| Manning, Selvage & Lee | 799 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 |
| (212) 213-0909 |
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A B Com3 baby
A subsidiary of the B Com3 Group (the product of a 2000 merger between the Leo Group and the MacManus Group), Manning, Selvage & Lee is the world's seventh-largest PR firm. It is comprised of a global network of 14 wholly owned offices and more than 80 affiliates. MS&L offers its clients expertise in media relations, special events, crisis management, and corporate and public affairs. The company's core industries include health care, food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, and corporate/financial services.
Manning Selvage is most often praised for its consumer and health care work. The firm has done work for a variety of companies and products, including Allergan, Absolut, IBM, Glaxo Wellcome, and P&G's Fat Free Pringles. MS&L's Global Health division boasts a proprietary strategy called "preference creation" - the firm claims to create preference using a communications model that employs trend analysis, health beliefs mapping, and targeted communications to shareholders. In addition, the firm added dedicated practices in health policy and constituency relations. Manning's technology unit has lagged behind the new media capabilities that its competitors boast, and has been revamping its web site since late-1998.
Growing and growing...
MS&L's recent activities have succeeded in expanding the company in addition to improving the caliber of its employees. In August 1999, the company acquired Boston-based Agnew, Carter, McCarthy. Then, in 2000, it expanded its interests into Argentina by purchasing a stake in Muchnik, Alurralde, Fasper & Asociados; and it teamed with DMB&B Public Relations, a Michigan-based firm which subsequently renamed itself MD&L/Detroit after the alliance. Finally, in 2000, the company introduced its MS&L Career Development Program.
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The recruitment process for all departments "is the same," report MS&L insiders. "We have one HR person who looks at all the resumes that come in." For that reason, one source explains, "it's easier to get an interview if you know someone at the firm who can hand it to HR personally."
"Once you get an interview," another insider adds, "it's really an easy process. Firm interviewing here is NOT stressful." Candidates do have to take a writing and grammar test. For this reason, insiders advise that candidates "study an AP [Associated Press] stylebook." After the test, applicants "meet four or five people." In most cases, interviewees "talk to a few senior-level people and a few junior-level people." While the number of interview rounds varies, "it is customary to return for a second round before you get an offer."
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Pride and joy
This "top 10 PR firm" is "very culturally diverse" and "a great place to start." Insiders boast that theirs "is the second best health care PR firm in the world." Moreover, the agency "really treats employees well." Another source notes that "they want people to stay with the company because they tend to promote from within."
"Health care is the most stressful department" at MSL because "it's the busiest." Still, many insiders in this division report grade "A" job satisfaction. They approve of the "high-profile clients" and the fact that they "always have new projects in the works."
When it comes down to money
Salaries "are not the best," notes a recent college grad, "but it's a start." Employees receive the traditional benefits -- health care, 401(k) -- and "a great training program." They also get "lots of free food, and discounts on all sorts of things," depending on what account they work for. Official work hours are 9-5, but sources say "we have to stay later" if work warrants it. The dress code at the agency is "casual."
While "there is some hierarchy" at MSL, insiders agree that "everyone's ideas are appreciated." One recent hire notes that "you learn a lot--and quickly" because "you have the opportunity to work with senior management all the time." "There is always someone who can help you if you have a problem," reports another informant. Furthermore, "everyone is responsive to your individual needs."
Secretary or intern?
The account coordinator position is the most popular entry-level position, and insiders say "it's a very rewarding and interesting first job." It is also "quite difficult," notes another, because "a lot is expected of you." Account coordinators are mostly responsible for "account team support - from copying and faxing to writing releases, pitching reports, and doing research." People in this position are also included in "new business projects and departmental media/administrative work." Admits one contact: "Some days you'll wonder why you went to college to do this kind of work. But other days you won't believe what they're letting you take on with your level of experience."
Wear comfy shoes
"PR is not a profession for sensitive or laid-back people," adds another insider. "You have to work long hours and juggle many projects at once." Reports another source, "I'm never bored here." One of most important things to own as an MS&L employee is "a good pair of shoes." An insider confirms, "We do a lot of running around the office." "There is no such thing as bullshitting around on this job," notes another. "There are days when I don't stop to eat."
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Health care;Food and beverage;Consumer packaged goods;Corporate/financial services
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Buson-Marsteller
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