The Pillars of Our Firm

There’s a lot to learn as an intern at Eisbrenner Public Relations, from developing client strategy to the tedious-yet-necessary task of assembling a media list. But the most important things to learn, understand and demonstrate at Eisbrenner PR, or any company for that matter, are the core values of the organization.

At Eisbrenner PR, our core values define our culture. All of our actions and decisions are guided by these five core values:

Use individual curiosity to spur innovation
Work hard and have fun
Treat the world with respect
Be motivated to discover what’s next
Find the positive in everything we do

Two months into my internship, I’ve learned when people around here speak of our core values, they mean what they say. They are the essence of our agency. They are what drive us to go above and beyond for our clients. They are why we get out of bed in the morning and why we love coming to work (well, most days).

When working in a collaborative environment, sharing a common vision and attitude is not only important, it is crucial to the team’s success. Here are three ways you can integrate your company’s values into your everyday work life.

Know them
Even though our core values are on display on the pillars in our office and on company business cards, I still printed them out and tacked them to the wall at my desk, always within view. It serves as a daily reminder of why I am here and what I am here to do.

Incorporate them
Find your own unique way to incorporate your organization’s core values into daily activities. For example, one of the recurring tasks for Eisbrenner PR interns is to update the message boards outside the breakout rooms with the week’s meetings and quotations. The quotes I include generally are related to one of our five core values (thank you, Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations).

Believe in them
Core values are devoid of meaning if they are not appreciated and respected by employees. In the end, it is the people who are the true pillars of Eisbrenner PR.

Our core values are the pillar of Eisbrenner PR - literally!

(Left) My daily reminder of what Eisbrenner PR is all about. (Right) My defensive measures against intermittent koosh-ball-shellings, one example of how we work hard and have fun.

Nailing the Interview

“Interview.” The word alone can spread fear through your body. It can make your face and neck turn red, your voice shake, your mouth dry and your hands sweat. But it doesn’t have to! With the proper preparation, research and confidence, interviews can be nearly painless – just take it from Eisbrenner Public Relations’ staff, somehow, we all passed the interview!


Research - Hit the company’s website. Get to know its customers, culture and capabilities and do a search for past news articles. We’re taking time to interview you, so be prepared to show you’ve taken time to make it a valuable meeting.

Prepare Questions - When we ask candidates if they have any questions about the internship or the firm, we’ve actually heard the response, “Dude, I don’t think so.” Wrong! Have a few thoughtful questions prepared. What are the company’s growth goals? How many former interns are now full-time? You should be interviewing us nearly as much as we’re interviewing you – you don’t want to end up at a miserable place or one that’s not a good fit; and we certainly don’t want to hire the wrong candidate.

Prepare for Questions - You’re going to interview with several people. And yes, you’re bound to be asked some stumpers. We’re not Google, so don’t prepare for –“you’re running for President. What’s your campaign slogan?” But have something ready for the dreaded ones. “So tell me about yourself.” “What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?” “What do you think you will be able to add to our firm?” “Where do you see yourself in five years?” “Describe a challenge you’ve overcome.”

Confirm the Appointment - Call or email the day before your interview to make sure it’s still on, verify directions and ask any questions you may have. This shows enthusiasm. Preparedness. Anticipation. Thoughtfulness. Geez, when can you start?

What to Wear - Lose the Uggs and cover the navel ring. Got a suit? Wear it. Basically, leave the Thursday night bar gear in the closet and dig out the professional attire.

 What to Bring - Your smile, voice, enthusiasm and AP Stylebook.

Arrive on Time - Early isn’t a bad idea either.

And last, but not least – RELAX - Smile. Shake hands firmly. Have fun with it. Ask questions. Breathe. Be yourself. And don’t be nervous – we’re not scary, we swear! Oh, and don’t forget to send a personal and thoughtful thank you card or email. You don’t want to miss this final opportunity to stand apart from your competition.