Insight from the #1 PR Firm in the World
We often hear about the top PR firm globally, Edelman, being the one that's considered the best. The talk about the great things and incredible people associated with it is not just talk – it's true. I recently chatted with my new mentor, Damarayn Benton, a recent Assistant Account Executive at Edelman Hire. It was interesting to learn about what it is like to work at such a highly regarded and high-intensity firm. I had the chance to visit Edelman's Headquarters in Chicago this past February for the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Midwest District Conference. The experience was valuable, and it gave me a better understanding of the industry. The professionals I met at the conference and my conversations with Damarayn have played a big part in helping me grow into the PR professional I aspire to be.
Climbing Towards #1
You've graduated from college, you are aspiring to work at Edelman, but are facing challenges with getting your foot through the door. What's the next step? Recognizing that post-graduate internships aren't always a setback is crucial. While the ideal scenario might be landing a full-time job straight out of college, these internships can be stepping stones leading to either a permanent position or open doors to other fantastic opportunities.
Damarayn navigated this path successfully by securing internships with WalkerSands and HighWire, both located in Chicago. His post-graduate internship at Highwire paved the way for an opportunity at Edelman in January of 2024. This marked a thrilling new chapter in Damaryan's career, emphasizing that everyone's journey is unique. For some, Edelman may not be the ultimate goal, but a post-graduate internship has proven to be the catalyst propelling them toward their desired career paths.
Preparation for Interviews
As you gear up for an interview with a specific agency, the key to successful preparation is having a well-organized prep document, especially considering that most interviews will be conducted online in 2024. You might wonder, "What should I include in this prep doc?" It can be as straightforward as outlining what the company stands for, identifying your significant "why," highlighting recent campaigns you admire, understanding their leadership dynamics, and aligning your passion with theirs.
For some, the emphasis might be on passion and values, including a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and its impact on the workplace. For others, it might revolve around leadership styles and how the leadership team manages information. Breaking down both what you seek and what they might inquire about helps ease nerves and ensures you are well-prepared.
Inside of Edelman
Diving into what Edelman is all about and asking the questions that others are curious about, I asked Benton, "What is the culture like at Edelman?" He responded, "Edelman is trying to redefine how agency life is." It is a significant move for one of the major PR firms to shake things up in agency life. Benton also coined the term "Edelfam" to describe the culture, emphasizing the family-like vibe that is a core part of the agency.
When thinking about Edelman, some may think, "I have to know exactly what I am doing, and I cannot question myself," AKA imposter syndrome. So, when I got to sit down with Damarayn and ask how his experience has been thus far, he had a great reaction. He said, "I get to sit back and just listen. I do not need to know everything, and I can ask questions when need be." No one is expecting you to be perfect. Thinking about being the number one PR firm in the world, you still have room to grow and learn in all ways. Gives a sense of relief knowing that every agency is growing and every firm has ways of helping you grow...even the top ones.
Edelman's culture is about pushing boundaries while staying grounded. Coined as "Edelfam," it emphasizes a close-knit community and a fresh take on agency life. Conversations with employees like Damarayn reveal a welcoming environment where learning and growing are okay, challenging the idea of needing to be flawless. This reflects Edelman's dedication to improvement and serves as a reminder that even top firms are constantly evolving. Edelman fosters innovation and openness, creating a space where everyone can thrive and contribute to the agency's journey.
Finalizing the Insights
Public relations is a high-intensity career demanding quick thinking, creativity, and more. Whether one's career path involves entering firm life, working in-house, or pursuing corporate opportunities, if anything is learned from Benton or the PRSSA Midwest District Conference visit at Edelman…be confident, extraordinary, and excellence are key. Uphold morals, stick to what's known, and embrace growth daily. Live up to the expectations held. Prepare for interviews, conduct research, and present the best self for optimal results. Discovering your "Edelfam" is valuable in any agency, fostering a close-knit environment. This journey reshaped perceptions of Edelman and sparked career aspirations in the PR industry.
Alexandra Lucaj is a senior studying Advertising and Public Relations. Alexandra is GVPRSSA’s VP of Member Services for the 2023-2024 academic school year. She had previously been the VP of Public Relations. She is the Visual Media Coordinator for Grand Valley State University’s student-run, nationally-affiliated, and student-run integrated communications firm, GrandPR. She was the Community Relations Intern for the West Michigan Whitecaps and this fall she was the Communication Intern for Boileau Communications Firm. She now interns at the Grand Rapids Gold as the Game Day Presentation Intern. In her free time, Alex loves to go to Grand Haven and go on any adventures that come her way. Alexandra is also involved in AASO, the Albanian-American Student Organization as the current President for the 2023-2024 school year. After graduation, Alexandra would love to work for a professional sports team doing PR-specific work.