Five-minute Abchat: Rebecca Murch, Abchurch

Our newest Intern is ex-businesswoman Rebecca (Becky) Murch, currently studying PR at Westminster University. We asked her why she made the move from sandwich shop owner to PR guru (in the making).

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an actress; I had the best dressing up box of all my friends. I use to put on little skits and plays for my family and then in my last year at primary school I put together a musical version of Cinderella with my best friend. All the songs were nursery rhymes but we changed the words. My parents still have a VHS recording of it, which they occasionally like to embarrass me with, at the time I thought it was worthy of an Oscar!

Why did you decide to get into PR?

I love communication and business and therefore it seemed to be a great direction to go in. I find it fascinating, particularly the challenge of liaising between an organisation and its different audiences.

Describe your course in ten words or less (if that’s possible!):

The first few words that pop to my mind are: Eye opening, stimulating, challenging, sometimes frustrating, but most definitely interesting.

If I wasn’t talking to you now, what would you be doing?

Trying to absorb as much information as possible, there is so much going on in the office and I am trying to get to grips with all the different clients and who is working on what. This is a different sector to any that I have worked in before so there is a lot to take in.

What is the most interesting thing about your course?

I would have to say the people that we get to meet. Westminster University have great contacts within the media industry who host seminars and lectures on campus. Their insight and experience is invaluable and really enhances the learning experience and if you are cheeky and take advantage they are great for getting top tips and creating contacts.

Do you think there is a common misconception about PR?

Yes, I do not think it is taken seriously enough. In my personal opinion Public Relations is an invaluable tool to businesses and a key component to the marketing mix but often it does not receive the recognition that it deserves.

How has the industry changed over the last couple of years?

I can only go on what I have learnt so far in my degree, I think the main change has been the development within the digital world and the 24/7 media environment that we now live in. I think that this brings with it new challenges as well as many new exciting opportunities and I think this will continue in the coming years.

What developments do you expect to see in the next twelve months?

I think there will be more and more developments within digital PRas media consumption habits are changing. This is a hot topic at the moment on my degree and every visiting practitioner spends time talking about the importance of including digital elements to campaigns and the importance of having an online presence. It has been fascinating to look at how the media landscape has changed in recent years and I think it will become more important in order to reach key audiences.

Follow us on Twitter @BexMurch @AbchurchComms

Future Faces - Easter Bunnies

The first Future Faces of 2011 was also my first introduction to an Abchurch event, which had an impressive turnout of over 100 guests, specifically 100 of the City’s future faces. Many junior analysts, brokers and fund managers joined us, along with a healthy spattering of journalists!

Feedback on the day indicated it was another resounding success, with conversation and laughter flowing well into the afternoon.

What made this particular event unique was the addition of live music, supplied by The Robbie Boyd Band, an eclectic mix of talented musicians with a uniquely “Funky Folk” sound. It set the fun and informal atmosphere in the room as guests were treated to delicious canapés, Champagne, Corona and a range of organic sparkling juices.

Being my first event of this nature it was slightly daunting meeting so many new faces from different industries but you suddenly realise that there are others in the same position, with the biggest turn out to date and lots of new faces everyone was in the same position. Personally I met some really interesting people and had some fascinating conversations and it was particularly inspiring to hear so many compliments about the Abchurch Team and how much people have enjoyed previous events organised by them.

As an intern this is really exciting to hear and I must say the event was really impressive, not only in turnout but in the attention to detail that could be seen throughout. From the colour co-ordination of the bright purple Easter eggs, to the waiters always on hand to top up your glass and a menu that was topped off with sorbet and miniature Lindt Chocolate bunnies, the choice of catering, music and company were a great combination and it certainly exceeded my expectations. Gladly the length of my internship means I will be attending the next one of these awesome quarterly events!…..

Rebecca

Follow us on Twitter @AbchurchComms

Five-minute Abchat: Florence Fox-Andrews, Abchurch Intern

This week we grilled our latest Abchurch Intern, Bristol University student Florence Fox-Andrews, on the Intern program, what she enjoyed and any words of wisdom she has for prospective applicants.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was younger I was absolutely obsessed with the Famous Five and all of Enid Blyton’s books. I loved reading and watching murder mysteries, especially Midsomer Murders. When I grew up my dream was to become a detective and solve crimes, I think probably quite strange for a 9-10 year old!

Why did you apply to be an intern at Abchurch?

I had the opportunity to apply for some work experience at Abchurch and jumped at the chance. I wanted to experience working in the City first hand and Abchurch has allowed me to gain an insight into the workings of Financial PR and City life.

Describe your role in ten words or less (if that’s possible!):

I have been doing some administration work, sitting in on meetings between clients and analysts, and been annoying everyone with questions! I didn’t have to make any coffee while I was here – which is lucky, my coffee making is pretty poor!

If I wasn’t talking to you now, what would you be doing?

I would be researching new investor and trade magazines and inputting information such as feature deadlines, when it goes to press, notes on circulation etc. onto an Excel Spreadsheet for the Company’s records.

What is the most interesting thing about the program?

I find the diversity of all the different clients fascinating and I have gained an understanding of the role Financial PR plays in the development of growing companies, whether private or listed, and the important relationships forged with media and analysts which are crucial to communicate key messages.

Did you have any ideas about PR that you found weren’t (or were) true?

There is the rumour that PR companies exist to manipulate and fabricate stories. Having never experienced PR before, I assumed this was true. However, after working with Abchurch and experiencing the day-to-day work, I can now understand and appreciate how communicating a clear and consistent message is vital in the role of Financial PR.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be an Intern at Abchurch?

My advice would be that - as well as an interest in the media and PR - you have to be ambitious and confident. As long as you are friendly, enthusiastic and energetic and willing to put in time and effort, you will be certain to achieve the results you wish.

For more information and an application form for our Internships, please contact recruitment@abchurch-group.com

Follow us on Twitter @AbchurchComms