What it's like to work in PR

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. :)