Popping the bubble and entering world of PR

Newly graduated Rachel Webster reflects on her first week at a Scottish PR agency

Rachel recently graduated and has taken the plunge into the life of PR at Holyrood PR. Scottish PR Agency

RECENTLY graduated with a masters in marketing, it seemed as if I was destined to work in retail for the rest of time. Now I find myself getting to grips with the fast-paced 9-5 life at a Scottish PR Agency.

Despite hailing from Aberdeen, my plan after graduation was always to start my professional working career in Edinburgh where I moved to finish my studies. However, after walking across the stage and receiving my certificate; the reality of trying to find a job without years of professional experience hit hard.

After being shown the Holyrood PR Graduate Placement Programme, I knew it was something that I wanted to try.

My first day came with the usual feeling of nerves which were quickly put at ease with the friendly faces of everyone welcoming me to the office. I was given multiple tutorials on different software’s that help Holyrood PR operate as smoothly as it runs. Each tutorial was given by a different member of staff, helping me feel like I could make a connection with each of them individually.

As well as being introduced to a multitude of different platforms used by Holyrood PR, I have also been able to put some of the academic knowledge and skills that I have leant throughout my years of studying into professional practice.

The responsibility that the team have already given me within the first week is something that came as a surprise to me. Tasks I have been given so far are not those of a typical intern – like completing admin work and collecting everyone’s hot drinks orders.

Instead, one of the first tasks I was given was an essential job regarding a client and its connection to on-shore wind, and how this would impact the surrounding community.

The client-based tasks didn’t stop there, within the first hour of being in the office I was whisked away to the Scottish Parliament to view an event space, and I was joining interviews with a doctor about different practices being used in Ireland to treat foot conditions.

Being thrown in at the deep end with this type of work reassured me that I was making a real difference and impact in the work I was doing, and helping the team power through key tasks – and they have made me feel supported throughout.

Altogether, my first week has been jam-packed. Putting off leaving the student bubble is something that I had become a professional at, but if my first week at Holyrood PR is how the real world is, I cannot wait to get started!