MY YUPRO APPRENTICESHIP: THE MOST REWARDING AND CHALLENGING EXPERIENCE

By Cortney Knight, Project Management Intern, Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness

My name is Cortney Knight, and I have been an apprentice at Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness, a Publicis Health agency, for almost six months. I can honestly say this has been the most rewarding yet personally challenging role, and I can happily say that with a smile on my face! I know what you are thinking: How could something so hard make me smile? Well, it’s because working here gives me the unique opportunity to work on my emotional, mental, and overall personal battles. I believe that everything we do is connected. Our professional work and life outside of that work are all connected and can be in balance.

My role as a Project Management apprentice showed me much of myself in many ways. There were projects such as reconstructing the Hotsheet and daily check-in formats to fit our team's needs best. These assignments showed me the importance of teamwork and having an open mind. The Hotsheet reports are what our team of more than 40 people utilize every day. They use them to understand what tactics are essential, what is coming next, and who must do what. Being on the project management team via an advertising agency like Publicis Health meant a lot to me. It showed me how to adjust month after month based on new standards our team had. 

I’ve had other experiences in my apprenticeship where I struggled with feeling connected with my manager. At times I felt like I wasn’t good enough and couldn’t perform the task she gave me like she needed me to. I realized how that correlated to my personal life. I have always struggled with feeling inadequate and misunderstood. Instead of running away, this role allowed me to work through that challenge. With my manager, I had to face my fears and ask more questions. I had to ask for clarity when I didn’t understand. I was very honest with her, asking for help and often verbalizing my self-doubts. She was always so friendly and helpful. She allowed me to go at my own pace while also challenging me to show up for the team because we all rely on each other. Those interactions have and will forever change my life because of that. It won’t always be easy, but I know I can do it because of my experiences at Publicis Health. 

Before working here, I was and still am a Jill of All Trades. I am skilled in social media management, video editing, music, photography, digital designing, and more. I consider myself naturally creative with a business side. In any work I complete, I aim to embrace my authenticity and professionalism together. I believe that being true to yourself while learning how to use your gifts to help the person next to you makes the world a better place. I plan on continuing that mission with my incredible new role as an Talent Programs Associate at Publicis Health in August 2022! 

I’m grateful to have a new opportunity in an HR role and it has always been a dream of mine. Finally, I can utilize my Project Management skills, my love of helping others, and my creativity to be of service all at once. I am so excited that this new role will help me grow in my career! I thank Year Up Professional Resources (YUPRO), my peers, and everyone at Publicis Health who has contributed to my career success. I don’t take it for granted, and I have become a better professional and individual because of my experiences here.