Member Monday - Tristan Kim
Posted by [email protected] on Jun. 14, 2023 / Subscribe 0
Where do you work and what does your job entail?
I work at PUNCH Media, a public relations agency in Old City Philadelphia. As a Public Relations Assistant, I support my team in a wide range of endeavors, including writing press releases and pitches for media, drafting social media posts for client accounts, assisting with photoshoots, coordinating media spots, suggesting new programming, and much more.
What made you want to pursue a career in marketing?
I looked at all sorts of jobs during the pandemic; I even took the Foreign Service Officers Test and passed (though I did not get invited to attend an in-person interview afterwards). Then the PPRA’s own Michelle Sonsino reached out looking for someone to assist with a project for several months, part-time. Several months became a year, during which I first entered the world of publicity, marketing, and communications. Michelle valued my work and sent my resumé out to the PPRA network, were it made its way to PUNCH Media. That was a little over a year ago now.
With the ever-evolving landscape of social media, what are some of the key skills you’ve learned to excel in this field?
With how fast things move on social media platforms, it’s a constant battle to post content that is both high quality and relevant to current trends and interests without getting lost in the sea of noise. Paying attention to what other businesses post, keeping tabs on industry influencers and the content they share, knowing the voice and tone of a client and retaining that authenticity in written copy, nothing matters more than flat out awareness.
You have experience in both public relations and social media. How do you see the two overlap in your job?
Social Media is the first avenue by which many people are introduced to things, be it an influencer sharing their “Top 5 Brunch Date Spots in South Philly” or a neighborhood business district account collating all businesses that opened in the past month. A sign will attract people in the vicinity of a business, but a post will attract people from across town, out of state, or even from overseas. I personally have purchased products and attended events that I was initially exposed to via Instagram.
What’s a challenge you faced in your career? How did you overcome it?
Honestly? COVID-19. Applying for jobs during the height of the pandemic was an uphill battle; I at a certain point I began to worry if I’d have a career at all. There was no real trick to overcoming that roadblock though – just perseverance. I kept searching out opportunities, learning new skills, and just muddling on through. Now I’m here.
What are your hobbies?
I love video games, particularly ones with strong narratives, stylish aesthetics, and attention to detail. I watch tons of movies (in the theater when possible), enjoy reading novels, and writing my own fiction as well. I’m also a big fan of nature walks and getting outside, despite my other favorite pastimes. This year I started getting serious about foraging and even found a reliable spot for ramps (delectable wild onion/garlic relative).
What's something you'd like to learn?
I think I’d like to learn how to scuba dive. I have a very mild phobia of the deep sea/open water but I find marine life fascinating and beautiful. I’ve enjoyed snorkeling before, so perhaps someday I’ll squeeze into a neoprene suit and strap an oxygen tank on my back.
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
Tough one. It’s probably a tie between Tokyo, Japan and Bangkok, Thailand. Both are sprawling international hubs that are steeped in local history and culture.
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