One Year in PR: Biggest Lessons Since Switching From Journalism

I don’t have the most dramatic journey to PR, but I find it pretty interesting. For most of my childhood to mid-teens, I wanted to be a lawyer, and I made sure everyone knew I’d be like Gani Fawehinmi and fight for human rights. 

Then one day, my mom declared I couldn’t be a lawyer because she had a dream I became one of the best human-rights lawyers of my time, and they killed me. The search for a new and exciting career path began. My mom and I agreed I suited best for the arts and social sciences. My mom wanted me to become a show host. But I’ve always been practical, so I wanted to study something more traditional. We found a middle ground in mass communication. My mom agreed that I could major in PR and Ads so long as I took all the practical broadcast classes, too – it was a steal!

And so, the journey to PR began. However, I didn’t finish university and venture into PR immediately. In 2016, when I was looking to do my first internship in PR, I met Ayeni Adekunle, who advised that I start my path by writing stories. I thought I was a masterful natural writer (I wasn’t) and didn’t mind the idea.  

After my NYSC and a few internships, when I was officially ready to start my career, Adekunle advised again that I should start as a journalist. For two years, I wrote, covered events, learned spins and learned to write features in three hours. Then, on the 1st of  August, 2021, I took on a new PR and Communications Associate role at ID Africa. 

Below is a list of everything I learned since moving from journalism to practising public relations:

1. It’s okay to be TERRIFIED.
2. Quickly figure out your biggest anxiety triggers and how to manage them.
3. Don’t ever shy away from asking questions. Apologise for being annoying if you have to, but ask about everything and anything until you understand.
4. Ensure you’re in an environment that encourages learning and growth.
5. Find your strengths and play to them, but make sure you work daily to improve your weaknesses.
6. If you were truly good at writing, there’s a chance you’ll be typecast as the team writer. Don’t fight it too much, but ensure you’re also involved in every part of the work.
7. You’ll need to be more patient than ever – people will annoy you, speak rudely to you, and most likely make you want to snap, but you must keep your cool.
8. You’ll need to increase your personal wardrobe allowance. What’s a PR adviser that doesn’t always look their best?
9. You’ll need to read everything about your client’s industry and maybe more.
10. You need to train yourself to develop ideas on the spot. It will save you in the weirdest of times.
11. Don’t be afraid of your clients – you’re their adviser. Speak up when you have to.
12. You won’t always have all the resources you need precisely when you need them. Learn to come up with creative solutions.
13. It’s okay to take breaks. Work will never finish.
14. The result of good work is more work and more money.
15. Don’t tweet everything you think. Take a moment to consider how it will make you, your company and the brand you represent look.
16. It’s okay to wonder if Femi (the boss) knows you are doing your best and to be terrified that he doesn’t. What isn’t okay is letting that fear paralyse you instead of incentivising you.
17. When you make a mistake, learn the lesson.
18. You won’t always be perfect. How you handle the criticisms will affect you more than how many praises you receive.
19. It’s okay to celebrate the small wins.
20. Remember to always find out the airing time when you invite television stations to events.
21. You have to learn to like people.
22. You will have to become a kiss-ass. You have to do the work to understand this one. Good luck!
23. Don’t ever stop trying to get better.
24. Do everything as excellently as you can.
25. Help your teammates the best you can. You’re not in competition with them because their wins are yours and vice-versa.
26. Crosscheck everything you ask someone else to help with.
27. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
28. Brainstorming sessions are the best.
29. Learn to create to-do lists. They will save you a lot of stress. 
30. Take classes. Learn everything you can – from people, the work and most importantly, professional courses.
31. You’re intelligent even when it doesn’t feel that way.
32. Find small ways to have fun while you do the work.
33. Blow your trumpet, sometimes. It’s great for your personal brand.
34. Always be ready to make new friends and network.
35. Just keep going. DON’T QUIT!
36. I was very lucky as a journalist because I got paid well and on time.

It’s been 1 year of lessons, mistakes, awe, and growth – I’m now a PR and Communications Adviser at ID Africa. Here’s to several more years of promotions, development, and excellence!