Last semester, I began working as an account associate for Top Dog Communication. I quickly fell in love with public relations as well as working for the firm and with all of the great, dedicated people who are a part of TDC. What I love most about TDC is the dedication to growth that the firm and the people involved in it have.
This semester, the firm has implemented new positions called ‘the experts’ which involve a writing, research, design and two sustainability experts to further assist students, the firm and our clients with the needs of each campaign. The experts applied and were chosen based on their expertise in that position. After working as an editor on the Reflector newspaper for three years, I found myself to be a good candidate for the writing expert, applied and received the position. As the writing expert, I write and edit materials for the firm and clients, as well as mentoring and assisting students on their writing centered tactics. The research and design experts do similar work for the firm, clients and students in each of their skills. The sustainability experts do a slightly different job, as they work specifically with past clients by remaining in communication with them and fulfilling any outstanding needs that they have after their campaign with TDC has ended.
These few months of having the experts have significantly assisted the firm and allowed us to highlight the best people for each type of job to help us with the internal and external needs of the firm. We have made progress in updating the firm website and other aspects of TDC that have made us the award winning firm that we are. Also, the materials that we have been able to send to clients have been improved because we have pointed out the best people for each task and assigned them to it, or given students an outlet to get help. The mentor aspect of the experts, I think, is the best part of the expert program. Students who may not have the best skills in one area are able to get help and have a one-on-one learning session, which is something we’ve never had before. By students getting this help, we are able to improve their abilities in that area and produce higher quality material in the future.
Something that I love about having an expert position is that I’m able to refine my writing skills and have great material for my portfolio in the sector that I want to go into in the future. I’m excited to continue the experts program and see the progress in the firm and watch the students grow.