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Archive for July, 2008

Jul 29 2008

The Top Five Things You Should Never Discuss at Work

Published by ksumm26 under career, college graduate, education, jobs, politics, religion, work Edit This

SSHHH…….

I am a very luck individual, meaning that I am fortunate enough to have one of those jobs that I actually enjoy, even look forward too.

I know how rare that can be for young people so I do not say this lightly. When I was hired I can honestly say I was thrilled and looked forward to a long career with the agency. Since that time, I have had some of my idealism dampened but I continue to look forward to the everyday anticipating what I will learn while coming to the realization that this job may not be my final resting point.

I have however learned a few things on the job these last seven months that will no doubt continue to help me navigate my way through the world of PR for years to come, whether or not this job becomes a long term career or not. I share these things with you in the hopes that you will perhaps have a slightly smoother path than the one I took through the world of government public affairs.

There are some things you should NEVER talk about at work. There are just some topics that no matter how well intentioned you may be or how close you think you may be to a co-worker, you will lose in the end, and sometimes it can even mean your job. This isn’t rocket science and by no means NEW, but some people need the refresher.

  1. Religion – This should be a no-brainer for most. There is just too much volatility and too many people who will not think twice about arguing ‘till they are blue in the face to convince you just how wrong you are.
  2. Politics – some people can’t even live in the same household and discuss politics, so it makes sense that this should be off limits at work.
  3. Personal Finances – Do you really want people to know just how broke you truly are? In my opinion whether you are wearing designer shoes or scrounging to buy a soda, the only one who needs to know what is in your wallet or bank account is you.
  4. Sex Life – I don’t care how hot you think you are, nobody in the office wants to hear about your escapades between the sheets, whether it be your husband or wife or whoever. There is nothing worse than becoming the office slut or player. You might think you are cool, but I guarantee people are either laughing or disgusted whether they say anything to your face or not. Bragging about your after hours excursions will not gain you any points with the boss or anyone else that actually matters so do yourself a favor and keep mum while within the confines of the daily grind we call work.
  5. Personal Medical Maladies – Yes you may have legitimate issues you need to make your supervisor aware of but that is not the kind of thing I am referring to here. I am talking about the things such as ulcers and migraines and chronic fatigue that may make the powers that be a tad bit nervous about your ability to do your job. Unless your issue seriously compromises your work flow, keep it to yourself.

Are there other taboo topics in the work place? There are certainly many things you don’t learn in college, but after nearly a year in the work force are there other things we should just know by now? Of course, but these are the main ones I have discovered since stepping into the crazy working “real world” of PR. Have a thought or want to add one to the list…post a comment.

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Jul 02 2008

What Every Intern Should Know

Published by ksumm26 under Uncategorized Edit This

There comes a time in every college seniors life (or possibly earlier) that an internship will become a necessity. Most internships, even the unpaid ones provide valuable insight and in some cases help an individual decide whether the field is right for them. Think of an internship as a test drive for your chosen career.

There are a few things that I wish I had known as an intern that might have made my transition into the “real” world a little smoother.

1. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions. - you got hired, so you made it past the hard part, now take advantage of your role and really get a feel for the position. If you are too afraid to ask about realistic expectations regarding hours, benefits and expectations, you might as well go into the profession with blinders.

2. Don’t be satisfied with fetching coffee. - again, you made it past the hard part so don’t be hesitant to ask for more involved tasks. Yes interns end up with a lot of grunt work, but if you really want to learn, insist on more relevant project work. The worse that can happen is they will tell you to re-fill the Mr. Coffee.

3. If you think you have a good idea, share it. - you never know…your idea may be the next big thing. If the organization is really looking for fresh new thought then they will appreciate your effort to present what you think is a good idea. Personally I would be worried about a potential employer that had no interest in new ideas.

4. Always ask for a reference.- If you really put your heart and soul into your internship then NEVER assume that you will get that letter of recommendation in the mail. Request that reference a few weeks before you are scheduled to end your internship. That way when you walk out the door you have the goods in hand. I am not saying that anyone would deliberately slight you, but things happen and people get busy. Once you are out of sight you may well be out of mind.

5. If you make good connections, keep up with them. - One of the best things I ever did during my internship was to develop a list of contacts. The second best ting I did? Keep up with those individuals. I send the occasional e-mail, make the calls every now and then. I know that they are trying to get sponsors for their silent auction so I make a few inquiries on their behalf. A little effort can really go a long way. Never forget who helped you get to where you are.

Hopefully these tips will help all those future college grads go into each and every internship opportunity with a little more savvy than I did.

Got a tip? Think you can help all those aspiring PR gads? Join the discussion!

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Jul 02 2008

An Ethical Dilemma

Published by ksumm26 under burned out, business, ethics, jerk, money, network, news, public affairs, public relations, responsibility, sell-out, work Edit This

If you work in public relations then sooner or later you will confront this issue. You know the one I mean where you have to decide whether your job is worth the flak you receive over a decision that was made way above you but has filtered down the line until finally you are the one who must “handle” the negative fallout.

I like to think I am an ethical person. I believe that the best policy in most cases is honesty. I do concede that there are some situations where you have a need to know situation and the general public simply does not need to know, but for 99% of the issues I deal with, honesty is always the best policy.

Therefore it was a little upsetting to be dealing with the negative press surrounding a decision that way predates my employment, by more than a year.

The field of public relations has received so much grief lately that I hesitate to add any more fuel to the fire….but there are times when you have to stand your ground and stand up for the principles you believe in. (At least until you reach your breaking point)

I was asked to write a release about a breaking news situation at work. A situation that resulted from a decision made by some nameless suit way before I ever came along. The issue at hand was one that got a ton of people (read activists) fired up. A few years ago I would have been on the front lines with them protesting the absurdity of the situation but now…well lets just say I have a better understanding of the issues and can clearly see both sides. I am not saying that my understanding makes things right or wrong, just that I am more informed than the average greenpeace’er.

So I have been answering media calls, responding with our standard response, all the while feeling pretty crappy about what I was saying.

So where do you draw the line?

When do your personal ethics have to supersede your loyalty to your employer?

I guess I still don’t know.

Maybe I am a sell out…maybe I just realize that I have a family of four counting on me to bring home a paycheck, but I didn’t once cross the line and mix my personal feelings with the “Official” stand of my organization. I did it. This time.

I can honestly say that I won’t do it forever. There will come a day when I say, I have had enough and just walk away. Until then…

Don’t judge me. We are all guilty of selling out at some point, (regardless if you admit or not)and until you reach that point, you have no idea what it feels like.

“Forever trust in who we are, and nothing else matters…”

Got a comment. I’d like to hear it.

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