What it's like to work in PR

11 June 2013

People think a career in Public Relations is all glitz and glamour and it's not difficult to blame them, what with all the events, product launches, and parties happening left and right. I myself had that misconception before and with good reason, too; as a blogger being invited to these events, I arrive at the venue seeing the PR people looking so posh and smiling, welcoming the attendees and socializing with everyone. Now that I am in the other side of the fence, I realize (and experience!) all the hard work and long hours spent in making sure everything runs smoothly.

Pitching, brain storming, event-coordinating, inviting people from traditional and online media whose target audience matches whatever it is we are launching, down to fixing the press kits - it's a long, arduous, and complicated process.


But you know what? I may complain sometimes about how stressful it is, but really, I actually love what I do. Sometimes, I pause and think about the fact I finally did it and I'm already here after hesitating for more than five years, and I still get blown away.

I look forward to our events (especially those small and intimate ones like our brunch in Sweet Bella today with the organizers and some exhibitors for the Corporate Giveaways Expo) because not only do I get to sit in a room with people who are passionate with what they are doing, I also get to practice my social skills. I am one of the most awkward persons I know and I am terrified of people so being exposed like this actually does me good. It's also fun interacting with the press because had I chosen that path after I graduated, I would probably have been in their side of the fence instead.

Also, I get to meet people who have already established their own names in their respective fields by sheer determination and hard work. I try to take away a little from everyone and use their stories as inspiration.


One thing you can expect from a career in Public Relations? Meetings.

Lots and lots of meetings, usually over good food.

Cakes from Bizu
Bolognese and Rucola e Pinoli pizza from Aria Cucina Italiana
Hot chocolate at Escolta in the Pen
Pizza, buttered veggies, and Eggs Benedict from Sweet Bella
This job is making me fat.

My position also enables me to work with different types of colleagues and clients, provided of course that our objectives are aligned (and that is where the meetings come in). 

I am such a nerd, but brainstorming sessions excite me because it's amazing throwing ideas off to one another, picking one another's brains, and combining and editing all these ideas until we come up with a solid, super awesome, fool-proof plan. That is one of my favorite parts of my job.

And, you know, it feels great to be part of something great.

Did I give justice to this post's title? Probably not, as I know that ten months in, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Looking forward to more and crossing my fingers I can do it. :)

13 comments

  1. That does seem like hard work! I'm glad you are doing what you love though. <3
    Can't wait until I graduate college so that I can do what I love....whatever that would be. Can't decide between owning a business and being a teacher....

    though someone told me recently that I would be a good elementary school teacher...makes me feel good to know that I may have an idea of what I want to do. :)

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  2. oh & my blog is erinnicole.nu if you didn't know. :)

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  3. I'd like to work in PR too, if given the chance. But I worry I'm not glamorous enough, plus I tend to be painfully shy at first meetings. I am happy though that you continue what you're doing. Keep doing that and it'll never feel like work at all. :)

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  4. Thanks Erin, I love your name! And oooh, you're just about to graduate from college? So many possibilities! I am excited for you, too! :)

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  5. Thanks Rae! :)


    Hee I was feeling okay that night because I was with Kira who I've known for quite a while but it was my first time to meet Lauren. Some events naman where I had to go alone, I force myself to make small talk with someone else, and then swerte naman they turn out to be nice and we become chums.


    Cheers to us awkward girls! :D

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  6. I thought I wouldn't fit in, too, at first. But then I found out that the "glam" part is just a very small percentage of the job. Move to Manila na, Rose, and try it out! ;)

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  7. krissy, may I know from what University are you from? :) I'm a 3rd Year Advertising and Public Relations student. So far, I've been learning so much from you. :D

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  8. Thank you, it's so nice to hear (read) that! :) I graduated from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila in Intramuros with a degree in Mass Communication. :)

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  9. Awww this is inspiring Ms.Krissy, Glad to hear that you're having fun with your new job. I also want to try PR too, hopefully in the future when I'm ready :)

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  10. Wow, yes, events are a lot of work. It's amazing that you and your co-workers make it look effortless. It's like all the work a pretty girl does getting herself ready for a big event. People think, "Oh she's beautiful" but never realize the work that went into it. Except for the natural beauties, like you and Kym....you don't need to work at it. :)

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  11. Thank you, Svetlani! Good luck! :)

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  12. Good job Ms. Krissy! well said. It inspired me to do good.. More power

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