Allison & Partners panel discussion

Post by Amy Fleishans


Three PR professionals from national agency Allison & Partners presented at Tuesday’s meeting about the PR industry and life after graduation. In an informal Q&A session, Amy O’Hara, Chantell Nighswonger and Annie Drury answered a variety of questions about agency life, building relationships and cover letters.

As the only national PR agency in the Valley, Allison & Partners offers a unique agency experience in Phoenix. “It sounds big, but it really has a boutique feel,” said Drury, who works in the San Diego office. “At our individual offices, we’re a tight-knit family with the resources and support of a large, national agency.” Their biggest advice for working at an agency: time management. Taking 10 minutes at the beginning of each day to identify the hottest projects is key.

A student asked for tips about pitching to reporters—O’Hara said it’s all in building relationships. Her biggest tips: utilize Twitter, be personable, and ask if you can help them with a story they’re working on. She mentioned that she’s connected with an AP reporter in Las Vegas who has featured a client in two stories. “I’ve never met him in person, but I’d love to meet him for coffee sometime, just because we’ve spoken so much over the phone and e-mail,” she said. Nighswonger also chimed in suggesting to offer to help a reporter with a story he/she is working on. “You don’t always have to be pitching a reporter, see if you can help them out—that will help them remember your name.”

When asked for cover letter and resume tips, all three ladies had a lot of tips. Here’s a list of the best tips they listed:

·      Don’t include a photo of yourself

·      Keep irrelevant jobs off your resume

·      Custom write each cover letter for every job application

·      Don’t include your GPA if it’s under a 3.5

·      Mention your involvement with PRSSA

The panelists also encouraged students to find a passion. “When I interview interns, I always ask them what they’re passionate about—someone who’s found their passion just has so much more motivation,” Drury said. Nighswonger added that agency life is a great way for young professionals to find their passion. “Our founder always says he hops that an employee never leaves Allison & Partners for another agency, but can understand if someone leaves for in-house PR, because that means he/she has found their niche.”