Embracing Gratitude: My First 90 Days As An Account Coordinator

November 7, 2024
Julia Wagner, Account Coordinator at Bolt PR, smiling with text overlay: 'Expert Insights: Not So Scary: My First 90 Days As a Junior Employee.

Starting my first job right out of college was both exhilarating and a bit nerve-wracking. There’s the thrill of stepping into the professional world, mixed with the inevitable uncertainty of adapting and finding my footing in a new role. Now, reflecting on my first 90 days as an account coordinator at Bolt PR, I realize how supportive onboarding, meaningful training and a focus on building connections have shaped my experience–even in a remote setting. And, I am thoroughly grateful for the experience. 

Onboarding: Feeling Supported from Day One

For recent graduates stepping into our initial roles, a well-structured onboarding process can make all the difference. Right from day one, my experience at Bolt PR has provided me with both support and purpose. New hires dive into hands-on tasks that introduce us to the agency’s diverse client roster, spanning both B2B and B2C sectors. We gain direct experience working with clients across industries like B2B tech, consumer tech, F&B, hospitality, healthcare, retail, spirits and more, getting a true feel for the diversity and scope of the agency’s work. With daily goals designed to ease us into each project and task, Bolt helps bridge the gap from academia to the demands of the professional world. This approach provides a steady foundation and builds confidence as we progress in our new roles. 

In addition to exposure to Bolt’s diverse client base, our training dives deep into agency processes and essential tools, covering everything from strategic planning and status reporting to hands-on experience with media and influencer marketing platforms like Cision, Muck Rack and Klear. Introducing one client, project or task at a time, makes it easier to absorb knowledge at a manageable pace. Through this, the agency offers a collaborative atmosphere. Throughout onboarding and beyond, team members openly share their expertise on everything from narrative development to strategic planning, press material development to monitoring and tracking. This dynamic approach helps accelerate the learning curve and create a solid base of knowledge across the areas of public relations, content and digital marketing, helping new hires find their footing quickly in a professional setting.

As part of the onboarding process at Bolt, new team members are introduced to some of the agency’s unique programs, like Bolt Up, Bolt Back and Bolt Balance, to name a few. These programs go beyond standard agency training, creating a supportive environment that encourages growth, development and a strong sense of belonging. This approach is especially valuable for those starting their careers after college. Each program is designed to help team members find a healthy work-life balance while building confidence and essential skills in their roles.

Bolt Up: Growing Together as a Team

One of the agency’s standout initiatives is the Bolt Up University Sessions, a quarterly program dedicated to professional development. Every quarter, the team selects a central topic to explore through interactive presentations led by team members with expertise in that area. Most recently, the team hosted a quarterly session on “Crafting SEO Content with Precision.” The experience demonstrated how working within an integrated PR and digital agency provides an invaluable chance to learn from diverse specialists. These sessions empower all team members to deepen skills that are vital for creating impactful content across various platforms and I found it valuable for my professional development.

Bolt Back: Giving Back to Local Communities

In addition to Bolt Up, the agency offers its Bolt Back program, a unique philanthropic quarterly campaign aimed to encourage team members to contribute to causes they care about by engaging in local community initiatives. With a remote, nationwide team, the agency allows each person to choose an organization or cause close to them. This flexibility empowers team members to choose meaningful projects, whether it’s supporting a local food bank or working with environmental groups. Overall, this initiative demonstrates the importance of giving back to local communities and the impact professionals can make beyond their daily roles.

Bolt Balance: Prioritizing Wellness as a Whole

The fast-paced environment of public relations and digital marketing makes Bolt PR’s dedication to wellness especially valuable. Through quarterly Bolt Balance retreats, the agency gives its employees space to recharge and connect. For example, the latest retreat included a virtual “show & tell,” where team members shared personal items and stories, fostering a sense of camaraderie despite the remote setting. The retreat also featured a practical session on managing creative burnout, offering effective techniques for self-care during high-demand periods. Additionally, the agency’s bi-weekly virtual happy hours offer a casual forum for team members to unwind and connect on a personal level. These regular check-ins help keep the team bonded, creating a supportive work culture that goes beyond projects and deadlines.

Looking back on my first 90 days, Bolt PR feels like much more than just a job—it’s a place where new professionals are set up to succeed. The supportive onboarding process, consistent opportunities to build skills and a culture centered on wellness and genuine connections have made a strong impression. I’m excited to contribute even more to the agency’s success while continuing to grow both personally and professionally. For anyone ready to kick off their career with a company that genuinely values and supports its team, Bolt PR is the perfect choice.

Interested in starting your journey with a company that truly invests in its people? Explore open positions here to join a team where you can make an impact.

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