My Agency Debut

Having completed other internships, I know what it’s like to go through the intern “first day” jitters. However, it seems like no matter how many other first days you’ve experienced, the process of becoming adjusted to a new position and environment is almost always exciting.

This will be my first time working at a PR agency, where employees handle multiple client accounts at one time. I’ve heard many people say, “You either hate it or you love it.” I’ve also heard agency work is something every PR pro should experience. On one side, working with more than one client keeps things different and exciting. On the other, it can sometimes be difficult to manage multiple projects at a time. Personally, I thrive on stress. I don’t know what it is, but I just don’t feel right if I’m not accomplishing something with my time. I always have to-do lists with my priorities written out in detail, so something tells me I’ll do just fine in an agency environment.

Today everyone was very welcoming, friendly and more than willing to help. Although much of my first day was spent getting on track with paperwork, setting up my desk area and understanding the office basics, I definitely learned some things. Based on my first day experience, here are three challenges I’ll be facing in the upcoming months:

1. Tracking my Time. Most agencies use a time tracking system where employees must record their time based on how long they spent working on something for each client, and outlining what tasks were completed during that time. This information is used for many purposes including billing, but it also allows the agency to give clients detailed reports about their investments. From others I’ve spoken to, time tracking is often one of the most difficult adjustments to make because you can get caught up in other things or forget to monitor how much time you spend on each task. Although it may take some getting used to, I think time tracking can be really helpful for monitoring productivity and keeping things on track. One of my coworkers suggested updating your log every time you shift tasks. Others update periodically throughout the day. Either way it seems like everyone finds what works best for them. My suggestions for time tracking: a.) Keep your time tracking system open (or in sight) at all times as a reminder to monitor your work. b.) Be sure you’re logging your time under the correct categories. When in doubt, ask!
   

2. Time management. As I mentioned, I like to think I’m good at prioritizing. However, prioritizing at an agency is somewhat different than prioritizing my life. When it comes down to it, there are going to be times when there are three or four things to do at once. Since I’ve had some time off from my stressful routine, it will be a little challenging to get back into the mindset of juggling multiple projects at once. My tips for time management: a.) Make to-do lists and number them based on what deadlines need to be met first. b.) Don’t expect your list to be all encompassing. There are going to be times when things come up and throw your plan for the day completely off. Flexibility is important.
   

3. Driving downtown. Now before I go off sounding like it was my first time behind the wheel, I should mention I don’t live too far from Detroit and have driven downtown more times than I could ever count. However, no matter how many times you’ve driven in a downtown setting, I’m not sure you ever get used to the hair-pulling, hand-on-the-horn traffic that can be found in most major Metropolitan areas. Since I’ve been to the Detroit Renaissance Center many times, I knew where I was going this morning. Despite this, I still left one hour before my start time (the drive generally takes 20 minutes without rush hour) to ensure I’d be on time for my first day. But of course, I was stuck in bumper to bumper traffic for 45 minutes! The entire time behind the wheel I was having minor panic attacks about how terrible it is to be late for the first day on the job. No matter how hard I squeezed the wheel or how many times I watched the same traffic light change from green to yellow to red, there was nothing I could do except wait it out like everyone else. In the end I was just one minute late when I walked in the front door, and of course it was no big deal. In fact, one of the other employees experienced the same backup, and said it was the worst traffic she has ever seen in the two years she has worked downtown. Lessons learned about driving downtown: a.) Always give yourself at least 30 minutes extra until you’ve gotten your route down to a science. Even then, traffic is unpredictable. b.) Sometimes you have to unclench your fists and come to terms with the fact that some things are just out of your control.
   

Overall I had a great first day. I already have an assignment ready to work on first thing in the morning, so I’ll be diving right in. I spent a little time searching for some things to bring in to spice up my cubicle and make it a little more me. I’m excited to get back into the office and continue learning, I can tell this is going to be a great experience.

Do you have advice on facing these challenges? What are your tips on time tracking, time management or dealing with downtown traffic?