Glamour? Ha! The realities of entertainment and fashion PR

Popular reality television shows like MTV’s “The Hills,” depict cast members, such as Heidi and Audrina (both “employed” in entertainment industry PR jobs), partying and drinking at clubs while rubbing elbows with up-and-coming bands and entertainers. By proffering this shallow and reckless image, these shows do a disservice to the dedicated and intelligent professionals working in this industry sector.

In the fashion entertainment industry, there are high expectations for even the most junior staffers who must take initiative and flawlessly execute public relations tactics with minimal supervision. Here’s a reality check:

• Attention to detail is crucial. Spelling a designer’s name wrong in a press release is a definite no-no, especially when a media outlet covers the story and also spells the name wrong.

• You must take pride in your work. Scribbling editor names on gift bags with a Sharpie marker and tossing sample jeans in the bag is sloppy.

• You need to understand budget implications. Failing to get invitations out on time or printing the same editor’s name on multiple expensive, customized envelopes costs money.

• You are never off duty or a guest at your events. Getting drunk at an event will get you fired.