My journey with Flow Communications started in September 2013. Never did I imagine that after four years I would still be here. Even less did I imagine that with hard work and dedication I would have managed to work my way up from intern to senior PR account executive.
My adventure began with a three-month internship. I did everything from making coffee to printing, fetching papers and spending six solid hours packing media gifts for a client event.
I never said no to anything that was assigned to me at that time, and I still don’t. I grew by learning everything, from making tea or coffee (well, I did have some experience in that department) to participating in brainstorms, organising events, being instrumental in tender bids, delivering induction presentations, training interns, talking to the media and being able to pitch for interviews for our clients with broadcasters such as eNCA, SABC and 702.
I have worked on more than 25 client accounts during the past four years, including Nando’s, The Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards, The South African Society of Anaesthesiologists, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Soweto Festival, The Capital Hotel Group, E-Tourism Frontiers and Hollard Daredevil Run. I’ve even travelled to Botswana to do media training for one of Flow’s clients.
In 2015, I found myself training and mentoring interns who joined our PR team. I started to really enjoy this role when I saw the personal growth of those I had trained. It did not start with me – I had great teachers when I joined Flow. They allowed me to make mistakes and to learn from them. I had to learn how to listen and to start doing more. Teaching or mentoring is something that I believe is a gift – it requires patience, time and understanding.
When you are teaching an intern, reassure them that their new role is not as bad as they might think it is. Explain why being open to learning opportunities is one of the best ways to absorb all the information you are given when starting a job.
One of the best things about our industry is that you get to meet people you never thought you would, such as former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, who I met last year while doing a job on behalf of Nando’s. If I did not have an open mind and great attitude and did not work hard, I do not think the client would have trusted me sufficiently to manage the job on their behalf.
It is not easy mentoring people, but it is one of the most fulfilling things one can achieve in life. I have taught and mentored many interns, but I am not an expert, because I, too, am still learning about the industry. I started off just like them and have since been promoted to three new positions in the space of four years. It’s easier for me now, because I have walked the journey and understand very well how it feels to be an intern.
Never underestimate that brain fresh from varsity. Graduates come with hunger and determination to absorb everything they are taught, every step of the way.
My tips for mentoring and teaching
- Be patient. Our industry is fast-paced and driven by deadlines, but if you make time to teach that new intern, it will be worth it
- Trust the intern. Delegating tasks is sometimes difficult, but once you are confident that they can do the job, trust that it will be done
- Get to know the intern. Get to know the person you mentor personally; ask about their family and social life
- Have an open-door policy. This will allow the person to approach you at any time for advice and guidance with their projects
- Never yell in front of the team. When mentoring someone, never reprimand them in front of colleagues or other people or you will dampen their spirits and make them feel ashamed of their mistakes. Rather offer constructive criticism in a one-on-one scenario
Never lose hope in someone. You might be the one to ignite a fire in them. PR is challenging, but with love and dedication anyone can be a winner. Mentoring has been one of the joys in my working life to date and I hope that, one day, those I have taught will be able to do the same for others.
