Last month when I found out I was one of the lucky four to be selected for the next PHA/5W exchange scheme, I was overwhelmed with excitement. Having only graduated from University last year, I’m ultimately still in the baby steps of my PR career, and I never would have guessed an opportunity like this would be up for grabs – Christmas in New York? What more could a girl ask for!
So early in your professional life, it’s rare to have the chance to understand and experience first-hand how an agency in New York City operates and to spend time learning directly from PR professionals in another country; to not only help you develop your personal career, but also allow you to be part of a bigger picture in building an invaluable international partnership. And of course, with the added bonus of being able to spend a week exploring ‘the city that never sleeps’ with your colleagues.
Now, with just days to go until we jet off to the Big Apple, I can’t wait to experience first-hand how the New Yorkers do it. I’m hoping to absorb as much of 5W as possible by learning directly from their consumer team, as well as seeing how they work as an agency. We all know creativity is key in PR and I’m certain spending time with the employees of 5W will inspire me to think outside the box even more when I return to PHA.
I’m intrigued to see what the differences are between PHA and 5W and how PR’s work across the pond… How are they managing their relationships with journalists? How do they work with influencers? What kind of press events are they planning? How do their relationships with clients differ to ours? Is getting in the New York Times really the holy grail of coverage? What’s the New York equivalent of Stylist magazine? I have LOTS to find out!
Don’t worry, I intend to throw myself in to the city as much as possible outside of work too. Having only been to New York once as a teen, I can’t wait to explore the city at as an adult, and at the most magical time of the year! I’ve watched the entire series of Gossip Girl along with every rom-com under the sun multiple times, so I have a list as long as my arm of things I want to see and do – from Brooklyn Bridge to Grand Central Station.
I’ve been told that New York really comes to life at Christmas and that it truly is a magical experience, from ice skating in Central Park to the buzz of Times Square. So, bring on touring the extravagant festive window displays, as many rooftop bars as possible in the space of a week and obviously a boomerang for Instagram of the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree!
