on performance. Without their ingenuity, collaboration and dedication, all organisations will eventually flounder. "As Managing Director of AB - The Communications Specialists, I am privileged to lead the world’s longest-established internal communications agency, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Although we work with some of the world’s best-known organisations, no matter the client, there are always tangible benefits of having better informed and more empowered employees. "I am also a visiting lecturer at Cranfield School of Management in the UK, where I advise owners of fast-growing businesses on how to engage their teams more effectively. It's incredibly inspiring to meet these visionary leaders and witness their passion and innovation firsthand. "As host of The Internal Comms Podcast, I’ve had the joy of interviewing leading minds across the communication field — from authors and academics to in-house practitioners and consultants. The long-form interview format means we dive deep. I’ve been educated, inspired, and, more than once, moved to tears. "As we celebrate our 100th episode and over 360,000 downloads in 55 countries, I am thrilled to share my insights at the IABC World Conference on Monday, 24 June. I'll be discussing the invaluable lessons I've learned hosting the show – insights that can help build a meaningful, rewarding and enduring career in communications. In my experience, IABC attracts an exceptional crowd, and I eagerly look forward to reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. If you’re going, please say hello!" #IABC24

Direct Impact is excited to introduce our newest teammate, Account Executive Paola (Collazo) Zapata! Prior to joining DI, Paola managed account operations for an international communications consultancy and an agency specializing in crisis management and public affairs. She has also had a variety of internship experiences in public relations and social media. She is a native of Venezuela and has called Maryland home for almost a decade. Learn more about Paola! ⬇️   What did you study in college, and what career did you think you would pursue?   I have always been interested in writing and knew I wanted to pursue a career in communications after my very first meeting with a college counselor. I started wanting to do communications studies and a minor in screenwriting, but shifted to PR once I learned more about it! I found the aspect of working behind the scenes mixing together writing, media knowledge, and creative thinking interesting and a great fit for my future career.    What is your biggest piece of advice for people coming up in the media and communications industry? My biggest piece of advice is to not be afraid to share your ideas with others. It can be intimidating to share a different point of view or offer your unique way of thinking when you are the most junior person in the room, but any good communications professional should and will welcome your ideas with open arms. Take ownership of your thinking and apply it to your work! Also, welcome and encourage any and all kinds of feedback and take it as a means to grow. The quality of your work and the way you work with your team will greatly improve once you apply the feedback you receive, even if it stings at first!    Why do you think local matters?   Local media matters now more than ever as our online methods of communication are inundated with pieces that toe the line between opinion and fact. As events happen and social media takes the first stab at forming an opinion, local news is able to offer a perspective no one else can get: what really is happening, how the community feels about it, how they will be affected, and more. As media keeps transforming, so does local, but its prevalence remains an important factor to position community voices at the forefront of what truly matters.

"Thrilled to share the journey as Co-Head of Public Relations at Doteens! Steering communication strategies and fostering meaningful connections has been an exhilarating experience. Collaborating with a talented team, we've crafted narratives that resonate, amplifying our organization's mission across diverse platforms." "From orchestrating media campaigns to engaging stakeholders, every day brings new challenges and opportunities to innovate. Serving as a liaison between our organization and the public, I've witnessed firsthand the impact of transparent and authentic communication. It's not just about conveying messages but building trust and fostering relationships that endure." "Leading the PR team has honed my strategic thinking and crisis management skills. Navigating through turbulent times, we've upheld the integrity of our brand while addressing concerns with empathy and agility. Together, we've turned challenges into opportunities, transforming setbacks into steppingstones for growth." "As Co-Head of Public Relations, I'm committed to driving impactful storytelling and shaping perceptions that reflect our values and aspirations. With each interaction, I'm reminded of the power of communication in driving positive change. Excited for the journey ahead as we continue to elevate our organization's presence and impact in the ever-evolving landscape."

I start my articles on the importance of public relations for new graduates and some tips from my experience

[#WeAreAccorInvest🙌] She tells stories. At home, they are bedtime, fantasy stories for her 4-year-old son; at work, they are serious, truthful, business stories for all company’s stakeholders. Both are equally important for their target audience, which proves one thing: storytelling is strategic! Meet Cécile Pelletier, Group Media relations, Influence & Advocacy Manager.   Cécile has always had a passion for writing: 🎙️“As a child, I wrote my first articles about Formula 1 car races! I began passionately following #F1 with my father at the age of 5, and my enthusiasm has never waned since.   🏎️I was fascinated by the speed, the teams, the mechanic features, and above all, the strategy – yes, it takes strategy to make sure the driver and his car will cross the finish line! It was complex, intense, and I simply had to tell stories about it.   👩🎓I studied at Sciences Po Aix, in my home town in Southern France, before moving to Paris for my master’s degree in communication and journalism.   For my first job, I was a journalist for a French news website; at the time, the 2007 French presidential election gave me plenty of hands-on experience!   I then moved on to various communication agencies, where I spent nearly 12 years embracing the full scope of corporate communication.   🎯Every new client had its complexity and challenges, I needed to understand the “why and how” of each situation, pinpoint the messages to deliver, focus the comms approach on the specific audience we were targeting…   That’s how I met #Accor, back in 2010; over the years, I contributed to many of their communication actions, including the Booster project 🚀which led to the creation of #AccorInvest in 2017.   I kept supporting AccorInvest from the agency side until 2021, when I joined the Group’s Communication department to work on internal communication during a colleague’s maternity leave. In 2022, when AccorInvest’s new comms organization was set up, I was appointed as Group Media Relations, Influence & Advocacy Manager   Communication goes far beyond providing information: it gives meaning! As sociologist Dominique Wolton said🎤"𝘐𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘨𝘦, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱”. Communication explains, embarks, inspires… That’s why having the right storytelling is essential.   Bearing in mind that external and internal communication constantly reinforce one another: 👉externally, we protect and build our company’s reputation, attract talent, influence trends and gain leadership; 👉internally, we explain our vision and direction, report on our initiatives, and thus contribute to engagement.   As such, communication is fully involved in the business strategy and performance, and covers the entire company: a role which I consider as both a responsibility and a privilege!”   #Communications #Storytelling #CareerJourney #Stories

This article in PRWeek UK Evie Barrett is a great leveller for leaders in our sector. NoTurningBack2020 has been championing and educating 18-25 year olds about the many and varied career paths in PR, Communications and Marketing since 2016. Our Early Careers Outreach programme is delivered by young people working across Comms & Marketing in our sector. They speak at 6th form colleges, Academies and non Russell Group universities across the UK. Their key messages are beautifully voiced in this piece by some of PR Week's 30 under 30. 1. Shine a light on the many and varied careers in our sector "I would love for people to have a deeper understanding of what it means to work in the industry,” said Natalie Phillips Marks and Spencer. Amy Moore account director, influence, Weber Shandwick “When I was at school, I didn’t even consider PR as a job option.” 2. You don't need a degree to get on 'Degrees should no longer be a barrier to entry, argues Lucy Somers, group deputy director of digital PLMR, who reflects on starting her own career and not wishing to go to university, but struggling to find comms apprenticeships. 3. The sector needs more cultural competence Tani Fatuga, Hard Numbers 📈 “It’s crucial for PR and comms professionals to develop a deeper understanding of different cultures and communities if we want to effectively communicate campaigns to a diverse target audience. 4. The sector needs more socio economic diversity Méganne Tillay account manager Byfield: “I think there is a systemic issue around privilege in relation to socioeconomic diversity in some elements of the comms industry, particularly at the larger agencies and in the City [of London]. Get in touch with NTB2020 Ambassador Early Careers Outreach team to find out what you can do to help change the face of the marketing communications sector for good. noturningback2020outreach@f1recruitment.com Sarah Bishop Adrian St Clair Walcott powered by f1 Recruitment Limited Brands with Values James Hewes Avril Lee https://lnkd.in/eqhhXmGE

My Journey in PR and Communications As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded of the saying: "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." Here's a glimpse into my professional adventure in PR and Communications. Starting Strong: FleishmanHillard South Africa My entry into the world of Public Relations began at FleishmanHillard South Africa. As an intern, I was thrown into the deep end, supporting research efforts, generating comprehensive coverage reports, and engaging in media relations activities. It was a whirlwind of deadlines, press releases, and media lists, but it was also exhilarating. The team at FleishmanHillard taught me the importance of attention to detail and the value of thorough research. It was here that I learned that every successful campaign starts with a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding. Building Confidence: Bydesign Communications After my time at FleishmanHillard, I joined ByDesign Communications as Junior Support. The transition from intern to junior support was a significant step up in responsibility. My role expanded to include administrative support, media monitoring, research, and content creation. This position was where I truly began to hone my skills. I learned the art of balancing multiple tasks and the importance of being proactive. It was a period of tremendous personal and professional growth, where I built the confidence to take on more complex projects and contribute more meaningfully to the team’s success. Reaching New Heights: PurpleRoom Consultancy Today, I serve as an Account Executive at PurpleRoom Consultancy. This role has been the culmination of all the experiences and skills I’ve acquired along the way. It’s a role that demands creativity, strategic thinking, and impeccable execution. Here, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with clients, and see the direct impact of our work on their success. Each day is a new challenge and a new opportunity to learn and grow. The Moral of the Story: Each step of my career has been instrumental in shaping who I am as a PR professional. From the foundational lessons at FleishmanHillard, the confidence-building experiences at ByDesign Communications, to the strategic challenges at PurpleRoom Consultancy, each role has added a unique layer to my professional journey. Each role, each challenge, and each opportunity is a stepping stone. The experiences you gather, the skills you develop, and the relationships you build along the way are what truly define your career. So, dive in, take risks, and always keep learning. Because in the world of PR and Communications, the journey is just as important as the destination.