How I Pitched This — How I Got to OPR

Hello there! My name is Noura Al-Rajhi and I'm one of the Account Coordinators here at OutsidePR (also the baby, that is if you do not count Jess’ baby Isla). I joined OPR back in February of 2021 and it was quite the journey to get here. 

I graduated from the University of Florida in 2020 amidst the pandemic and social unrest. Admittedly it was one of the most challenging years I've ever experienced, juggling my last semester and the uncertainty of the world. I remember sitting in my living room still in my cap and gown after my virtual ceremony thinking, “Well, what am I going to do now?! Am I even going to find a job?”

Let’s rewind a bit. I have always been drawn to the power of storytelling, which is why I decided that pursuing a BS in public relations would be a great fit for me. Since prehistoric times, storytelling has been the outlet for people to come together and exchange information, knowledge and ideas. The only difference now is that we can tell stories and connect with people across the globe all with a click of a button.

But it was not until my sophomore year of college that I decided what niche of PR I wanted to pursue: the outdoor industry.

After losing my father at age 13 I took solace in the outdoors. From backpacking to trail running, it was a place where I felt like I could heal and connect with myself. As I got more involved in outdoor recreation I knew that it was also my responsibility to advocate on behalf of our public lands and natural resources. So I picked up a minor in sustainability studies and decided I wanted to work at the crossroads between outdoor advocacy and storytelling. 

My first taste in media was when I was selected to be a Karel Fellow for the Frank Karel Fellowship in Public Interest Communications. The fellowship paired minority students with leading nonprofits in D.C. that focus on social justice issues and policy. I was paired with the National Wildlife Federation, where I had the opportunity to work alongside their communications team who focuses on policy, government affairs and media outreach to advance environmental legislation on behalf of wildlife. I witnessed firsthand how impactful strategic communications were to elicit meaningful change through the work and mentorship I received.

Flashforward, as the post-grad anxiety started to kick in, I decided to get out of my hometown in Florida. I packed my bags and bought a one-way ticket to San Francisco to stay with my brother and sister-in-law for a few months (or so I thought) until I figured out the next steps. (Graduating and moving cross country all happened the same week, btw.) 

I had been following OPR for quite a while when I was starting my search for PR agencies in the outdoor space. If I was going to work at an agency, it had to be with one whose clients' values aligned with mine and OPR seemed like a perfect fit. I remember applying a year ago when I was extremely underqualified, essentially begging to work there (it’s probably collecting dust somewhere in Gordon’s never-ending inbox). But it wasn’t until the moment I moved out to California that I saw the position of Account Coordinator open up. Let me tell you, I’ve never slid into a DM as fast as I did when I saw that job opening post on OPR’s Instagram. The timing was just perfect. I am a fresh PR grad, have the skills and charisma, and now live only an hour away from HQ, it was kismet. 

I had an interview set up with Gordon and Jess just a few days later and after chatting with them and getting to learn more about OPR, I knew that this was the atmosphere and team that I wanted to be a part of. 

Three days later, I got the job and the next thing you know I was in Sausalito learning how to create a client media report (thanks Will McQ, you rock!) and memorizing every pair of HOKA shoes.

Everything happened so fast and quite honestly I’m still in shock that I am starting my career in the outdoor industry here at OPR. It’s been six months and I have already learned so much about the industry.

Taking the risk of moving cross country in a pandemic was the best decision I have ever made.