Junior year and it's getting real; hunting for internships, thinking about my future and finally taking classes that feel relevant to my major. Recently, I walked into the college and career center on campus hoping to make some strives to land an internship that would help build my resume. The advisor began the conversation by asking me, “What do you want to do with your degree in Public Relations?”
I figured out the answer to that question long before by narrowing down possible careers and organizations. But I realized that the best way to let others understand exactly what I wanted to do, was more about explaining to them who I wanted to become. I paused for a moment, questioning whether or not I should go through with saying it, but asked, “Have you ever watched "Entourage"?”
To my relief, the man smiled as said,“Yeah I have actually”, to which I responded, “Well, I want to become Ari Gold.”
To some, my answer holds no meaning or makes me sound like a naïve smart-ass, but to me it's perfect. Hoping to get involved in the fast paced business that is entertainment public relations, Ari Gold is the best idol for me to have.
I explained to the advisor, “Ari Gold is a creative person who can handle difficult situations. He can fix negative images and press, he has the best contact list, knows everything about the industry including everyone in it, he works long hours and loves his job. He’s great at PR. I’ll do anything to be like that.”
I know I’ve got a long way to go, probably having to do everything I can to land in a powerful PR firm; interning for free, making the best connections, having little to no money and acknowledging the potential of it possibly never happening. But the reward of becoming someone as ingenious as Ari keeps me motivated. Hopefully, after paying my dues and climbing the PR ladder I’ll become the female version of Ari Gold.
I did my research, re-watching the HBO series Entourage, and noticed a couple of things about Ari. Needless to say, my excitement about a career in entertainment PR increased. Here are some things I've noticed:
Ari Gold is THE man
Ari is one of the most powerful agents in Hollywood representing the stud muffin Vincent Chase along with other famous celebs. He is the best at what he does, and boy is it entertaining to see him do it. He knows what to do in every situation even if it may seem unorthodox. The man makes stars and makes money. He knows all the ins and outs of the industry and works long days to get it done. Ari Gold knows who he wants to be, holds a lot of power and knows how to use it. He had to work very hard to get to where he is, including a lot of school, studying, and experience, but his skills are what I want to have and be able to pass on to others.
Ari Gets the Job Done
Nothing feels better than being able to finish the day knowing that not only did you get it all done, but you did it perfectly. Ari always stayed ahead and stayed focus. He played the game aggressively and better than everyone else. If I want to be anything like him it won't matter where I am or what I'm doing. In order to stay ahead I'll have to be on top of everything. This involves amazing organization skills and dedication.
Ari Has Some Guts
Ari shows how confidence is key; he never doubts his team or himself. This kind of attitude is necessary for success. Ari's confidence may have seemed conceded but it was vital to his ability to seal deals and get to where he is today. If you don't even have faith in yourself, how can you achieve anything? Being confident in situations and knowing that you can get it done will help you get to the top. If I start doubting myself now, I won't be anything like Ari when I'm older. I'll have to walk into every scenario I'm in with confidence that I will make it happen.
He Handles Every Crisis
Ari shows how PR isn't smooth sailing everyday. Mistakes happen, crises show up and things may fall through. Ari could immediately hop on a situation and diffuse it before it blew up. In order to be great at PR, I'll have to channel my inner Ari, anticipate the crises, and manage the issue. Ari's competitors know not to mess with him based off of one of his most common phrases, "I will destroy you." Ari always goes to his team to help him out, but it takes serious skill and knowledge on crises management to be able to handle the situations he was in.
He's Earned the Right to be an Ass
His nearly perfect track record has earned Ari the right to deal with others a little more rash than most bosses. But what this really shows us is how Ari knows that PR is not a one man show. Ari showed us how important it is to have a team that can help get the job done. His aggressive tactics are purely used to produce the best results. We learned that you can't do everything alone, you need the best by your side to make it happen. Ari built the best relationships and has worked hard enough maintaining them that if he needs to get loud to to get results, then so be it.
He is Fully Invested in his Job
Most of the time we see Ari on his phone dealing with work, that's because Ari’s life is his work. He stayed ahead of all his peers because he made work his main priority. His devotion to the job and emotional attachment to it emphasized to me how important it is to love your career. If you don’t care, there is no way you can succeed. This doesn't mean he doesn't care about his family. Ari just knows the best motto to live a successful life is to work hard, play hard.
He's the Real Deal
It may seem crazy that I can idolize someone who can come across as being pompous let alone the fact that he is a fictional character on a TV show. But before you judge, Ari Gold is based off of a real life super agent, Ari Emmanuel. He is the co-CEO of an entertainment firm in Hollywood that represents several A-list celebrities. Emmanuel makes larger than life deals and redefines the game. You literally can't make this stuff up.
Perhaps I won't exactly personify Ari Gold or Ari Emmanuel when I work in PR. My goal isn't about the money or to be an ass to people. I just want to be successful at what I do and love doing it, which is exactly what these men prove. If I can make a name for myself and have a track record that shows off my knowledge and skill in the concentration I will be happy. After all, I'm still only a Junior and the sky is the limit. If I set my goals high enough nothing can stop me from reaching them, but I've got a lot of work to do and an @entouragemovie to see in June!
