This Is My Story of Working at a PR Agency in Jakarta

When I was in college, there was a moment that my friends majoring in Public Relations always looked forward to. That moment was the press conference practicum, where they would play various roles based on a prepared proposal. They would usually wear suits or blazers, high heels, and full makeup.

I, who was majoring in Journalism at the time, didn’t really understand what they were doing. But unexpectedly, my first job after graduating was as a PR consultant. Here are some of the things I learned from working at a PR agency in Jakarta that I wish I’d known sooner.

You Don’t Have to Be an Extrovert

This is the biggest misconception about being a consultant—people say that public relations professionals must be extroverted and outgoing. Well, those two traits might certainly help make it easier or more comfortable to approach the people you’ll be meeting. But for those of you who are introverts, there’s no need to worry because you definitely have plenty of strengths too.

In the book “Quiet” by Susan Cain, it’s mentioned that introverts possess strong analytical skills, creativity, and a high capacity for innovation. Introverts also have great potential to become good leaders, as they have a keener sensitivity when it comes to listening or observing things. Of course, these traits will be extremely helpful in a career as a PR consultant, a role that heavily involves analysis and strategy.

Read also: 3 Interesting Things During an Internship at a Public Relations Agency | A Wealth of PR Knowledge Thanks to an Internship at a Jakarta PR Agency

I myself am an introvert. At first, I used to feel awkward when I had to mingle with so many people at once. But over time, I got used to it after realizing that conversations need to be genuine—not just small talk.

Becoming a Jack of All Trades

Many people are surprised by the job description of a PR consultant, which might sound very broad. During my time working, here are at least a few of the things I’ve done: media monitoring, developing communication strategies, managing clients, building relationships with journalists, event management, writing, reaching out to communities and influencers, creating video concepts and social media content, managing media partnerships, and even handling merchandise. The modern term for this might be “end-to-end.”

Since I’m still young and full of energy, I’ve enjoyed learning so many new things. Curiosity and creativity are invaluable assets when working at a PR agency with such a fast-paced work environment. I remember a story from a Media Buffet PR intern alum a while back—Hasna—who gained new knowledge and perspectives and honed her ability to think creatively because being a PR consultant requires us to meet many people from diverse backgrounds. We might not be familiar with a particular topic at first, but being curious and resourceful will make the learning process go much faster.

Managing Time & Energy

There’s no denying that juggling multiple tasks at once can be exhausting. Especially since we often have to handle several clients or projects with equally fast-paced work schedules. That’s why it’s easy to understand that working at an agency isn’t for everyone.

The key skill a PR consultant must possess is the ability to prioritize effectively.

This can be done daily by creating a to-do list for the day. Only then can we determine what needs to be done first, what’s less urgent, and which tasks can be delegated. Equally important, you must also communicate what you’re working on that day to your team. This way, you can set clear expectations regarding when the work will be delivered.

Since we’ve set goals, we’re usually motivated to work more focused and effectively. To avoid distractions, there are several methods you can try, such as the Pomodoro Technique.

There’s one thing my mom always said that I remember: “Work is never-ending. So we have to know when to stop.” Although it can sometimes be hard to put into practice, my mom’s advice often serves as a reminder for me to set boundaries on when to work and when to rest. So far, these methods have been effective for me in managing my time and energy.

Be a Team Player

At first, I was the type of person who liked to work independently, but during my time at Media Buffet PR, I’ve learned a lot about working as part of a team. In addition to our main responsibilities, there are many side projects that allow us to collaborate with everyone. For example, when organizing various internal events, the TalknShare talk show, or preparing gift baskets for special occasions for our partners.

I’m lucky that during my time at Media Buffet PR, I’ve also been part of a friendly and supportive work environment. Many coworkers have ended up becoming close friends. In my opinion, a comfortable work environment is something you create. So if you want coworkers who care and are willing to offer help, you have to make an effort to be that way yourself.

Read also: Kiara Zalfa’s Personal Development Journey at Media Buffet PR

Looking back on the experiences I’ve gained over the past three—almost four—years working at Media Buffet PR, it’s truly a joy to be part of one of Indonesia’s PR agencies that’s now gaining more and more recognition. I hope the things I’ve learned during my time as a consultant at this Jakarta-based PR agency can be helpful to you!

Written by Chiki Anwar, Public Relations Consultant at Media Buffet PR