Quinn & Co. public relations

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Our incredible Morgan Painvin, vice president of travel, shares her journey and insight in to the world of public relations:

1.  What was your first or most interesting job?

After growing up in a tiny town in West Virginia, I ventured off to Paris at 21 to take a job as a nanny. I didn’t speak a word of French and had never been to Europe, but a few weeks after an initial interview I found myself in Charles de Gaulle airport surrounded by all-things français.  After six months as a nanny, I enrolled in the American University of Paris where I studied international communications.

2.    You just celebrated your six year anniversary with Quinn & Co. (Q&C), how did you get your start at Q&C?

Although I majored in international communications, I never took a specific public relations (PR) class in college (though maybe I shouldn’t admit that here!?); however my interest in travel, and experience living in France landed me a job back in the U.S. at Accor North America. From there, I came to the Big Apple seeking a position with an agency that worked with French clients. Q&C had just signed Club Med and needed someone who spoke French – voila! The perfect match!

3.    What is your favorite thing about Q&C?

The team spirit.  We give standing ovations for great placements and support people’s individual interests.  The community atmosphere at Q&C is inspiring. Most of all – I love mentoring my team in the travel division to professionally mature and succeed. It’s the most rewarding part of my job.

4.    What is the most important skill or personality trait that you seek in members of your team?

A successful PR pro must possess “fire in the belly,” that motivation and drive which cannot be taught.  Writing, creativity, contacts… all of that can be learned with time. Drive is something that is within us.

5.    What experiences in life best prepared you for a career in PR?

My time as a waitress provided me with invaluable skills.  Being a waitress is about developing relationships and selling the same product in a variety of different ways.  As a waitress, I learned to listen to customer feedback and assess their wants and needs in order to present dishes in the most favorable light.

6.    What advice would you give to someone starting a career in PR?

Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb – it will take you far.  Too many people give up before even trying.