Insights from 10 to 1 Public Relations’ Pros
Six months after transitioning from fashion to PR, I sought advice from my 10 to 1 Public Relations colleagues about navigating the industry. Their insights, ranging from new coordinators to the company president, offer valuable guidance for PR newcomers.
Madeleine Williamson, PR Executive at 10 to 1:
How did you know you wanted to go into PR?
“I knew I wanted to be in the communication industry, so I explored jobs in all different areas of communications, and I kept coming back to PR.”
What other past experiences have led you to where you are today?
“Starting as editor of my high school yearbook, I learned that I enjoyed telling people’s stories. Through different internships, I gained experience in journalism and media production, which have led me to where I am today.”
What advice do you have for someone who is entering the field?
“Embrace learning— don’t be afraid to ask questions when you first start a position. The field is constantly evolving, and asking questions fosters long-term learning.”
What have you learned at 10to1PR?
“10 to 1 has given me a space where I feel confident to lead a client. I feel that everyone on the team has supported me and I learn from everyone every day. I was able to lead clients by watching my teammates successfully lead theirs, and I picked up tips along the way that I apply in my own leadership roles.”
Laura Slawny Vice President of at 10 to 1:
How did you know you wanted to go into PR?
“I started my career in journalism, and as a producer for an evening news team, we didn’t utilize PR agencies like the morning show did. So it was definitely a shift when I decided to take a coordinator job at a PR agency. I realized at that job that I could get my news fix but in a more stable career. I just wish I had made the switch sooner!”
What other past experiences have led you to where you are today?
“I took a job at an agency that was primarily focused on media relations and sending pitches. I wanted to find an agency that offered more thought leadership, campaign building, and long-lasting relationship building priorities. Then I met Josh and he taught me so much.”
What advice do you have for new pros?
“There is always more than one way to do something. If you hit a dead end, pivot and find a new solution. Also never take ‘no’ for an answer.”
What have you learned at 10to1PR?
“Everyone has a unique skill. You can learn something from each person. Everyone brings something to the table, whether it’s a technical skill that that person has already mastered or a mistake they have made that can teach you new strategies.”
Sofia Ashley, Public Relations Executive:
How did you know you wanted to go into PR?
“I had different majors in college, I first started in STEM, then Business, but in my Business major we had a class where we created our own fake PR campaign. Getting to be creative after taking so many technical classes was refreshing and I knew I wanted a career path that was the perfect blend of creativity and strategy.”
What other past experiences have led you to where you are today?
“My social media management background gave me a solid foundation, but it was the experience I got as an intern in PR that solidified it for me.”
What advice do you have for new pros?
“A career in PR/Journalism offers more flexibility than complex mathematical and scientific fields. You can get better over time and learn by experience. Every little moment builds up your confidence, and you shouldn’t underestimate the tools that you have in your back pocket.”
What have you learned at 10to1PR?
“I have learned how to be an advocate for myself. I definitely think I underestimated myself when I was first put in charge to lead clients, but I channeled confidence to reassure them, and I even was able to reassure myself.”
Kaden Ryback, Public Relations Coordinator
How did you know you wanted to go into PR?
“It was either between PR and marketing, but marketing’s heavy sales focus wasn’t aligned with my aspirations, and after one day at a marketing job I quickly realized it was not the right fit for me. PR was more focused on the human element which was important to me. It satisfied my passion for writing and relationship-building, and I was able to incorporate my videography skills into client campaign production.”
What other past experiences have led you to where you are today?
“My path to PR was not as specific to PR, but more of the communications field. I graduated with a bachelor’s in public relations and journalism, but I got the most hands-on experience at The Cronkite Agency, which combined my video editing, and personal relations skills. I realized after a brief career in marketing, that PR appealed to me more, and that was all I needed to know to make it my career.”
What advice do you have for new pros?
“Research is a bigger part of PR than many people may think. It’s invaluable when you start with a client to know not only the media landscape around the client but also the big stories that the client has had, and the publications that have featured them. Doing your research on the clients that you represent will help you present yourself well,and inform how you will work with them.”
What have you learned at 10to1PR?
“I’ve learned the art of team-oriented work. This has helped me identify the tasks that drive the most value for both the team and the clients. When you work alone on a client, it’s up to you to decide the methodology on how you go about completing tasks, but when you’re on a team, every piece of the work, and knowing the importance of delegation is important. You may not realize the time that you spent researching, when communicated well with your team, can take work off a lot of other people.”
Josh Weiss, President of 10 to 1 Public Relations
How did you know you wanted to go into PR?
“I started this company to find like-minded individuals who wanted to take a more traditional approach to PR. I also wanted to build a team that specialized in what they’re good at. Everyone here has a unique skill that they contribute and that helps others. The agency itself is known for traditional media relations.”
What other past experiences have led you to where you are today?
“My first job out of college was in the Illinois House Representatives helping elected officials get on their local radio stations. I created radio press releases, combining radio, PR and politics. When I was ready to move on, PR felt like the most steady job opportunity of the three options (compared to politics or radio). After working in several PR-related jobs for the next decade, I eventually decided to start my own PR agency in 2012.”
What advice do you have for new pros?
“Passion and genuine interest are important because actual knowledge of the industry can be taught. Scale the one thing you’re good at. If someone is testing to see if you can deliver a project, knock that project out of the park first, then ask to take on more.”
What have you learned from 10to1PR?
“I’ve learned the different roles of leadership when it comes to managing a team. 10 to 1 is a collaborative agency, and that has taught me to meet people where they are at, and help them get to that next step.”
Conclusion:
During my internship at 10 to 1, I have learned there are different ways to find your place in PR. Some of my team found PR through other professions but were pulled back into it, and some knew they were enthusiastic the moment they entered the profession.
My journey may not have originally started here, but as my team members illustrated there is no one set way to find a job in Public Relations. If you are passionate about Public Relations take steps to learn more about the field you’ll be working in. Any experience, whether it’s an internship or work for another agency will help you develop practical skills that you can take with you. Finding work that is meaningful will help you bring your best to the role and inspire you to stay open to constantly evolving your skills.
The diverse skills and different paths of my team has shown me that there is no single route to success in PR, but that it is a combination of embracing continuous learning, passion for the career, different variations of skills, and the ability to pivot that makes a PR pro successful.
A diverse skill set is needed at an agency in PR to adapt to different clients, and specializing at a specific skill can contribute to a team’s success. As I reflect on my growth I’m grateful for the support the team from 10 to 1 has shown me. This experience has confirmed my passion for PR and I am grateful that I am able to continue onto a new career path where I feel comfortable to take my next steps.