Ever wondered what it’s like to navigate the dynamic world of public relations? Join us as we peel back the curtain on a typical day in the life of a PR agency professional, exploring our team’s diverse experiences from sunrise to sunset. From implementing media outreach tactics to stumbling upon unexpected research insights, discover the adventures and hurdles that shape the daily routine at GYC Vegas:
6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
I usually kick my weekday mornings off by making sure my teenage kids are up and ready for school. Then, I grab a cup of coffee, cozy up to my daily devotionals, spend time praying, and try to chip away at reading the entire bible in one year. Afterwards, I listen to NPR’s Morning Edition to get my daily news and do a quick email check to monitor client media coverage and see if there are any client-related fires to put out. The rest of the morning unfolds with a blend of activities, ranging from yoga classes, networking meetups, chamber breakfasts, or engaging in discovery meetings with potential new clients. By 9 a.m., I shift focus to preparing for client meetings or drafting new business proposals.
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Every day is an adventure, but the prime hours for me as a PR professional are from 9 to 11a.m., Tuesday through Thursday, which is my ideal media outreach time. This is when I put into action strategic planning and calculated communications narratives in order to cut through the clutter and elevate our clients above the noise. When I’m not pitching the media, my activity can vary from meeting with clients to crafting press releases designed to capture media attention. I could also be brainstorming with teammates on behalf of our clients which is always a treat as I genuinely like my colleagues and collectively, we come up with some great ideas.
And let’s not forget research that can sometimes reap unexpected rewards. I truly enjoy learning about new clients and digging deep into existing ones who are launching new initiatives, however I have to be careful not to fall down internet rabbit holes even though they could lead to interesting unexpected discoveries. (Did you know the world’s largest flower can grow to 10 feet in diameter?) In the midst of this bustling activity, there’s one constant – wondering what my snack should be for elevenses (a short break taken around 11:00 a.m.). Working from home offers the luxury of choice, but with great power comes great responsibility. I need to be careful, and have learned to be armed with an arsenal of fruit.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Typically, around 11 a.m. I am wrapping up my morning Zoom meetings and embarking on the thrilling adventure of inbox exploration, checking for any time-sensitive matters that need to be handled ASAP. I then usually mosey to the kitchen on a mission to see what I can grab for a quick bite to eat, accompanied by a well-deserved jolt of caffeine, before returning to my home office. From there, I decide between pop or hip-hop jams setting the tone for a productive afternoon dedicated to writing or research projects.
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
As a third-year university student, around this time I’m either in class mastering the art of crafting engaging social media strategies or working from home on our agency’s or clients’ social media calendars. This is also around the time I take a break from the glow of my laptop screen for a well-deserved lunch. Working remotely requires excellent time management skills, so navigating downtime and productivity requires discipline and careful planning. Post-lunch, I dedicate time to address any recent emails and inquiries from my team. The afternoon always seems to fly by fast with tasks ranging from email communication, coverage monitoring and website updates to research, blog drafting, and social media management—all contributing to a cumulative and rewarding workload!
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
You know what they say in the PR world: “Every day brings something new,” and boy, is that the truth! Afternoons are a mixed bag depending on what’s shaking in our clients’ world. But when the sun starts setting, my evenings settle into a familiar groove: diving deep into emails, setting up those early morning press releases and alerts, and tackling writing tasks like bios, press releases, or blogs. Then there’s the nitty-gritty work of locking in media appearances and wrapping up those interview sheets.
But hey, it doesn’t end there—I also spend time keeping community connections alive with nonprofits, businesses, and anyone our clients want to rub elbows with. Oh, and let’s not forget the meeting marathon, whether it’s setting them up or being right in the midst of them. But, the cherry on top? Catching up with Gina, our company’s head honcho, to keep her in the loop about all things client-related and tossing her any burning questions I’ve got on assignments.
Unwinding at the End of the Day
As the workday winds to a close, it’s crucial to find a reset button, whether it’s a comforting phone call with family, a bit of retail therapy, or connecting with friends on social media. For Mindy, it’s time for her secret decompression ritual – the New York Times Crossword puzzle. More than just a game, it’s a daily ritual that acts as a mind-reset button—a mental spa where words serve as an escape, seamlessly transitioning her from work mode to the relaxing embrace of the evening. How do you hit reset?
Public relations is a diverse career that doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach and success requires a unique set of skills. If you enjoy networking, meeting new people, tackling challenges, and have a passion for writing and storytelling, PR might be the ideal fit for you. The professionals at GYC Vegas, an award-winning PR agency, entered the field through various paths—from a background in advertising or print journalism to obtaining a finance degree and working in investor relations. If you’re curious about what it takes to be a PR professional, stay connected with us. Follow our agency initiatives on social media and subscribe to our monthly newsletter for a closer look at the exciting world of PR!