Because of Winona State, I’ve been able to do some really awesome things. I mean really awesome things. However, one of the most incredible experiences Winona State has provided me with was the opportunity to spend spring break 2019 in New York City touring various PR agencies. This trip was made possible by my amazing friend Bri, who was the president of Winona’s chapter of PRSSA at the time of this trip. So shout out to Bri and her dedication to making this happen. (Side note: She is also an amazing photographer, follow her Facebook page @ Bumble B Photography). 

I’ve toured many agencies throughout my time at Winona State, and let me tell you… if you are thinking about going into PR or Advertising as a career but just aren’t 100% sure yet, GO ON AGENCY TOURS. Attending agency tours was the turning point in realizing what I wanted to do with my life post graduation. I’ve been especially lucky to see agencies all the way from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Beijing, China and finally to New York City. While it has been about eight months since this trip happened, I wanted to share a few thoughts about some of the agencies we were able to tour. 

Magrino PR

Magrino was actually the very first agency we toured while in New York. I was personally intrigued by the clients they had at Magrino. Some of their clients include Martha Stewart, Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, Cuisinart and Chandon. We were able to sit down with multiple representatives from their agency who specialized in media relations, influencer marketing and brand launching. Plus, they gave us an amazing lunch suggestion. If you’re ever in New York City, you must get a pita from Cava. Enough said. 

Hawkins International

Out of all the amazing agencies we toured, it is difficult to pick a favorite. However, if there was one agency everyone on the trip loved, it was Hawkins. Hawkins focuses mainly on travel and lifestyle PR, which is so intriguing to me. Their client list is made up of some very high end destinations, including Loews Hotels, Carillon Miami, and JW Marriott Venice. They shared some case studies with us and answered any and all of our questions regarding internships and influencer marketing.

Turner PR

Can you guess what Winona State’s PRSSA and Turner PR bonded over? Red Wing Shoes. For those of you who don’t know, Red Wing Shoes is based out of Red Wing, Minnesota, which is only about an hour from Winona. We were so excited that Turner knew exactly where our small town in Minnesota was, and that they worked on a local client. One thing that stood out to me about their office was the fact that right when you walked in they had a show room with products from various clients. They even let each of us have a pair of Bombas socks, which is also one of their clients. Turner was so welcoming, and definitely memorable. 

Skyya

Skyya actually has offices in both Minneapolis and New York City, and a lot of Winona State alumni have worked there. (Including me. That’s right, I landed a job there for after graduation in their Minneapolis office.) When I found out we were touring Skyya I was so excited. I’d been following them on Instagram because I wanted to work in their Minneapolis office since I decided I wanted to go into PR. Skyya’s clients include Aunt Fannie’s and Polaris to name a few. Skyya was all around an amazing agency to see and their Managing Director, Susan Donahue, was someone we all left thinking, “She was a BOSS and I strive to be like her.” I am so happy we had the opportunity to tour the New York office, and in the near future I will be able to call their Minneapolis office my work place. 

J PR

When I think of J Public Relations, I think of the color pink. Right when we walked into the offices of J Public Relations we were welcomed in a pastel pink styles room. I really wish I would’ve taken more photos of their office to show you guys, but just believe me when I say that their office was aesthetically pleasing. J PR focuses a lot on travel and tourism, and their clients include places like Adventures by Disney, InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown and The Ritz-Carlton. I personally loved J PR so much that I applied for their summer internship. I didn’t get it. But hey, I applied!

Overall, the New York City trip was life-changing and helped me to realize that I had a passion for lifestyle, tech and travel PR. If you ever have the chance to tour a PR or Advertising agency, jump on that chance. Reading from a textbook can only help you so much. It is far more effective to meet with professionals who are already in the field and hear about their experience. It gave me so much hope knowing that someday I could be working at one of these incredible agencies talking to students who are in my situation. And this trip is the reason I landed the job I did. The possibilities are endless, and New York truly helped me to realize my potential.