PRSSA Kent Conversations

Yesterday, about eight other PRSSA members took a road trip to the city. We traveled to Liggett Stashower for a joint meeting with a few Tri-C public relations majors.  When we arrived at1228 Euclid Ave.I was amazed to see we were right on the outskirts of the theatre district – all the hustle and bustle and tons of construction. As we toured the agency, I would find out their very own agency was not only the former Halle Brothers Department store, but their offices are what used to the women’s and shoes department. Think about a history.  

But one of my favorite parts of the whole evening was walking off the elevator – nine young professionals and seeing this cool, hip agency. It gave you a vibe that this is where we come up with all the ideas for Henkel Duck Tape, Moen, IHop and more. I couldn’t get over how impressed I was with this place.

I saw people still at their desks – way past dinner time. You could see the dedication flowing as they typed on their laptops in their own creative environment. It made me start thinking I am not in a regular 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. career. Late nights to finish what can’t be saved for tomorrow, phone calls in the middle of the night, turning the lights off at the end of the event. Even thought it seems like tons of work (which I’ve been told/warned it is), it’s what I can’t wait to do.

Even though I’m getting tired of college and all the last year work – the work won’t end, but it will be better – way better. It’s my dream, my passion if you will to create campaigns, relationships, communication plans and ideas. Right now I’m going through the instructional part, but in a few months (that’s a bit scary) I will be right there with them (an agency) doing the work I was trained to do.

It’s like the army. You go to boot camp; you train, sweat, cry (when no one’s looking), complain (see previous note) and grow– but it’s all so you will be the best officer you can be. So I’m in my finals days here at the boot camp of PRKent. But I know in the end I’ll be ready to go into the battle field of spin, non-transparency, crisis and negative media.

All the hard work and dedication we pour out into our homework and classes will help land a job working for an innovative place. So the sleepless nights, the all nighters, hours of staring at a computer screen and digging through the AP Style guide is worth it. It makes you stronger, wiser and more prepared.