Plan A: Natalie Borges, fortyseven Communications

Another day, another USF Communication Studies success story! Today we are featuring recent graduate Natalie Borges, who is sharing the story of how she landed a job before graduation at fortyseven Communications.  Check her out!

“I always knew from the beginning of my college career that I wanted to have a job when I graduated. I was not quite sure about what it would be or where I just knew that I wanted to be employed outside of the restaurant industry and have a real 9 to 5 job. Throughout my 4 years at USF I participated in academic clubs, was treasurer to Lambda Pi Eta, was part of the orientation team for two years and was a team leader for one of those years, and most importantly had internships. I had a total of four internships under my belt by the beginning of my last semester at USF. By this time I knew that I wanted to work in public relations in the entertainment industry and my internships had reflected my desire to work in the entertainment world. I had interned at ABC 7, Rrazz Entertainment Group, Eli Blair Media, and OM Records. Although they weren’t PR internships they taught me a lot and opened a lot of doors. I think internships are the most important thing an undergrad can do because not only of the networking and resume building but it gives you real life experience in the work world. Interning is something I suggest for everyone, talk to professors, peers, go to the career center and find one they make a difference.

Graduation Day! Natalie's on the left, COMS major Kelly Sanders on the right, friend in between!

I started my job search in February applying to any PR firm I found across the web or had heard of. A lot of my applications did not get responses but some of them did and I went on a few interviews but did not get the jobs. I did not let this discourage because I was really determined not to give up. On March 2^nd I came across an ad on Craigslist for fortyseven Communications (yes it is lowercased it is not a typo) who was hiring for an entry level position at their PR firm. The ad had a brief description of what the company was and what the position entailed. I almost did not submit my resume and cover letter because it was a video game and entertainment PR firm and I do not know anything about video games. However, I figured applying wouldn’t hurt anyone so I submitted my resume along with my cover letter to the craigslist ad (or as I called it ‘the blackhole’). A whole month had passed and I hadn’t heard anything I figured that they had passed on me because I was not qualified for the position, but on March 6^th it all changed. I was called by Teresa a PR Manager at their LA office and she wanted to conduct a phone interview with me. We scheduled a phone interview and after the interview she said she would be in touch. Three weeks later I was home for spring break in LA when Teresa called me and wanted me to come in for an in person interview in their SF office. Since I was in LA at the time they had me come into the LA office and I interviewed with three managers, two directors, and the two founders and of the company who coincidently were in the office that day. I guess you can say the rest is history; I received a call from Sibel the president and founder of fortyseven two days after my interview offering me the position.

Since I was still in school I started out part time as an intern/trainee and when I graduated I would become an account coordinator full time with salary and benefits. Since graduation I have begun working at fortyseven fulltime earning a good salary and awesome benefits. I am currently working in the SF office but we have offices in LA and NY so if I ever wanted to transfer I have the opportunity to. Working as an account coordinator is amazing I am currently working on three accounts, Warner Brothers, Disney, and EA are my clients. It is surreal that I get to work with such amazing companies so early on. I also assist on the GDC team which puts on the Game Developers Conference here in the states and Europe. Currently we are getting E3 together which is a giant video game convention in Los Angeles for industry people and celebrities. I work 9 to 6 Monday through Friday in our office right by the ballpark, the views are amazing from my window. I get to take my dog to work with me on some days, dress casually, and have a free lap top. The company gives everyone lap tops to use so we can work at home if we need. PR consists of a lot of writing and telephone interactions.  A normal day for me is about 4 conference calls, a few pitch calls to the media, creating coverage reports, and drafting press releases, pitch letters, and sending out assets to the media and game sites. It’s a lot of work , sometimes the clients demand a lot but the work environment is great and my clients and co-workers are wonderful.

Recent grad Natalie with a puppy! So cute!

I feel very blessed to have a job after graduation because I know not everyone is as lucky. My best piece of advice is to not give up and to intern. Intern to build your resume and people skills and follow your heart. I know it can be tough at times but you have to keep trying to reach your goal. It was a month long process of interviews and uncertainty with fortyseven, it was horrible and I thought I was never going to get an answer but you have to stay positive and apply everywhere because you never know who is going to find you.”

Great advice, Natalie! Thanks for sharing it with us and congratulations on your exciting position! We are so proud of you!