The second lesson I learned from this class, which I know will follow me through my career, is that sometimes a client is going to opt NOT to use the work you have created for him or her. This is exactly what occurred for our group working for the NuHelth foundation. We created materials that fit the client's needs and requests, and in the end, the client opted not to use them. A few of the our team members were upset by this and took it personally. However, Professor Morosoff told us that this is something that can and will happen in pr and you cannot be offended by it. I felt the latter.
So as the next 13 days count down till I walk across that stage to except my diploma, I find myself at a crossroads in my life. For the past four plus years my life has revolved around college. Now as I close that chapter a new one begins. I am currently looking for an apartment in Astoria Queens with two of my longtime friends, all the while applying for pr jobs in the NY area. For me, moving back in with my parents was not an option, but that's a blog post for another day.
When I began writing this post I wanted to cap it off with a quote. Initially I thought of the late great Jim Morrison when he said "This is the end." However, I am coming to grips with it not being an end, but rather a beginning. So I'll sign off with a line from the song "Closing Time" by Green Day and goes "Closing time, every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end..."
First of all, it was great working with you and all of our group this semester. It really was unfortunate that our work was not used, but understandable. I think that the large size of our group made good communication skills vital for accomplishing anything. While it was okay for this class, I now understand why most account teams at agencies are half the size of ours. It can be very difficult to work with a large group with varying schedules.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I am excited for my college years to come to an end, yet nervous. I have no idea what life will be like without homework and classes anymore...I may have to get a new hobby to fill the void in time.
Mike I must say that I agree with your thoughts about the client not using materials. It is something to be expected, and we shouldn't be sensitive or offended by it. I feel our entire class can connect with you that we are all at a cross road and it is scary yet exciting. As Eileen said, it has been great working with you this semester!
ReplyDeleteEven though it is the end of our college days it is just the beginning for us. Like you and Eileen, I can't wait till graduation but at the same time I'm nervous to see what the world has in store for us. I was lucky enough to have worked in the same group with you this semester and I'm sure you have great things ahead of you after graduation. Congratulations and good luck!
ReplyDeleteI think it was kind of beneficial the way our client reacted. Although we didnt get to do as much PR work as we would have liked, it was good to see how the real world really treats you. Our group did great in my eyes and I truly think we did the best we could have! I cant believe its over and next time ill see you is walking across the stage for graduation! Congrats!!
ReplyDeleteJust wrote about a lot of this for my final paper; it was frustrating as all hell to work with some of these people (clients that is) but in the end it was such a valuable experience. I wrote up several releases and I think only one or two were actually used, and that's a better ratio than most. My group also had a massive problem at first with communication with the client; but luckily that was resolved.
ReplyDelete