Having finished my degree last year, I was suddenly in the position where I needed to send my CV out to potential employers. I found this a daunting but exciting experience, with so many young graduates waiting for their first interview I could only count my blessings when I got offered the account executive job at Red Ribbon Communications.

Making the shift from student life to productive business women has been an exhilarating experience. However, there have been times when I query my four years at varsity, questioning whether the theoretical side, prepared me the for a very practical business world. I can’t help but wonder whether university students should be equipped with a more practical guide on ‘doing your job’ in the ‘real’ world. I agree the theory is necessary and has given me a platform to base my opinion on, as well as equipped me with knowledge, and for that it was well worth it and I will always be thankful for my opportunity to study.

The evolution of TECHNOLOGY
With technology as the core of Red Ribbon, getting to grips with the techno jargon was the first obstacle, and I’m thankful for computer literacy back at varsity. However, learning about technology and social media and practicing them, are worlds apart.

Time is of the essence…
Being a newly graduate the transition of meeting deadlines, managing your clients and a 40 hour work week takes time to get used to, whilst getting over the fact that you no longer have long vacations and all the time in the world to yourself. Time management became part of my daily routine and luckily for me I am part of a team which values the importance of having it all, from power driven PR to a balanced and happy family life.

Client is king
Throughout university you hear the phrase ‘client is king’. This can often prove to be quite a challenge giving them the honest truth and managing their expectations, without trampling on their traditions and normal business practices. Yes they are king, however there are always two sides of the coin. We as PR experts cannot execute our work effectively if we don’t agree with the direction of the client and we should not suggest or implement something that we don’t believe will work. It is important to make positive suggestions that can have fruitful implications for our clients and Red Ribbon.

It’s all about learning curves
Mistakes do and will happen as long as you learn from them. There is also a big gap to close in diversity, where you encounter different cultures and religions’. Understanding where your colleagues and clients are coming from is part of building trust and working towards team collaboration.

The team effort
I’ve learnt that I am not alone in the office - we tackle every situation as a team and it’s comforting to know you have a support system. Two heads are better than one, and collaboration leads to improved solutions for clients.

One step at a time as Lao Tsu said ‘A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step’. Small actions showed me that if I’m positive, work with integrity, and strive to achieve great things, I will accomplish my goals.

Learning is all part of the experience, so it is important to love what you do, only then can you do it well.