From PR Fellow to Account Executive: What I Learned Through EMKD’s Fellowship Program
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Graduating from college and stepping into your first full-time role can feel overwhelming, especially in an industry as fast-paced and constantly evolving as PR. When I joined EMKD as part of its first-ever PR Fellowship group, I was also stepping into my very first post-grad role, and truly starting my career in PR. The fellowship was designed as an immersive, hands-on introduction to public relations, and over the course of 90 days, it became the foundation for my growth within the agency and the industry at large.
What the EMKD PR Fellowship Looks Likes
EMKD is a small, independent agency so the team truly operates with an all-hands-on-deck mentality. From the beginning, my role went beyond what you might expect from a traditional “intern” or “fellow.” I wasn’t just watching from the sidelines; I was trusted to jump in, support accounts, and learn by doing.
One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was learning directly from people at every level of the team. Whether I was working closely with account executives on daily tasks, getting guidance from directors, or listening in on strategic conversations led by the senior leadership team, everyone played a role in helping me grow. Team members consistently took extra time to explain not just what we were doing, but why, helping me build a deeper understanding of both the work and the industry.
From supporting media relations and coverage tracking to assisting with activations and client communications, I gained exposure to the full PR ecosystem. For me, that meant learning how everything connects, how an idea becomes a pitch, how strategies are executed, and how thoughtful communication really matters in beauty and healthcare work.
Core PR Skills Built During the Fellowship
The fellowship helped me build a strong foundation of skills essential to any PR role. Some of the key skills I developed include:
Day-to-day account management: Supporting agendas, recaps, media monitoring and alerts, and responding to client requests in a timely and professional manner.
Media relations and pitching: Researching media targets, drafting pitches and press materials, fact-checking, and supporting media outreach.
Earned media tracking and reporting: Monitoring coverage on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, and helping translate results into clear client-facing reports.
Research and industry knowledge: Building media lists, tracking competitive landscapes, and staying current on beauty, healthcare, and digital PR trends.
Project management and organization: Managing timelines, coordinating materials, and keeping client systems organized.
Collaborative execution: Working closely with teammates on creative activations, media events, product launches, meetings with press, and product mailers.
These responsibilities deepened my understanding of how PR operates day to day, and how strong organization, communication, and problem-solving keep everything moving.
Transitioning From Fellow to Full-Time Agency Life
The fellowship made the transition from college to agency life feel manageable rather than overwhelming. Regular feedback, clear expectations, and thoughtful explanations behind edits helped me improve quickly and build confidence in my work. The program offered structure, while still encouraging independence and ownership.
Growing Beyond the Fellowship: Career Progression at EMKD
The foundation I built during my time as a fellow played a direct role in my growth at EMKD and my career in PR. Gaining hands-on experience early allowed me to grow from PR Fellow to Assistant Account Executive, and now to Account Executive within my first two years at the agency.
Because I was trusted with real responsibility from the start, each transition felt like a natural next step. Over time, that foundation helped me take on larger deliverables, contribute to client strategy, and approach my current role with confidence. The fellowship didn’t just prepare me for my next title; it shaped how I approach my work, collaborate with teammates, and support clients every day.
Now, as an Account Executive, I’ve come full circle. I play an active role in supporting and training new PR Fellows, sharing the same skills, systems, and lessons I learned when I was in their position. Helping newer team members find their footing has been one of the most rewarding parts of my growth, and a reflection of how I’ve come since my own first days as a fellow.
Advice for Aspiring PR Fellows
For students and recent graduates considering a PR fellowship or their first agency role, a few lessons from my experience stand out:
Lean into responsibility: Growth happens when you take ownership.
Ask questions: Understanding the “why” will help you grow faster.
Keep up with industry news: It deepens understanding and builds confidence.
Value feedback: It’s one of the most essential tools for growth
Volunteer for things you don’t fully understand yet: Stepping into unfamiliar territory is often where the fastest learning happens.
These habits helped me build a strong foundation early on and continue to guide my career in PR.
Building a Strong Start in PR
