Editor’s Note: Clairemont enthusiastically welcomes Jasmin Sessoms to our team! Follow this former beauty queen’s journey as she documents her first 30 days in a Raleigh PR agency.
I figured my first day at work would feel exactly like my first day of high school or college. You again feel like the new kid on the block or the smallest fish in the pond. I wondered all night about my transition from college into the “real world”. There were definitely a few barriers to overcome. I worried about fitting in and being unfamiliar with small details.
Realizing that student life was at an end seemed overwhelming. Where did the time go? Although there were a few jitters, I could barely sleep from utter excitement. I realized these first-day jitters were merely a rite of passage.
My outfit was chosen four days in advance, and when my alarm clock went off at 5 a.m., I was ready. This was my moment to make the best impression possible on my first day. I arrived early (I figured being punctual leaves a lasting impression).
Before I walked in, I took a moment to pause, take a deep breath and envision my future with the Clairemont team. Today was a brand new beginning. I fixed my hair hoping to look my absolute best.
I opened the door, and my new coworker Sarah greeted me with a smile. The awkward scary feeling I expected dissolved instantaneously. My new boss and the CEO of the company, Mrs. Dana Hughens, offered me a cup of coffee while I got the official tour of the Clairemont House. I must say, this restored house in the heart of downtown Raleigh is the most ideal place to work.
My desk has to be the cutest space in the entire house. Mrs. Hughens took the time to deck me out with office accessories featuring my favorite color, pink! If that isn’t enough, I got my own personal MacBook Pro (talk about official working girl). After my tour, the real work began. I got a chance to sit in on two client calls and actually speak to clients!
When I started my job search, I knew that I wanted to be in the PR world. Interning at a small agency in Fayetteville piqued my interest; so I began to research different firms across the Triad.
After sending out my resume to a few companies, the CEO of RLF Communications sent me a reply. Monty Hagler gave me the opportunity to interview with his company, but unfortunately, he didn’t have the space to offer me a position. Monty seemed impressed with me and passed my resume along to Mrs. Dana Hughens who contacted me on my graduation day!
Two weeks later I got to sit down and meet her entire team; after my interview process Dana thought I would be a good fit. Ironically, Monty popped in today to catch up with Dana. I am forever grateful to Monty for recommending me, and I feel blessed that Dana offered me a job.
I figured my first day at work would feel like my first day of high school or college. I would be the smallest fish in the biggest pond. Thanks to Dana and the Clairemont team, I had the best first day imaginable. -xoxo
