Kaitlyn Chock

Public Relations Enthusiast. Proud Duck. Social Media Aficionado.

Breaking Into Tech Public Relations

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Bailey Koharchick, the marketing manager for Palo Alto Software. Palo Alto Software is based in Eugene and is one of Oregon’s leading software companies. The company distributes tools for small businesses worldwide, striving to empower small businesses and the Eugene community.

A snapshot of Bailey
Bailey graduated from the University of Oregon with a major in public relations in June 2012. During her senior year, Bailey was inspired by a local professional who spoke during one of her public relations classes. Bailey reached out to this woman and secured an internship at RealLead for part of her senior year. Bailey was with the company for three months before it was sold and was eventually brought on at Palo Alto Software by her former boss. At Palo Alto Software, Bailey started off as an intern and worked her way up to marketing manager.

When we met, Bailey gave me insights about the tech industry and advice about succeeding in the professional world. Here is what she had to say.

Aim to work for a company that wants you to learn
When Bailey noticed that she would be able to better help Palo Alto Software if she knew how to code, Bailey approached her boss with a proposal. Bailey explained that a coding class would enable her to better serve the company, so the company paid for her class. Bailey explained to me that it is important to work for someone who understands the importance of empowering and enabling employees to grow and learn. Palo Alto Software gave Bailey the opportunity to learn to code and because of it, Bailey saved the company time and resources.

Your boss matters more than your job
When you are first starting off in your career, whom you work for matters more than the job itself. Your first few positions are about forming relationships and connections. The people you work with directly influence your growth as a professional; if you work for someone who empowers you, you will advance in the industry, but if you are incompatible with your boss, you will struggle.

Be a linchpin
At the beginning of your career, you should be a generalist. Do a little of everything for your company because if you are proficient in a variety of tasks, you become a more valuable asset. Absorb all you can about the industry and use this knowledge to fill any voids your company may have. Look for weak points on your team and figure out how you can strengthen these weaknesses. You will stand out if you are able to go above and beyond your role.

Get a mentor
Connect with someone who will invest time in you. Find someone who wants to see you succeed and build a relationship with that person. The better you do, the more the company benefits. Find the person who is willing to help you succeed.

Be friendly and nice
It is hard to fire someone who is nice. Although being nice will not prevent you from ever being let go, kindness still goes a long way. Your job will be more enjoyable if you are friends with your co-workers. So, be friendly and helpful. If someone asks you for a favor, do not turn that person down. Later on that person will repay you.

Do not be a doormat
Know your role and make sure everyone else in the company knows it, too. Do not be afraid to turn down work if it will not benefit you. Do not let the employees think of you as an intern. Have respect for yourself and your work, and treat yourself like a professional.

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