By Marisa Dockum
Edelman holds the title of the world’s largest PR firm. Housing over 4,500 employees in 67 offices, Edelman pumps out talent, creativity, collaboration and results for quality clients. So, what’s it like to intern at a place with mind-blowing campaigns and top-notch thinkers? Well, it’s pretty cool.
I am a trainee on the Krispr account. Krispr represents all things Kellogg’s including Pop-Tarts, Special K, Frosted Mini Wheats, Rice Krispies and MorningStar Farms, just to name a few. Along with meeting talented professionals and networking with full-time employees, I play a part on national initiatives like the Pop-Tarts Crazy Good Summer Concert Series and the launch of the new Kellogg’s To Go Breakfast Shakes.
The majority of my tasks involve media relations and online interactions, pitching, creating media lists, monitoring and tracking what is being posted about products on social media sites and researching. Some days are crazy and some are more laid back. Below is a play-by-play of a typical day at Edelman:
8:30-9:00 AM: Arrive at office and mentally prepare myself for the day
9:00-10:00 AM: Media snapshots and morning monitoring
Every morning the intern team scours the web for any information or interactions regarding client products. We track impressions and reach, and create an overview of highlights in a media snap shot.
10:00-10:30 AM: Brainstorm meeting
On occasion I get to sit in on 30-minute power brainstorm sessions. The whole time I drool over the creativity and strategy that is thrown around the room.
10:30-12:00 PM: Research finding bloggers or celebrity partnerships
I have done a lot of research during my time at Edelman. There is a great deal of thought and reasoning that goes behind the bloggers we form relationships with and with potential celebrity partnerships.
12:00-1:00 PM: Intern class
Every week or so HR organizes mandatory intern classes for all the trainees and interns to attend. One was a panel of full-time employees in an array of departments and the class was open for Q&A. There was also a “Telling a Story With Data” digital class. These classes are great and you get to interact with other interns!
1:00-3:00 PM: Pitching and follow ups
I have gained a lot of pitching experience and have learned more about media strategy. I spend a good amount of time following up with media outlets across the nation.
3:00-3:30 PM: Mentor/Mentee meeting
There is a Mentor program within Edelman. My mentor is Nick Lucido, he works in Digital and he served as the PRSSA National President a few years ago. Nick is an awesome resource for all things PR. He is so knowledgeable about digital analytics and social media. We meet biweekly and I take in all the advice he offers.
3:30-5:00 PM: End of day research and consumer product packaging
Working in consumer, we send out a lot of product for samples, reviews and placements. I have put together gift baskets and media giveaways that are sent to outlets like Cosmopolitan and O Magazine.
5:00-5:30 PM: EOD check in with team, help other interns complete all assignments
I don’t think my routine of walking into a huge building with security check-ins, sitting in meetings with stunning views of Chicago or working at fast paces on campaigns that reach millions of impressions will ever feel normal. My journey with Edelman has taught me a lot about the industry, agency life and “the big girl world.”