On Feb. 28, PRSSA Sac State welcomed Luis D. Sosa, PR.0 Manager at Merlot Marketing, and Patrick Dorsey, account executive at Ogilvy, who provided our members with insightful information about agency life.
Sosa is a Sac State alumnus and former PRSSA member who transferred as a music major and communication studies minor. After taking courses in small group and interpersonal communication Sosa decided to change his major to communication studies.
Upon graduation, Sosa worked at a non-profit for about a year where he also became involved with PRSA. During which, Sosa became the secretary for the PRSA California Capital Chapter making connections that would later lead him to Merlot Marketing.
Patrick Dorsey is currently seeking his master’s degree in public policy. After receiving his undergraduate degree in government from Sac State, Dorsey was offered a job at Ogilvy.
During their time spent with our members, Sosa and Dorsey provided some valuable advice regarding important skills to possess, interview tips and general information about work at an agency.
Advice from Luis D. Sosa and Patrick Dorsey
Sosa is a Sac State alumnus and former PRSSA member who transferred as a music major and communication studies minor. After taking courses in small group and interpersonal communication Sosa decided to change his major to communication studies.
Upon graduation, Sosa worked at a non-profit for about a year where he also became involved with PRSA. During which, Sosa became the secretary for the PRSA California Capital Chapter making connections that would later lead him to Merlot Marketing.
Patrick Dorsey is currently seeking his master’s degree in public policy. After receiving his undergraduate degree in government from Sac State, Dorsey was offered a job at Ogilvy.
During their time spent with our members, Sosa and Dorsey provided some valuable advice regarding important skills to possess, interview tips and general information about work at an agency.
Advice from Luis D. Sosa and Patrick Dorsey
- Be a good writer
- Be able to embody the clients tone and self edit
- Be able to handle criticism
- Be nimble and adaptable
- People skills and interpersonal skills are important
- Sosa recommends reading the book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie to improve these particular skills
- Don’t burn bridges with people.
- Assemble a folder containing writing samples.
- Research the company and position you are seeking out
- Learn about the company’s client base
- Don’t lie. You will get caught
- Don’t bash a former employee, even if you had a bad experience.
- Mistakes happen all time but take responsibility for them.
- Don’t make common sense mistakes
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
- Agency work environment can be very fast paced, hectic and overwhelming.
- You need to be able to handle and push past stress and anxiety
- Compartmentalize your work
- Be able to manage your time
- Agency work is NOT for everyone