How to be a Successful Trainee

Navigating a new job can be difficult, especially as a student entering the field for the first time. Becoming a Trainee can be overwhelming, as well as extremely rewarding. In my time at FAULHABER, I have learned so much about PR in the real world, that wasn’t taught in my post-secondary studies.

Here are some of the tips I’ve picked up in my months as a Trainee at FAULHABER to help ease me into the industry.

• Have a Positive Attitude

Every day is a new opportunity to learn. As a Trainee, there will be instances where you’ll make mistakes or need a walkthrough of a task multiple times. Remember to be grateful for the experience and enjoy the opportunities to help with amazing brands while being a part of a highly supportive team. Do not let the setbacks or mistakes of one day cloud into another. By keeping a positive outlook you can make the most of your Trainee experience. Being upset takes a LOT more energy anyways!

• Ask for Help When You Need It

Anyone can be helpful when answering questions! Do not worry about bothering your coordinators or managers with questions, they are more than happy to help you out. Asking questions and asking for help when you need it is crucial. Not only does it ensure that you are completing tasks effectively but it also helps to retain information. When you finally get the answer and figure out something you were stuck on, you’ll remember it for a long time. Do not hesitate to reach out when you are struggling, no one will know to help you unless you do! There is no shame in admitting your workload is a bit heavy or that you need to extend some deadlines. After all, this is a completely new experience.

• Research Your Brands

Really get to know the brands you’re working on. Follow their social media channels and read reviews on what consumers are saying. This helps to find the brand voice when it comes to outreach, pitches or news releases. Different brands have different goals, one size does not fit all. This is useful when it comes to brainstorming and group meetings, you may have seen or heard something that someone missed. Do not be afraid to speak up and share your ideas!

• Appreciate Any and All Feedback

Feedback is extremely helpful when completing new tasks. Always note the feedback given and try to implement it into future tasks. Everything is a learning experience, do not be discouraged if you are not perfect at a task the first time you try it. Feedback also helps you gauge what the standard is, your work may only be a few minor tweaks away from perfect. Feedback from one task may even help the roadblock you were facing on another.

• Save for Your Portfolio

With the permission of your supervisors, keep a record of everything you work on and create. This is a great way to showcase your skills and build a portfolio for the future. You can also reflect on past projects to do better on future ones. Keeping a record of everything you’ve done can also help in future endeavours.

• Organization is Key!

There are many tasks that may be assigned in a day. To maximize the time given, I recommend organizing your day to allot certain times to certain tasks. This helps you track the amount of time you take to complete tasks and it breaks up your day so you’re not stuck on the same brand/project for too long. I find that breaking up my day, keeps the creativity going.

Organizing your mailbox is another great tip to track all the emails and tasks throughout the day. I recommend having a folder for each brand, training recaps and example emails to reflect on when needed. This helps keep your inbox clean so you don’t miss anything!

• Do Things for Yourself

Personally, working a 9-5 five days a week did take some adjusting. I learned that I need to do things to unplug and relax no matter how small. After logging off at 5 pm (which is hard on days when you want to get everything done) I usually take my dog for a walk to get a change of scenery and fresh air. Taking Sunday nights to revamp my desk for the following week has also helped me refresh my space and prevent creative blocks. I end the night by completing assignments for school or binge-watching my favourite shows. Taking time for self-care is necessary to prevent burnout.

• Help Your Fellow Trainees

You are all in the same boat of navigating around your placement. It doesn’t hurt to share some tricks or flip over coverage for your colleagues’ brands if you see it. Helping one another and sharing tricks makes the process easier for everyone. Always remember your fellow Trainees may be confused or overwhelmed about the same things you are. Sometimes getting an explanation from a Trainee on how they completed certain tasks can help you understand better and implement more efficient practices.

Want to be a part of the team? Apply here to join our trainee program at Faulhaber Communications.