{Dinner for Two 1}

Even after Obon has passed, my summer vacation continues.

The internships I’ve been racing around during my break are coming to an end, and this is the last assignment. At the beginning of September, I’ll be working with a fairly large printing company in the city, where I’ll get to experience marketing and public relations.

In a previous internship with a different company, I became interested in sales. This time, I chose public relations because the roles of sales and PR are similar in that they both promote the company and its products. However, while sales focus on actual transactions, PR mainly works on increasing the company’s and its products’ visibility and recognition. That’s why I wanted to gain experience in this area as well.

During the three-day internship, I learned a lot about PR work.

First, I received a briefing on the products, then I helped share that information on social media, accompanied staff to exhibitions, and learned how to explain products to clients. The range of tasks was broader than I had expected. I even got to conduct an interview with another company—something they just left to me, which made me so nervous that I was shaking. When I listened back to the recording later, I laughed at how tense I sounded.

But I’ve already learned that this is what internships are all about. Compared to when I first started, I think I’ve gotten a bit better. I’ve also started to feel more comfortable in a suit—or so I’d like to think.

The company had a cafeteria, and I ate lunch there all three days.

Miyu’s workplace was actually nearby, but it seemed like getting permission to leave the office would be a hassle, so I gave up on the idea. Plus, our lunch breaks might not have matched up anyway.

But if I end up working at a company in this area, maybe I’ll get to have lunch with Miyu sometimes—that thought crossed my mind. It wouldn’t be enough to determine my job choice, but it could definitely be a reason to consider the company.

“Great job over the past three days. Have you gotten used to PR work?”

On the last day, one of the PR employees, who was sitting with me at lunch, asked me this.

“Yes. By experiencing practical work, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of PR, and I think I’ve developed my ability to promote products effectively.”

When I gave my typical job-seeker response, Sonoda-san, the employee, laughed cheerfully.

“You don’t have to answer like it’s an interview!”

“Oh, sorry.”

“No, no, if you can say that in a real interview, you’ll definitely score full marks.”

Sonoda-san, who was in charge of the interns, was very friendly and easygoing. He was incredibly kind to me throughout the three days, and I had relied on him a lot.

“You haven’t fully decided on pursuing PR yet, right, Yamaguchi-kun?”

“No, I haven’t.”

When asked, I straightened my posture.

“I’ve also participated in a sales internship recently. I’m interested in the sales and branding of companies and products, so I thought gaining on-the-job experience in both areas would be valuable.”

“That makes sense. There are similarities between sales and PR.”

Sonoda-san’s tone switched between casual and polite, making for an interesting conversation.

“Our company specializes in B2B sales, which means higher transaction amounts. Because of that, the time it takes to close deals and the ongoing interactions with clients tend to be longer. It would be too much of a burden for the salespeople to handle all that on their own, which is why PR becomes important. You could say that PR builds the foundation for securing contracts.”

As he spoke, Sonoda-san became more animated.

“That’s why PR is such a rewarding job. You get to highlight the best parts of your company in various ways, and the satisfaction you feel when you get a positive response is huge. You also get to interact with people from other companies, which is stimulating. And when you get to promote a product you’re truly passionate about, it’s so enjoyable to communicate its value.”

His tone reflected a strong sense of responsibility and pride in his work.

From the talks I’ve had with several companies, sales is often considered the most prominent department. In sales, you get a sense of accomplishment from closing deals, which makes it a fulfilling job.

However, I was also starting to feel drawn to PR. As I had learned during the internship, there are many different ways to engage in PR work. At exhibitions, there are plenty of opportunities to talk with people from other companies, and that stimulation is real. Communication skills are essential, but I don’t mind talking to people or interacting with customers.

And if I get the chance to work for a company that has products I truly want to promote—well, PR could be an incredibly rewarding career.

“I’d say it’s a job for those who are good at giving praise,” I said, borrowing one of Miyu’s phrases.

Immediately, Sonoda-san smiled.

“That’s true. Yamaguchi-kun, are you good at giving praise?”

“I’d like to think so.”

I wasn’t confident enough to say yes outright.

But since Miyu said that to me, I want to be that kind of person.

“Then PR is a good fit for you. Highly recommended!”

Sonoda-san endorsed it without hesitation.

“Thanks to your guidance, I’ve become more interested in PR work.”

“That’s great! You’re serious, sociable, and I’d love it if you joined us.”

That was a kind thing to say.

As I was about to thank him, Sonoda-san stood up before I could.

“Oh, I know! We have some free time this afternoon, so how about doing a mock interview with us?”

The company hadn’t planned to offer mock interviews. Of course, as a job seeker, I’d appreciate the opportunity, but I wondered if it would be too much trouble.

“Really? Are you sure that’s okay?”

“Of course! I’ll go talk to HR right now.”

I didn’t even have time to decline.

PR people sure are quick to take action!