Elise Frankel Shares a Behind the Scenes Look at Starting as an Account Coordinator in June 2021
Like many recent grads, spending my last year and a half of college 100% online was a far cry from my original five-year plan. With the world in a state of uncertainty, the abyss of a jobless post-grad life looked bleak. Armed with determination and a rigorous to-do list, I set off on my job search, hoping to find my perfect fit.
Nuffer, Smith, Tucker’s vision to redefine PR and reputation as the “Goldilocks of agencies” caught my attention, and for me, NST was just the right fit. I joined as an account coordinator in June 2021.
For many people, working remotely meant a lack of personal connections and difficulties building camaraderie. This is not the case at NST. Within my first week I had individual conversations with everyone on the team, including leadership. My coworkers provided me with guidance on how to navigate new platforms, offered suggestions on organization (we bonded over a mutual love of color-coded spreadsheets) and extended support as I learned the ropes.
From day one, I was fully immersed in my accounts and was introduced to clients. I marveled at the depth of the relationships that have formed between NST and many well-established companies, such as WD-40 Company, Guild Mortgage, and others over the years. NST President and Partner Teresa Siles worked with me individually to bring me up to speed and offered helpful feedback you can only get from a seasoned industry professional willing to dedicate time as a true mentor.
When I joined NST, I brought with me a range of experience, including spearheading influencer campaigns, digital brand strategy, media relations, event support and supporting sales initiatives. Following several internships with local boutique agencies, I rounded out my experience as an account coordinator working with clients in the lifestyle, real estate and technology industries. All of this prepared me for the opportunity with NST, where every team member is respected, empowered and challenged to never stop exploring in our collective effort to redefine PR and drive results that matter for our clients.
Like six other current team members at NST, I earned my bachelor’s degree at San Diego State University (SDSU), majoring in journalism with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in international studies. It’s great to be surrounded by like-minded Aztec alumni and see the many ways the agency continues to give back to the SDSU programs where so many of us got started. From comprehensive internships to guest speaking engagements and scholarship opportunities, the bond between Nuffer, Smith, Tucker and San Diego State University is a special one, and I look forward to continuing to build on this legacy as a member of the agency team.
One of NST’s values is to be candid, respectful and kind – and I’ve seen every single member of the team embody that value – which lets me know I’m in the right place. It’s an honor to work side by side with some of the best and brightest in the industry and with each interaction from professional development opportunities to Thirsty Thursday happy hours, I’m confident I’ll be supported here to push myself, my clients and profession to explore.
Want to join a team like ours? We’re hiring! Check out our open positions.
