University student Tom was introduced to the world of PR during a week at Advent Communications. He blogs on his time for us…
For a University student used to leisurely starts, the prospect of starting work at 8.30am on a Monday morning was rather alien. The combination of a strong coffee and a warm greeting by all of the Advent team soon perked me up and I set about the day’s work with enthusiasm.
My first task involved drafting a press release for the upcoming Rising 15 peace and reconciliation event in Coventry. I quickly learnt that in the world of Public Relations and Media Services being clear and concise is paramount. These are two words not commonly associated with the writing style of a Law student such as myself, however fortunately I was given brilliant feedback from Advent’s Managing Director, Adam Dent. Following this I began some research into the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Programme in preparation for attending their meeting the next morning.
The meeting itself was an eye-opener. I was taken aback at the role played by numerous individuals across the county who give up a great deal of their time trying to make a difference to the local economy and increase the area’s prosperity. Back at Advent, I began drafting an article to appear in the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce magazine. The article covered the Warwick Manufacturing Group and its visionary chairman Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya – quite a title! Before the day ended, I drafted a further press release covering the announcement of the new Historic Coventry Trust.
By the middle of the week, despite tiredness creeping I was finding my feet in the office, aided in no small part to cracking support I had from the whole team who in spite of being busy themselves, were always happy to help me with any queries that I had. The constant buzz of the office was wonderful to be a part of all week, and something that I know I will miss once back studying in deathly silent libraries and study rooms!
Work over the next couple of days included further research into various local news outlets, individuals and organisations, drafting press releases, and attending a further Local Enterprise Meeting. Friday included work for Warwick Racecourse and Coventry City, which for a sports nut like me was extremely enjoyable – normally at work I would be told off for browsing Sky Sports for information! By this point in the week my confidence was growing and I felt that my writing style had become better attuned to the standards set at Advent. Having previously only ever undertaken work at law firms, where responsibility is very rarely given without a pair of inquisitive eyes trained on you, it was incredibly refreshing to be trusted undertaking such a variety of work for the firm’s varied client list.
Reflecting on the week as a whole, simply put I have loved the whole experience. I have learnt a number of new skills and developed others (such as making the tea for Richard Nelmes)! The world of Public Relations is not something I have previously experienced; however following the week at Advent, it is one that I would definitely like to be a part of in the future. Thank you so much to the whole team for their support and advice during the week it was greatly appreciated!
