Ladies Who Lunch – Week One in the Glamorous Edinburgh PR Agency Life

Holyrood PR BlogIntern Programme

PR intern talks strawberries and skincare during a more than skin-deep introduction to the wonderful world of Scottish PR

By Larissa Beck

HALFWAY through my degree in International Business, I figured it would be a great opportunity to squeeze an insight into what a career in PR could hold before I set off on my year abroad.

At the time of writing, I’ve only just finished my first week at Holyrood PR – and I can confidently say I have gained much more than the basic insight I was expecting.

With no office or internship experience before arriving at the offices of this Scottish public relations agency, nerves were certainly at the forefront of my mind as I headed in. Within minutes, though, the nerves were shifted to the very back of my mind, and hats off to the amazing team for making me feel so welcome.

After being introduced to everyone and given a welcome cup of tea, I began my tasks. Those included the famous newspaper sweep, a detailed run through the day’s main news titles to spot stories and issues of interest to Holyrood PR’s clients. This is something that really helps you to become acquainted with the businesses that Holyrood PR works with.

I then went on to map out a social media planner for the client Dermal Clinic. In the afternoon, I sat in on the first of three meetings during the week, a brainstorming session – which was intriguing to see how the PR pros spun up ideas for one another.

Simple things, like going for lunch have been a real treat at Holyrood PR. On Wednesday, the girls from the office had a ladies who lunch moment – we had to make the most of the limited days of sun Edinburgh gets (*hint look at HPR Instagram for serious food envy).

I grew up fantasising about a Devil Wears Prada office life, making my own mock up magazines. As a business student, my course certainly lacks opportunity for creativity. Therefore, when it came to writing real press releases and blog posts for clients I was conscious of my ability. Again, the bunch of PR experts here could not have been more helpful. I was at ease asking for help and receiving feedback.

woman eating strawberry gif

Creativity is a hugely important part of the work at this PR agency and I was impressed when the team started a brainstorm session over their desks for health and beauty PR client, Dermal Clinic. Since we were in the middle of the Wimbledon tennis tournament, Cat struck on the brilliant idea of highlighting the skincare benefits of strawberries – which are served with cream and served up as the defining treat at the world’s most famous tennis tournament.

From this, I began to research and write-up a blog post, which with help from Katie, was signed off and posted on Dermal Clinic’s website. I’m still super excited about this.

Despite being a total rookie when it comes to digital tools like Photoshop and WordPress, with help from Angie, I have been uploading numerous media releases to the Holyrood PR website and have also begun learning how to produce the eye-catching media coverage montages which celebrate PR success by the team. A skill which I’m certain will be useful in future.

The wide spectrum of tasks I have been completing broadened when Nathan – the digital whiz – asked me to do some research on a successful Whisky PR campaign, considering various social media channels and analysing most to least successful.

Perhaps the most daunting task I was given was to draft a press release for the Standards Commission – a 30-page document full of language and terms I had never before laid eyes on. Never one to bow down to a challenge, I began making notes and pored over the document. I was then able to draft up a suggested release and get feedback on my work.

And, with the Queen’s annual Garden Party taking place last week, I had the chance to interview one of the lucky attendees from Bield Housing. It was great to speak with them over the phone and do a follow up with pictures and a press release of their time there.

The week flew by! I already feel part of the team at Holyrood PR and can’t wait to find out what challenges and glamour awaits.

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