It started with a nomination in high school. I was 13 when I was nominated for a PRO (Public Relations Officer) role for the Social, Cultural, and Dramatic society. It was my very first introduction to the term and the role. I did not understand much of it and gave in to the fear of losing to my opponent, whom I thought had a stronger chance of winning. Instead, I contested another role I felt was easier and lost.
Fast forward to my 3rd year in Uni, the opportunity to run for PRO for my departmental society came up and I declared an interest. I went on to concede in front of the voters with a short and clear pronouncement, “I vote for my opponent”.
Fear held me back the first time. Nonchalance, the second time.
The third time was the charm. In my final year, I was unwavering and prepared. I put in the work, and a difference of 10 votes gave me my first practical PR experience. The joy I felt seeing my picture at the back of the society’s book as the PRO was unexplainable. It felt like I had finally gotten something that was meant to be mine.
During my studies for my master’s program, I took a PR course as an elective even though I did not have to. I was really curious and wanted to get a good understanding of what this profession was about. Well, I got the understanding I needed at that level and did not think much about it after then.
I joined a sports marketing company in 2018 as an intern and the company had a sister company which was a PR firm in the same building. Due to the style of working which allowed for cross-sharing of ideas, I was able to join in on brainstorms and also chip in my ideas on some PR Campaigns and pitches. This piqued my interest once again and made me realize I liked PR and will want to have a career in it. I requested to move to the PR company and that was how my journey as a PR professional started.
It’s been almost 3 years since I made that move to PR and I must say that I am home. Working in PR has been very exciting, yet tasking. I have been opportune to work on brands and campaigns such as Showmax, Upfield, MultiChoice, The Real Housewives of Lagos, GSK, just to mention a few.. I have learned, grown, made mistakes, and also fixed some.
I have learned that storytelling is at the core of PR and it has to be very compelling. I’ve also gotten to understand the need to lead your narrative and also the importance of a good and cordial relationship with the media and your relevant stakeholders.
If I am to give a piece of advice to young aspiring PR practitioners, it would be that it’s okay not to have that ‘ghen ghen’ moment where the sky shines bright with a voice from heaven telling you to do PR. It could just be in the little signs.
Written by: Fadekemi Jegede