Organisation: Advans Ghana
Describe your job in one sentence.
As a Marketing and Communications Specialist for a finance institution, I manage the flow of all product and non product information between my company and its various stakeholders (internal and External)
How did you get into Public Relations; how long have you been in PR?
I’ve been in the PR/communications profession for two years. I’ve always been interested in anything communications, even during my time as a flight attendant with one of Africa’s leading airlines; I would draft all emails on behalf of my Ghanaian cabin crew. I then made the decision to pursue a Master’s degree in Corporate Communications and PR from the University of Leeds, and here I am after two years.
What is your interest/specialization in PR?
I lean more towards communication/visibility plans and strategies, crisis communication/issues management, media relations and content development.
What is a regular day for you as a PR Person?
My regular day begins with scanning the media for industry-related news, and also for publication of the various events I organize, doing a bit of internal communication, gathering and creating content for our various media channels (press releases, fact sheets, event scripts, newsletters etc)
How do you think PR can help change how brands are perceived?
PR is basically interacting with the public to ensure a favourable image of whichever organization you represent; as such effective PR has the power to change an otherwise ailing brand as well as ensuring that the brand maintains its rented space in the minds of its target audience. Effective PR includes undertaking research to diagnose the illness of a suffering brand and prescribing lasting solutions through the use of specially thought out and tested communication/PR/Marketing tools.
What kinds of challenges do you face in your Public Relations career choice?
The myriad of personalities I encounter in my career. I would not call them challenges per se, I see them more as an opportunity to further broaden my outlook on the various kinds of audiences I interact with. The experience I gain from having to employ various communication tactics to suit the different types of audience serves as an arsenal in my pool of knowledge as I progress in my chosen field of work.
Are you living your PR dream? If you were not into PR what will have been your next career choice?
Not yet, but I am working on attaining that dream – I’m looking at a time when I can wake up and head straight (after my prayers of course) to my computer in the comfort of my home and meet various clients’ needs. I’m looking at a period in my life when I do not “belong” to one employer – we need to do away with that “monthly salary” mentality. My next career choice would probably have been Law, because I am quite the chatter box.
As a PR Professional, what can’t you live without……?
My phone and ipad. I constantly have to feed the need of my daily dose of news fix.
Do you feel pressured to dress well for the job?
Not exactly, investing in your looks as a PR professional should come naturally, although sometimes I must confess I have pretty bad hair and clothing days.
What is your favorite social media platform and why?
Facebook and Instagram because I’m much more used to working with them.
Any advice to young ladies especially African women who may want pursue a career in PR or any communications related profession?
I would say study the profession in school first, then read, read and read some more, broaden your horizon, travel if you can, meet new people that way your outlook on life is richer and you can stay on top of the ever changing trends of the communications/PR industry.
Sophia-Marie can be contacted via Linkedin as Sophia-Marie Honny
This series is called “Living It: Spotlight on Women in PR” where the spotlight is put on PR women to share their experiences as PR professionals in various sectors or industries in order to inspire other young ones.