Six things I’ve learnt in my first six months at CRC- Rachel Mitchell

1. No matter how many years’ experience you have, you’re still learning

In more than 15 years in PR (gulp!) I’ve worked across six different agencies and had a spell as a freelancer. In that time, I’ve worked with clients of all sizes across a whole range of industries from crafting to manufacturing to logistics and almost everything in between.  

But despite that, I’m constantly reminded that there are still new things to learn and this industry is ever-changing. Whether it’s clients in new sectors, new tools to use or new problems to solve I’m still very much being kept on my toes. And I am certain no matter how many years I have under my belt this job will never get boring! 

2. Reactive commentary is a thing of beauty when done well

So many agencies say they can do reactive commentary but end up falling short. It was during my second month at CRC that the team were working on comments for clients – I think it was in response a Bank of England interest rate decision. As the newbie, I had the privilege of sitting back at my laptop and watching an extremely slick operation in motion and then the coverage come flooding in.  

I’ve since seen this repeated numerous times by the team, including to react to unforeseen and unplanned events pertinent to our clients, and they still impress me every time. You can read more about this in my colleague Georgina’s previous blog  here. 

3. Every agency is different, and not every person fits every agency

It still amazes me how differently PR agencies can work. Sure, every agency is trying to make clients happy and maximise results but the variables in how that is achieved, how success is measured and how the day-to-day operation is run are vast. Another big variable is agency values and that, for me, is what determines whether you feel that ‘fit’ at an agency. Only when your values and that of the agency align will you flourish and feel truly happy.  

4. True flexible working can work (and is a godsend!)

As a mum of three, flexible working was high on my list of criteria when looking for a new role and often interviewers would say something along the lines of, “Oh yes, we do flexible working…we finish at 4pm on a Friday.”  At which point I would inwardly scream “That’s not flexible working!” 

Flexible working is knowing you can start at 9.30 when you’re unexpectedly late to nursery because your toddler wouldn’t put his shoes on. Or being able to take an hour out of your afternoon to see your daughter do her piano concert. All without bureaucracy or judgement. It’s based on mutual trust, respect and everyone working towards a common goal. 

(And incidentally, yes, we do also finish early on Fridays).  

5. There’s nothing like a great team to boost your confidence

I don’t mind admitting that when I arrived at CRC my confidence, professionally speaking, was at a pretty low ebb. Redundancy – while not necessarily anyone’s fault – is a kick in the guts like no other. I’d been through two in as many months, while pregnant, and then had a spell of maternity leave where I’d swapped strategies and thought leadership for night feeds and ‘poonamis’ (IYKYK!).  

Whilst mat leave is undoubtedly rewarding in its own way, it was so refreshing to come back, start afresh and get my brain back in ‘PR mode’. This adjustment would not have been possible without the CRC team who instantly made me feel welcome and – without even knowing it – helped build my confidence back up again.  

6. Everyone loves unicorns

My colleagues would think it remiss of me if I didn’t mention Asana, which I’m a big fan of having used it at two of my previous agencies. I pushed for CRC to adopt it pretty much as soon as I walked in the door and the team agreed to give it a try. And, although everyone agrees it’s made us more productive, I have no doubt it was the unicorns that won them over!