The Official First Month (I survived!)
Posted by Jennifer Ouellette on August 25th, 2009
It’s been a little over one month since my first day working at TFC, and so I thought it would be a great chance to reflect on my impression of agency life so far.
I was pleasantly surprised (and a bit overwhelmed) at how fast I was thrown into working on projects. My first day felt like; here is your office, here is the kitchen, here are your supplies and this is how we track time (that’s another matter in itself). And then, I basically got straight to work! This past month I have had the opportunity to do a number of different tasks;
- Writing pitches
- Doing research into locations for upcoming venues
- Working on media lists
- Media monitoring
Since I work on consumer, health and food clients there has been a fairly good variety and I’m really enjoying it.
I don’t think I would be able to manage all of the different tasks and files on my desk if I wasn’t an organized and structured person who loves a bit of chaos thrown into her life. I stay organized by keeping a spreadsheet where I list tasks that need to be done, and the deadline I need to have it completed by. This way I can start my morning by planning my day based on what deadlines are quickly creeping up on me. (And trust me, they can creep up quickly!)
In all, I’m very happy with my experience so far. I think the best part is that I feel like I’m a part of a great team, and am really looking forward to continuing to learn and grow in my role here.
Any advice on what I should look out for in the coming months?
August 26th, 2009 » 7:30 pm
Hey Jen, The title of this post is a little off-base. I think it should read, “The Official First Month (I THRIVED).” Because you most assuredly had one of the best starts it’s possible to have. You’re on your way to a great career in PR.
August 27th, 2009 » 7:41 am
Thanks for the tip about the spreadsheet. That’s a great idea. May work better for me than my typical handwritten list!
August 27th, 2009 » 8:29 am
Thank you so much Joe, what a great way to start my morning! I am incredibly happy here at TFC, and I look forward to really blossoming and growing in my role.
Sarah, I did a handwritten list my first week. But the only problem I found with that is there is usually so much paper on my desk, sometimes it gets lost. Excel is a great way to keep track of your tasks, and you can always print off the spreadsheet if you like to have a paper copy on hand.
September 4th, 2009 » 9:16 pm
I just wrapped up my second week at a new gig. They said I’d my first client after a month. I got them after a day. Baptism by fire: how else can a phoenix rise from the ashes?
In any case, I hope I’m feeling as good after my first month as you were a week ago.
September 8th, 2009 » 8:12 am
Hi CT, glad to hear I’m not the only one thrust into the thick of things. What industry are you in?
Good luck, and let me know how it goes after your first month!