By Elise Fitzgerald
What I enjoy most about being an intern at Burson-Marsteller is having access to a lot of professional and knowledgeable people. Since day one we have been introduced to countless PR pro's across the firm's different practices and areas of expertise. My fellow interns and I have learned through hearing past success stories. Working with a specific group or practice, we've begun to see how they work and be a part of what they accomplish.
The most interesting person we've met thus far has been the company's founder Harold Burson. Meeting a true PR legend was fascinating. With his unmatched experience and knowledge he was not only captivating to listen to but he was also interested in us and saw us as the future of the industry. It was not surprising to hear that he believes more success will come to those who use the pronoun "we" more than "I".
He told a number of insightful anecdotes but over lunch he also offered some food for thought and advice as we began our careers:
- Build a network: People are close within this industry so join the conversation.
- Be a strong writer: While the news channels may change the messages will always be in demand, a strong writer will be able to adapt.
- Work well with others: Open communication is half the battle.
- Practice creative thinking: It isn't something you are born with but something you can always cultivate.
I truly value advice that I can take with me in my career. As we are exposed to more of the Burson-Marsteller culture, I'm not just interested in a career in public relations; I'm excited to begin one!
Elise Fitzgerald is an intern in the Harold Burson Summer Internship Program 2010. |
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