PR Intern Diaries: Jonathan

Another training week almost done, another recap missed. I promise I will work on a 3-week recap this Sunday.

Until then, I leave you with the latest from Lynette Nicole PR intern Jonathan. 

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They say time flies when you are having fun! I can’t believe it has already been a month. I have learned so much and I’m so excited to apply what I’ve learned throughout the rest of my time in school. I’m also figuring out what I like and don’t like about PR and my internship.

I’ve obviously learned a lot, but three things have stuck out to me the most. The first is that detail is everything. I have learned that whatever I do needs to be triple checked and then checked again. Everything has to be clean and professional. This is why I am learning to check my work until I am confident I have it perfect, and then, of course, check it again.

Second, I have learned that being creative is a huge part of PR. Whether it’s creating a pitch or looking at a press clipping from an aesthetic point of view, creativity is integrated with almost everything I do. This is where the fun comes in. Being able to think of new ideas or ways of doing things exercises my creativity!

The third thing I have learned is that no two days look exactly alike. Every day is different and brings with it its own challenges and chances to learn something new. Working in an environment where things are constantly changing definitely keeps me on my toes.

Through all of this learning, I have had to complete several tasks. Some I like, and some I don’t like. My favorite task would have to be doing press clippings. I like this because I love seeing how our clients are used in stories, seeing what is said about them, and even seeing what our clients have to say about various topics. I also get to be creative when I piece together the clipping. My least favorite task would probably be simply making lists. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it can become tedious.

I’ve learned so much already, but I hope to learn more about how to become an effective writer throughout the rest of the summer. Since it is the core of everything we do in PR, I need to be confident in my writing skills. Here’s to the next month of learning!

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Have a great weekend!

XO,
Lynette 

PR Intern Diaries: Survival Kit

Happy Friday! I realized today I missed my training post from week one so on Monday there will be a double. So far so good! I'm getting excited to add some more mileage and add some more speed intervals. I've started going to hill workouts again on Monday mornings so fingers crossed! 

Lynette Nicole PR intern Jonathan Kirkland is back with his intern survival guide! 

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As a PR intern, I have already learned what “tools” are most important in helping me succeed this summer. As I come to the end of week 3, I have compiled a “survival kit” made up of 5 things I can’t live without as an intern.

1) Laptop. My laptop is my life right now. Everything for work, school, and my personal life are on this laptop (the personal docs back up, of course). Even though the internet and computers have been around as long as I have been alive, my internship has caused me to be more amazed at what technology can do. My laptop is definitely the most important tool I have that helps me survive as an intern.

2) Planner/Notebook. Being organized is a part of who I am. I schedule everything, even when I am going to do laundry. I like taking notes and making lists. Being able to physically cross something off a list gives me a sense of accomplishment, and taking notes helps me to remember all of the cool things I am learning about PR. Without my planner and notebook, I’d be completely lost- at my internship and in my personal life.

3) AP Style-book. The AP Style-book is something every public relations student and practitioner should have on them. This book is a lifesaver at times, especially when it comes to writing (and as we all know, writing is the core of public relations). It’s helpful not only at my internship but in my everyday student life at school.

4) MTA Subway Card. It’s no surprise that living in Manhattan is just a bit more difficult than living in rural west Tennessee (this is something I am still trying to get used to). My MTA subway card has taken a lot of the burden of traveling around the city away, especially when it comes to getting to work. I live downtown, but my internship is in midtown. It may seem like a no-brainer to have one, but without it, I would literally not be able to get to my internship (in a timely manner, that is).

5) Water Bottle. Wherever I go, my water bottle goes. About a year and a half ago, I became crazy about water. I can even taste the difference between different kinds of water. I have to have water with me wherever I am, and I especially need it when I am working. Not only do I just love water, but it’s good to keep your brain and body hydrated while at work!

These five tools may seem obvious or out of the ordinary, but they are what helps me to survive this season of my life as an intern. There’s no doubt about it. My “survival kit” is necessary for my success. 
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XO,
Lynette 

PR Intern Diaries Week 2: Jonathan

Happy Friday! Jonathan is back with his update for his second week interning at Lynette Nicole PR! Here's what he had to say:

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Week number two has come and gone in a flash. Now that I am a bit more "at home" here in NYC, time is starting to move less like the turtle and more like the hare. I still am in awe of this experience and I am thankful for every opportunity I have been given. I love my internship and there is something new to learn every day. I already feel like I am growing more as a PR student and I can't wait to see where my growth takes me by the end of the summer. 

No two days look alike in Public Relations. I heard that all the time from my professors, advisors, and other professionals. This week I have learned to not expect each day to be "copy and paste." I have learned that my day may be spent doing heavy research, making media lists, or learning new things about the industry. I know this is going to continue to be true as I progress in my career field. I'm finding that I like not knowing exactly how my day will look. There is an element of surprise in PR. 

In keeping true to trying to remain healthy while living in NYC, I tried yoga for the first time this week! I learned that yoga is more physical than I thought it would be. I enjoy exercises that work my legs and arms, and basic yoga poses worked those areas for me. The emphasis on breathing also helped to relax me and gave me the opportunity to release anxiety, stress, and tension that had been building up since I moved here and had my world turned upside down. I can't wait to try yoga again! 

Included in this week were a few cool adventures. During my internship this week, I got to complete a "scavenger hunt" at Barnes & Noble where I sifted through countless magazine publications, learning about the different topics covered and which ones are important. Outside my internship, however, I attended my first Broadway show of the summer, Waitress! I love the theatre, and this was a great way for me to relax and have fun. I love using theatre as an outlet to break away from the real world, kind of like yoga! 

Even though week two went by quick, I learned a lot and made great memories. Here's to the remaining 9 weeks! 

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Stay tuned for a Chicago training update from me next week! 

XO,

Lynette

It's Almost Here!

Time is flying! After months of base building, strength training, monthly PT visits and changing my eating habits, training for the Chicago Marathon starts Monday! 

I'm feeling really good and content about the base I've been trying to build. The runs haven't always been pretty, but they got done. 

I started out with at least 2 days a week spinning, 1 running, and 2 strength, but didn't beat myself up if I missed something. I moved my track workouts to the West Side Highway because the track near my office isn't regulation and it was a mental problem to go around almost 2 times just for a 400 repeat.

I program my speed workouts into my watch so I can just go and it will tell me when to stop. It's worked out well and I've seen better times! The PT is really focusing on the left hamstring that I bothered while doing a spin challenge back in Jan/Feb. A cautionary tale of too much too soon after doing almost nothing. 

To supplement the cardio, I did a lot of Flybarre and Pilates. I participated in the FlyRX pilot program as much as I could and can definitely see more definition and strength. For my 30th birthday, my girlfriends and I got a private yoga session at a SoHo spa and enjoyed the lounge and steam room. It was a great active recovery day! 

This past week I got to see my hard work pay off. On Monday, I ran all my miles sub-10, and even one sub-9. I'm still way off from my old pace but I'm getting there! On Wednesday morning, for Global Running Day, I ran NYRR's 1 For You 1 For Youth 5K. First, my entry fee gave a child in need a pair of shoes. Second, Global Running Day celebrated WHY we run (I’ve always boasted about how running is great for my mental health, how it helped me lose weight and introduced me to some great people, but I started running after the doctor cleared me to take the boot off my foot after I got hit by a car riding my bike.), and third, I held some solid paces. It wasn't a pretty race for me but it's one that put me in a great starting position for training. 

I hope to keep this blog updated throughout this training cycle to keep me accountable. I'm getting exciting! 

XO,

Lynette

PR Intern Diaries: Meet Jonathan

Happy Friday! Before we jet out of the office for a summer Friday workout class, I wanted to introduce you to Lynette Nicole PR's summer intern, Jonathan! He came all the way from Tennessee to work with us so we look forward to showing him the PR ropes and sharing our NYC insights. 

Here's what Jonathan has to say:

Hello all! My name is Jonathan Kirkland, and currently, I am a Tennessee native having the experience of a lifetime as a PR intern with Lynette Nicole PR in New York City! I attend school at the University of Tennessee at Martin, which is located in the (very) small town of Martin, Tennessee. As you can imagine, moving from a rural town with only 15,000 people to New York City comes with quite the culture shock! However, I absolutely love NYC, so this summer should be fantastic! 

Over the remaining ten weeks, I will get to immerse myself into the world of PR and learn about the career path I have chosen. I am actually already learning quite a bit! One thing I have learned in my first week is the power of research. I came into this internship knowing that research is important, but now I have learned about WHY research is important. It seems to be the foundation of public relations. Knowing the answers and being able to provide the "why" is why research is so important. Researching contacts and being up to date on who is talking about your client is fundamental to offering the best possible publicity. I am excited to build upon this foundation. 

I have also been learning about health, especially when it comes to taking care of myself in a new environment. I have learned a lot about how to deal with homesickness, and I even tried my first green juice (well, it was a raspberry-lemonade juice, but I'll get there)! I am learning that making sure I eat well is important, especially in a city where pizza, street food, and fast food is absolutely everywhere. I want to feel good while I complete my internship, so I understand that eating well and dealing with homesickness in a healthy way is important to my success. 

Overall, I hope to end the summer having learned what I want to do in public relations. I want to know what works/doesn't work in the industry, and I hope to gain a level of confidence in what I do. 

I can't wait to see what this summer will teach me! 

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Stay tuned for more intern diaries from Jonathan + a Chicago Marathon training update from me! 

XO,

Lynette