Edelman, Little and Maddocks

Ashley Maddocks, Account Executive, and Jennifer Little, Senior Vice President, Consumer Brands for Edelman provided beneficial information regarding agency experience.


Edelman, "..the largest PR agency in the world," stated Maddocks, offers non-stop experience for entry level graduates. Maddocks, 24, spoke enthusiastically about working at Edelman and "pitched" the agency to SMU students. Little, however, emphasized the long term benefits from working at an agency. "You can figure out what you want to do... you don't have to know right off the bat," stated Little. 


The presentation represented two different spectrums; advice from both an experienced professional and beginner in the field of public relations. Little, having experience in both corporate and agency, explained the differences from agency and corporate organizations.


 In an agency, "you get a lot of experience very quickly," said Little. Having multiple clients and the living in the fast paced environment of an organization like Edelman, it is not difficult to learn many skills quickly, in fact, it is necessary.


Agency work consists of project management, reporting, monitoring, supervising, planning, training, client service and writing. Maddocks added that the importance of writing is not something to be underestimated in an agency. 


"Writing is a big staple," stated Maddocks, in agreeing with Little. Knowing how to write influences a newcomer's position and ability to execute their job effectively. Among all of the skills necessary for being an effective PR professional, writing ranks #1. 


Little also added the difference in smaller versus big companies when it comes to gaining quality experience. 


"There is more opportunity in a smaller office, however, the larger the office, most likely there is higher profile work," said Little. Many factors determine the quality of experience within an organization, for example, an agency's work may depend on the expectations of the client. 


Having a good mix of both small office work and larger office work will prepare an ambitious public relations consultant. Little also encouraged all students to get an internship, she believes at minimum, a college student should have two.


After Maddocks and Little gave their presentation, I felt very informed about the importance of work experience. Edelman requires at least some work experience to even intern within their organization. This goes to show how important work experience is compared to academics and reinforces the notion that it should not be underestimated. 


Work experience ranks over GPA for the sole reason that multiple exposures to different aspects of a particular field plays to a candidates favor when seeking employment. Obviously, no one should strive to be a "D" student, but just as a student should not neglect their studies, they should not neglect their internships. It shows that you are hirable, determined, ambitious and that you have a good work ethic. Overall I felt that Little and Maddocks provided good advice for PR majors and new graduates in general; experience will take you far.