Keeping all sides happy

There are not many people who are so happy in their career paths that they can say: "This is what I was born to be." Yet Topaz Subunruk has no hesitation in saying: "I was born to be a PR agent."

"I've got talent for this job. I'm talkative, and I like to write and interact with people. But at the same time I always strive for new knowledge and skills that are really important," says Topaz, 27.

She was in public relations for two years. Although she was still young and inexperienced she was behind many projects for her company, Thai AirAsia. And she fell in love with the job.

One of the charms of public relations is that you get to learn new things, she says. If you're working for a PR agency, you meet various customers and learn about different products. But if you are an agent for an organisation, as well as learning about your organisation's products, you also learn to manage risks.

"It's not static, boring and routine," Topaz says. "It's exciting, and challenges you all the time."

One of the tough aspects of the job is balancing the interests of the journalists she handles with the demands of her bosses.

"They pull you in opposite directions. It's a challenge to find the point at which both are happy."

Topaz defines a good agent as "Dr Duck". "Duck" after the versatility of creatures able to adapt to land and water, and "Dr" showing they have learned a lot.

"If you're smart but lack knowledge, pretty but brainless, intellectual but impatient, or unfriendly and lacking in communication skills, you won't fit this kind of job."

Last month Topaz made a tough decision. She left the job she loved to study for her master's degree.

flying high

>> Topaz has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Thammasat University. Now she's going to the UK for further studies in advertising and marketing communications at Bournemouth University.

>> She served an internship with a newspaper in Thailand and then worked as a journalist in Malaysia.

>> She was offered jobs by three well-known companies when she returned to Thailand, and she jumped at the chance to work for Thai AirAsia.

Suwicha Chanitnun

The Nation