“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”- Vincent Van Gogh
As a recent college graduate, the professional world seems like an uncomfortable, unforgiving, unfamiliar place filled with infinite possibilities. I can’t help but to reflect back on the experiences leading me up to this point. More than just words on my resume, they have taught me numerous life lessons and professional skills that have carried me through each new opportunity. Aside from improving on paper, my small experiences have brought me three great life lessons: always be receptive, take risks, and nothing can substitute experience.
Here, as an intern in the Providence office, I have taken full advantage of the opportunities to challenge myself and learn as much as I can about PR agency work. I could not have asked for a better team to be working with and learning from. In addition to being creative, knowledgeable, and hardworking, everyone I have met at Matter has been so welcoming- making an unfamiliar place more comfortable. Unlike any other internship I have had, Matter provides the utmost work-life-fun balance. This is just one of the cultural characteristics that I have seen excel here.
My time at Matter has helped me to refine my skills in writing, conducting research, developing social media content, teamwork, communication, and much more. However, a recent “Matter-Fun” activity has given me a new PR perspective, apart from any textbook lesson. August 10th is National S’mores Day and here in Providence, we celebrated this scrumptious holiday in all of its ooey-gooey glory. So what does S’mores have to do with PR? S’mores are made up of graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows; said best by Van Gogh, when a series of small things are brought together, great (and delicious) things are done. The graham crackers of PR represent the amount of work or tasks we compress into a short amount of time. PR professionals have a work ethic that excels over many other professions, working until it’s done and never accepting less than perfect. We all take a chance placing our marshmallow over an open flame, never knowing the outcome of the char. Situations can get sticky when working with the media; we must nurture relationships to ensure maximum benefit, the perfectly toasted marshmallow. Lastly, the sweet and savory chocolate. Represented differently to each PR professional, the chocolate is the reason you have chosen to work in the PR profession, your favorite part of the job. Whether it is teamwork, securing coverage, or building client relationships, we all have a reason why we enjoy working in public relations.
Before coming to Matter, my knowledge of PR was taught, but it was only through this experience that I have learned, and witnessed firsthand, what it is like to be a professional working in the industry. Just as each s’mores ingredient adds to the final confectionery treat, each of my small experiences have brought me to new opportunities, allowing me to grow into greater opportunities in the future.