Comments on: Dear Flack: How to be a great assistant

By: Christa Marzan

Christa Marzan — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:38:35 +0000

Great advice, Marie. I especially like your point that this doesn't just apply to recent grads (like myself). Many people don't realize that just because your rankings are higher than entry-level, you still need to do “grunt work” occasionally.

By: cnkin

cnkin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:18:40 +0000

Hahah. I appreciate this post. As someone who is nearing graduation and looking for internships I know that entry level jobs will not be the most fun. But, I also know someone has to do it and if that's how I get my foot in the door– bring it on!

By: Marie

Marie — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:40:10 +0000

Totally true Sherri! You do learn how to be completely self-sufficient. Thanks for the insight!

By: allenkristina

allenkristina — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:35:10 +0000

Great post! As an entry-level, fresh out of college employee, I can relate thinking “all of the above” for each of the questions; however, in the end it's best to just roll with the “D” answer and learn from each experience as much as possible.

By: CTMichaels

CTMichaels — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:29:37 +0000

oh Marie, i can't stop giggling.

By: missmotorcade

missmotorcade — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:14:10 +0000

Excellent advice, Marie, and applicable not only to those interning/assisting in PR. At the beginning of most everyone's career, you find yourself doing “grunt work.” Even as a first year law firm associate, I found myself doing extremely glamourous tasks like putting together fedex packages and ordering dinner for the team of 30 that was working late into the night. At the end of the day, I got a lot out of what I then thought were menial tasks – I learned to be completely self-sufficient, even when my assistant was gone for the day and there was no one else around to get those documents out. Oh, and I learned which fedex drop off locations were open latest in NYC, and which ones shipped to each part of the country AND internationally. Some of this has really come in handy in later years.

By: Christa Marzan

Christa Marzan — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:38:35 +0000

By: cnkin

cnkin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:18:40 +0000

By: Marie

Marie — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:40:10 +0000

Totally true Sherri! You do learn how to be completely self-sufficient. Thanks for the insight!

By: allenkristina

allenkristina — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:35:10 +0000