Emilie's first month at PRN
Updated: Feb 17
It's been just over a month since I started my new job as Client Services Director at The PR Network (PRN) and in the lead-up to my first day I was intrigued. How do you start off at a remote agency, where all your colleagues work from home in different parts of the country? What does a “first day in the new job” look like without being marched around an office, meeting hundreds of people whose names you promptly forget and getting lost while looking for the loos?
Well, it turns out my first day, and in fact my first month, at PRN have been just great, and looking back I think there have been a few key factors at play:
Before joining I was invited to the PRN Christmas party at the gorgeous Groucho Club in London, which was the perfect way to meet my new colleagues and clients. Because yes, PRN has such great relationships with their retained clients they invite them to their Christmas parties!
I received a well-organised induction plan on day one from our MD Eileen, which included a packed schedule of meetings, a mix of video calls and face to face, and which meant I got to meet and spend time with everyone across the agency in my first few weeks.
I was lucky to join just in time to accompany the whole team on an amazing trip to Amsterdam to celebrate the agency’s 18th birthday! We spent three days there, eating, drinking, having fun and exploring that amazing city, and I couldn’t think of a better way to get to know my new work family.
I joined one of our all-team planning sessions in London for the day, during which we worked on the business plan for the agency as well as taking part in a brand vision workshop (more on that very soon).
And last but not least, my fabulous bunch of new colleagues have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome and show me the ropes, both virtually and IRL.
In fact I think that’s one of the best things about PRN. During both stints working for the agency, first as an Associate a few years back and now in my new role, I’ve been struck by the supportive work environment and complete lack of egos. Consider this: I have sat in busy offices surrounded by people while feeling totally isolated, and now, sitting by myself in my home office, I’m part of one of the closest and most collaborative teams I’ve ever worked with.
So if you’re considering applying for the PRN role we’re currently advertising but are unsure about the virtual element, my advice is don’t let that put you off! PRN has been virtual since day one in 2005, and 18 years on we really are perfectly set up for working this way. And at least you won’t have to repeatedly ask where the loos are on your first day…