Just thought I'd share this quick story.
So my supervisor was on holiday for abour 3 weeks. When she's on holiday, I'm on holiday.
Going back to work after such a long break was such a drag! I didn't even feel like dressing up or putting any make-up on. Once I got to work, I really wish I did though!
The PR department was joining other sister networks for a quick talk in the city. It was pretty apparent that there was one common problem amongst non-profit organisations - people have stopped funding us generously! And to make matters worse, no matter how innovative the fundraising campaign was, it didnt generate enough and many organisations merely broke even!
This was worrying because our National Soup Day campaign was just around the corner and we didn't know what else to do to perk it up!
While in the city, I met a friend who had graduated with a degree in PR two years ago. She works with a pretty well known PR firm in Perth and is planning her big move to Sydney in a few months. She seemed stressed out and put in about 7000 words in a minute whilst she was talking, but all I could focus on was how good she looked! Her highlights were in place, she was gorgeously sun-kissed, and her lashes were reaching Venice!
Before I could ask her how she juggled her innate beauty and her hectic lifestyle, she talks about how she looks like such a mess and about how beautiful everyone else in her office is and how they're organising big parties with the who's who in Perth.
Enough said. I kept quied and smiled and politely said bye wanting to drown in the nearest pond.
Society tends to look at those in the PR line as people who plan lavish parties and is constantly circled around the best looking personalities in town. Most of my friends think so as well. ( the ones that watch SATC at least). Its possibly true to an extent. But what I've done during my internship is far from glamorous, but hits home when it comes to being educational. I've learnt so much so far and hope to learn more.
With that being said, I would love to learn of ways to look a million dollars and perform like a million dollars at the same time. I may learn it, I may not. I hope I do though.
3 comments:
It's not easy!!
I've been working in advertising for over three months now and I am still earning how to juggle everything!
The most drastic thing having to adjust to was working full time hours, plus the extra hours you put in as it is your career!
One of the most valuable things i have learned is not to stress, and to prioritise. Don't worry about your hair and make-up until you've completed everything else you need too. Trust me, I was busy last week and overlooked a very important deadline. Not my finest moment!
I think in time it will become easier to juggle everything but as were a are into 'the real world' we have to get our priorities right.
I was watching SATC the other day and was wondering the same thing! Samantha Jones always looks so damn good! Why?? (Maybe cause she isn't real thats why!)
I think as budding PR professionals we must realise that even when we cant be bothered, even when the last thing we want to do is straighten our hair or coat our eyelashes with mascara, being in an environment where we are constantly dealing with people, appearance is very important. Constantly dealing with people, whether we like it or not, first impressions last. That is one of the things I have learned during my placement and one that my supervisor has stressed to me.
Its a sobering thought - trying to carry out all these crazy tasks and still having to look good, but I'm sure, as we get older and more wiser, it may come a little more naturally (here's to hoping anyway!)
Hey
Thank you for such a relevant and interesting post! I know exactly how you feel. In my work placement office, one of my bosses has been in the WA miss universe final and another just had a photo shoot for Ralph. Its crazy how they manage to have such successful careers and look incredible at the same time.
I think in the end, it is part of the job in these industries to look your best. In any industry a good first impression is incredibly important, especially in PR.
If you find any secret short cuts or secrets let me know:)
kind regards
Em
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