In this difficult economy, in which one in two recent college graduates is unemployed or underemployed, what do you think is most important to prepare yourself to get a job in public relations?
A question for my spring 2012 Public Relations Writing students
May 3, 2012 by Les Potter
Posted in Comm/PR/IMC careers | Tagged Education, Employment, Hiring Employees, Jobs in PR | 42 Comments
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About Les Potter
Lester R. Potter, MBA, ABC, IABC Fellow, is a Senior Lecturer in the PR Track, Mass Comm. department, of Towson University, Maryland. He is "ABD" (all but dissertation) for a doctorate in Instructional Technology at Towson. He began his academic career in 2004. Previously, Potter was president of Les Potter Incorporated, an international consulting firm he founded in 1998. Prior to that, he held various integrated marketing communication management positions with for profit and nonprofit organizations. Email Les at lpotter@towson.eduPages
Some of the most important thing’s I think is crucial to prepare yourself for this difficult economy and the high unemployment rate is to get your name out there and connect. I feel like its a lot to do with who you know, and connections. I think it is important to get yourself out there and get noticed. Relating to this I think its necessary to bring something different to the table. Its very competitive in the world today, so if an employer can find that you can bring something different or new ideas it will spark interest and separate you from the rest.
Also from most of my classes I learned how important it is to know how to write. If you can write in this job field, you can get people interested. So I think it is very important to know the proper ways to write, know the formats of different media outlets, and to know how to capture a readers attention.
In this difficult time for jobs, I just think it is important to prepare, know what you want to do, research a lot of options, do internships that relate to show you have background in that area, open your connections and get your name out there.
I think that getting some relevant experience in the field is the most important step to take in preparing for a public relations job. Many places like to see prior experience in working on the types of projects that the applicant will be working on if hired for the position in question. Several small companies are continuously offering internships which would make a valuable addition to a resume. Though most of these positions are typically unpaid, it is still worth it for many reasons. First, it will set you apart from other applicants who may have the same qualifications as you, but unrelated past work experience. Second, you will have most likely worked on real-world projects which can be added to your portfolio, along with some solid references. Finally, if the position does happen to be unpaid, it will show that you truly have a passion for the field and that you are a dedicated worker.
Always keep your mind open when searching a job. It is better to apply to multiple jobs than to get hung up on just one. Sending out multiple resumes will make it less obvious when a company doesn’t call you back since others are bound to respond. Don’t take rejection personally; learn from each application experience regardless how far through the process you get. Eventually you should be able to perfect your resume and interviewing skills to obtain a job. I know our guest speaker today said to focus on what you really want to do, but I don’t think that’s very practical advice in today’s economy. No disrespect to him, but I think it’s better to take a job which can set you on the right path to a dream job than to wait around idly for that dream job and possibly never get it. Hopefully a miracle turns the economy around by the time we graduate to change that harsh reality!
According to an article I read on prdaily.com, the unemployment rate for PR practioners in 2011 was about 2.7%, and the average unemployment rate for most other professions was about 7%. With this in mind, those in PR are already ahead of the game.
Some of the best advice I have heard from those who have already graduated college is to look for, and have a job set up before you even graduate. It shows initiative, and gives something the company can look forward to.
It may seem obvious, but another important aspect to obtaining and retaining a job is to know who it is you work for. The more you know about your company, and precisely what is happening in that company, the more prepared and credible you will be.
Last semester I had a professor that made statements that mirrored what our guest speaker Kris had to say. She said to be mindful of where you get your first job, because you are liable to get stuck in that particular area. Employers have a tendency to type-cast, so if you try to move on from governement PR to sports, your past experience can hinder you. Although, I do see where Alex is coming from. It’s very uncertain in today’s economy, and fear can definately cause people to settle. This can be seen as an advantage, however. If you imagine the thousands of other PR graduates being released into the world each graduation ceramony, and they all feel intimidated, or desperate to land any job that they are able to grab a hold of, then all the better for those who are willing to reach a little further, work a bit harder, and prove themselves worthy of having the exact job they want.
The work we do as PR students does not stop at the classroom. Branching out now, and getting known, will help pave the way for when we are ready to take the career world by the horns. Alex is right, waiting for your dream career doesn’t work. However, I do believe if you really are passionate about something, if you work hard enough, and if you show initiative, those qualities will resonate and help you achieve your goals. Of course, it also doesn’t hurt to have excellent writing skills.
Marina, do you know any of the details about getting a job before graduation? I’d love to get some tips from those people you know, especially when the best time to apply would be. All of the job posts I typically see are for those with degrees already, or the positions are internships to last for the semester or year only. My Towson email is aford11. Thanks!
The statistic you began your post with made me feel much better about entering the public relations profession. I wouldn’t think the unemployment rate for PR practitioners would be lower than other professions, definitely surprising to hear!
I know the feeling! I was instantly relieved when I saw those figures, and it was a major confidence booster. I’m glad it helped you, and hope it gave others the same feeling.
I think that the most important thing to prepare someone for getting a job in public relations is knowing how to write a wide range of pieces. Something that Mr. Potter’s class teaches is how to write for a number of different publications and media outlets. I know when I go to apply for jobs, my portfolio will not only have quality writing pieces in it, but it will have a lot of variety that shows I’m not a one-trick pony. This, in my mind, is something that employers will be looking for in new hires. People who already know how to write news releases, radio spots, brochure copy and a variety of other pieces won’t need to learn as much when they get to the job. Plus, they will be versatile enough to work on a variety of projects for the company, instead of always doing just one type of work. More and more, I believe employees will be looking for generalists who can do different types of work, especially in an economy where the fewer people you need on your payroll, the better.
Additionally, knowing how to write clearly and succinctly for an audience is a valuable skill. Knowing the format for writing a piece is great. However, if you don’t fill that format with quality, understandable writing that your audience will read, you’re really not doing your employer any good. If you can’t make your audience understand what you’re trying to say, they aren’t going to respond to you, and your message isn’t going to be heard. Good writing skills will go a long way in getting you a job.
Finally, getting your name out in public early will help you get a job. Mr. Potter was just telling us in class about one of the girls from the PR group who is active in social media. Apparently, at least one company has been watching and paying attention to her blog and Twitter feeds. Without sending in an application or even contacting this company, they are aware of her. That is so amazing to me. In this age of technology, it is so much easier to get yourself out there for potential employers to see. Even something as simple as having a LinkedIn account can help you. I personally blog about Walt Disney World because it’s something that I’m passionate about. I do it mostly for fun, but I definitely plan to show it to potential employers one day. If potential employers can see that you are actively participating in something that can help get you noticed, they are more likely to be interested in seeing what you have to offer.
I feel similarly to my fellow classmates. One thing that I feel is very important in the PR field is networking. Getting your name out there and making connections is key. Building relationships with potential employers and any established professionals will be beneficial because the more known you are, the more likely you are able to find a job, learn something new, and get helpful insight. I think that in addition to acquiring the essential skills to be a successful PR practitioner, one will be most successful if they seek the advice of professionals. Sometimes its easier to learn the tricks from the pros rather than trying to figure out how to get a career started on your own. Making these connections can determine if you get a job or not. Employers prefer to hire people that they know well because they can feel more confident that they are reliable.
I also agree with my classmates that excellent writing skills is very important when seeking employment. PR practitioners must be organized, hardworking, and professional. However, sometimes finding a job may call for even more than just mastering the essential skills. The PR field is very competitive. Therefore you have to figure out a way to stand out from the crowd. I think that in order to attain a job in this competitive field, you must be innovative. Employers read application after application that say the same skills. I think that when applying for a job, originality can help so much. You can really catch an employer’s eye if there is something unique about you. One should never hesitate to stand out. Tell employers what makes you more special than the rest.
I also think that keeping up with world events and what is currently happening in the PR field is important when it comes to employment. If you are able to reference current events during an interview, employers will be impressed. They want to hire people that keep up with the media and stay on top of what is going on. Having knowledge about the companies that you apply to will also be helpful for interviews.
Overall, I think that trying to be as well-rounded as possible is very beneficial. Always be open-minded to learn new things and always strive to improve your skills. The further you push yourself to be the best you can be, the more success you will find.
This is a question that I have actually been asking myself for quite some time now. On May 25, 2012, I will be able to proudly say that I am a graduate of Towson University. Something I have heard more times than I would care to hear is, “It is one tough economy out there, it will be very difficult to find a job!” This may prove to be true in some cases, however, I beg to differ.
Although it is a fact, the economy continues to have its own trials and tribulations, do not fret. I believe that one of the most important and crucial ways to prepare oneself for a career in public relations is to be positive during these times. By being positive, it can change your whole outlook on discovering a career. Simply shift the negativity of people in society saying, “You won’t find a job!” into I WILL.
I once heard a speech and the keynote speaker said, “Find that certain something that just makes your heart sing.” I found that song, and it happened to be in the field public relations just a few short months into my college career at Towson University. More specifically, nonprofit organizations.
I had the wonderful experience of becoming an intern at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center Development Office where I continued to work on various different writings, help plan events, etc.
Through these internships you can network, network, network! What a wonderful thing. Networking can be the key to success as well. There are mentors that one can gain, and it is a great way to connect with other individuals as well. Personally, networking has helped me immensely. Always be eager and willing to ask questions!
As one prepares themselves for a career in the field of public relations, never limit yourself or hold yourself back from the sources that can prosper you and make you the best public relations professional that you can be. Take classes that you will open your eyes to different techniques of writing, apply for internships to see how the real world is, and most importantly have an open-mind.
By staying positive, enhancing your writing skills with college classes, applying for internships, and having an open-mind, you will be sure to succeed in the field of public relations!
Experience and networking are two of the most important ways to prepare yourself for a job in the public relations field during this difficult economic time. Employers within any profession are usually more drawn to an individual that has prior experience that could benefit them in the given position. Being that one in two recent college graduates are unemployed or underemployed, the competition within any profession, especially public relations, is high and having that little extra experience over someone else can be a game changer. According to an article I read from the Washington Post, titled “More Than Half of Young College Graduates Now Jobless or Underemployed”, stated that many young graduates are being squeezed out of positions by more experienced workers, and are now having to explain to prospective employers the time gaps in their resumes. This alone shows how important experience is to not only enter a new job position, but to also stay in it.
Staying in touch and building professional relationships with people you meet through school, or prior job positions is vital for effective networking. In the public relations profession, staying connected and knowing the right people to get your name out there is necessary for success, and can make all the difference in your PR career. Having these professional relationships is just another way to receive the best advice for breaking into the PR world, and can possibly lead to a position offering. The professionals that you develop relationships with are more likely to refer you for job positions because they are confident about your skills and reliability, which can be all you need to put yourself a step ahead.
Having more knowledge about the difficult economic time, and the overwhelming rates of unemployment and underemployment for recent college graduates is an incentive alone to be as prepared as possible when graduation comes. Public relations is a competitive field, but having as much experience as possible and the ability to network are some of best ways to be prepared for a successful career as a PR practitioner.
If you expect a passing grade for this comment, AOGRAD1, then I must know your name as listed in my grade book.
When posting the comment I filled out the bottom portion with my full name, Ashlee O’Grady, so I’m unsure on why it’s posting as just aograd1. It was just my website that had aograd1 in it, and I keep trying to change it so it’s my full name that appears instead, but I’m not sure how too.
I also tried changing my username all together but the website will not let me, the comments display as Ashlee O’Grady, but my actual post didn’t. If you know how else I can fix this, please let me know.
Whatever you did for the second two comments you posted seems to have worked, Ashlee. Also, I liked how you mentioned that undergraduates are getting pushed out of jobs by more experienced employees. I would have thought that employers would have been looking for new, younger workers with more social media experience, but I guess that isn’t always the case.
In this economic time, we hear many of our teachers and parents telling us about the old adage, “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” and how it rings true now more than ever. I am only now starting to fully grasp this concept as I begin to look for internship and job opportunities and realize the value of personal and business relationships, in this field especially. The idea of relying so heavily on these relationships, however, can be a scary and disheartening prospect, especially for students like myself who tend to be less outspoken and have a hard time meeting or continuing connections with people. Fortunately for us, there are so many ways to meet people and so many people looking to connect that one just has to be willing to put themselves out there in order to make this situation work for them.
Getting involved and joining clubs like the Towson PR Group is one way to prepare for the future, and one which I have tried to make use of. The PR Group’s annual Networking Fair has been a helpful venue for practicing the kinds of communication and networking skills that I know we will need in our careers, and especially in order to find a job once we graduate. Also, the use of technology has expanded both our pool of knowledge and our ability to connect, via social networking sites and other communication tools. Being able to master and keep up with ever-changing world of technology is just one requirement of our future jobs, and it’s something that we can all start doing now.
The other thing that I would say is important about getting yourself out there is setting yourself apart. This is why teachers are always stressing the importance of internships as a way to gain experience. I completely agree with this sentiment, but I think that there are other ways to set oneself apart as well. I think that it’s all about drawing on your own individual strengths, whatever those may be. Sometimes we are too focused on succeeding on the path that is set for us, but there are many paths and many different ways to succeed. I believe that we can all succeed, that we can overcome the discouraging statistics about unemployment, if we are willing to play to our strengths and find the means and the end that fit us best.
Overall, the most important thing I have learned about preparing for a career in public relations is not to be afraid of the future and the challenges it will bring. Rather, I have learned that I have to face them head on, and that preparation is the best way to be ready to do so when the time comes.
In today’s economy I think the most important way to prepare yourself for a job in PR is to make yourself relevant to the PR world. By this I don’t only mean having your name out there as much as possible, and having connections. To be relevant in the PR world one has to have something that separates them from the rest of the recent graduates, and will add to the organization one wants to be a part of.
Nicole said in her post that having a solid writing background is what will help prepare us for a job in PR after graduation. I agree with her statement. Not many people know how to write proper English any more. In this digital age when there are thousands of ways for companies to communicate to each other, and to the public. It is important for companies to represent themselves professionally and in proper English. Therefore having knowledge of how to write is a huge advantage that is only going to make us students more relevant to future employees.
Another way to be relevant is to be on social networking sites doing stuff that interest you. This could be writing a blog about the awesome dinner you made, or tweeting about fashion tips. Doing these small things that interest you are just another way of getting out your name and presenting yourself in a positive light. When you go to an interview you could then show the employer your work on these social networking sites as a way to show you have a presence in the web 2.0 world. And who knows maybe a future employer will find you and offer you job writing about the things you love.
The only way to make sure you are not a part of the unemployed number after graduation is to be proactive now. You need to start making the connections with business professionals, do internships, be involved in professional PR organizations, and most importantly become a part of the web 2.0 world.
Public Relations is all about managing information and relationships between an organization, individuals and the public. I agree with Samantha, it is important to build an online image for yourself. Potential employers are more likely to hire a person who participates in the online-communication-community, than one who has no digital image. After all, if you cannot present yourself in an effective and professional way, why would an organization hire you to present them?
Step 1: Create an active and professional image in Web 2.0 forums.While it is difficult to find a job in our current economy, the technology we as graduates have access to is unparalleled. Ten years ago Public Relations Professionals did not have Web 2.0 and all the benefits that it came with. As marketers and communicators, Web 2.0 has given us an equalizing forum to communicate. In the Web 2.0 forum CEO’s blog along side of Janitors, celebrities with journalists, and activists among stay-at-home mothers. People from all walks of life and situations are able to communicate. This benefits the employers and potential employees.
Employers are able to get a more full picture of who they are a hiring. Potential employees (us) are able to get our professional image out to the public. That being said – we need to remember that ‘the internet is forever’, once it it out there you can’t take it back.
Step 2: Make relationships
It is tempting to stay in your group of friends and situations that you are comfortable in. Networking and make mutually beneficial relationships is crucial to finding a job in public relations. As a Public Relations Professional, our job will be creating and maintaining relationships. Go to job fairs, follow up with professionals you meet, and make yourself available. Though the economy is tough, people are always willing to help those they have relationships with.
There are so many important aspects to consider when finding a job in the public relations field. I think the very first thing to do is to make your skills stand out. Knowing that you need to make yourself stand out helps you prepare a better resume. There are so many people that are graduating with a communication degree and it is important to make sure you are different from the next person applying for the same position. You have to make sure that you can illustrate that you are outstanding asset to the company you are hiring for. You need to show what makes you a better fit rather than the next person. What do you show on your resume that someone else doesn’t? Whether it is a certain skill, a language, a variety of work experiences, you need to show. It is very important for a company to see that you have experience; it would be a great idea to have at least two internships with portfolios to show companies during the interview. If someone is trying to decide between a person with two internships and the one with none they will pick the one with more experience. It is good to take any type of internship, whether it is working for free or paid. Many people do not want to go to free internships because they want to make money but any internship can be a great start because it can be your way into the company. If they think you are a great employee they may make you a part of their full time staff and keep you long term. It would also help to make sure you go to job fairs and make sure you are networking while you are in college, you never know who you will meet that can get your foot in the door. This is a fantastic way to meet people and also for people to meet you and get to know you as a person and not just by paper. They can meet you and go tell their supervisors what a great addition you may be to their company. Taking lots of writing classes will help you as well. All public relations jobs are looking for someone who can write well and professional. The more writing classes you take, the more your writing will improve and you also have more things to show the interviewer. It would also help to go look at some public relations firm who are looking for applicants to see what they are exactly looking for, then you have an idea on areas that you may need to work on. This would also help you understand exactly what types of things public relations firm want and need in their applicants. You will learn what kinds of skills are very important to have and gain better knowledge on what the public relations industry is all about. It also helps to make sure you participate in many activities. Each person may good writing qualities, but it is vital to make sure you are a good leader and like to be in various events at your school. This will show your school spirit and show that along with public relations qualities you have many other ones that would make you a great addition to the company. It also helps to talk to professors and help them guide in areas that you may not know about within the public relations industry. They can help you with internships and also share their knowledge on ways you can help your resume look great. They can share things that have been helpful for their past students that they stay in touch with. It is also important that every person has an open mind when they are applying for positions, knowing that it is very difficult for anyone to get a job in this tough economy. Many people apply so many places and even after six months of applying do not hear anything which gets them very frustrated. When you are in school it would be wise to make sure you are prepared that you may not be able to get a job for awhile and to be prepared to send hundreds of resumes out to companies. It is important to be patient and not to give up and know that you will find something and there is a company that will love having you as part of their team.
For any job search there are the most basic when looking for a job. For example prepping yourself for an interview, dressing professional, and researching the job you are applying for. When looking for a public relations job there are some different approaches to success.
One of the most important things is networking. Start networking as soon as possible. Making your profile known to the public relations world is crucial. Start with internships. Internships are a great way to network. Within an internship you can meet all kinds of people that have already been in the work field that can give you insight to that type of job. Another networking tool would be to go to networking events and job fairs. These kinds of functions are very organized and easy to find careers in a particular interest you may have. Remember these companies and people come to these events so they can network too. They want to meet new people, just as you want to network and find a job too.
Another good way to network is to make a LinkIn. Here you can show of your writing skills online, where this is most highly important in a public relations field. Employers will not only be able to look over your work, but get to know you better. LinkIn is not just a resume but a tool where you can be more personable online in a professional manner. This is also another great tool for networking as well. LinkIn lets you make professional contacts allowing friends on LinkIn to give professional comments and feedback about you as a person or your work.
Overall networking is a good tool to have. Know how to network, and do it well. This is the ticket into any job today especially in the public relations world. Types of networking include: Blogging, Twitter, Facebook, LinkIn, networking events, informational interviews, events, and internships. There are many ways to network, it all just depends on how well you do it, and how well you can utilize each tool.
The best way to get employed in this unfortunate job market is to have experience before graduating. If a graduating student has experience through an internship or multiple internships, this will set them apart from other graduates that have no experience. Interning will make you more marketable to an employer. I recently interned for a company as a communications intern. Although the internship was a tad tedious at times, I learned a vast amount of knowledge that I can now use in my classes or other internships. I was able to take all the information I learned in the classroom and apply it to real situations in the workplace. Students looking for a job right after graduation should most definitely intern in the fall or spring of their senior year. Many times these internships can eventually lead to full-time positions. My roommate Katie is a senior at Towson University. She is currently interning at a local digital marketing agency. She has worked extremely hard on the projects she was given throughout the semester. Recently, her boss extended an offer for her to work at the company as a full-time employee. She unfortunately had to deny the offer because she has another job lined up back home in New York. Although she will not be working there, she now has a great reference and another internship to put on her resume.
Students seem to shy away from interning because they are unsure where to look. The Towson University’s career center provides a great resource to find internships. On the website they have a database called Hire@TU for students to find jobs or internships in the area. I never utilized this until I was searching for an internship this past fall. There were many postings on this database and I was contacted from almost everywhere I applied. I highly suggest students use this database to help them search for an internship. Visit http://www.towson.edu/careercenter/index.asp for access Hire@Tu.
For all juniors who are going to turn into seniors in a few weeks, I highly suggest that you apply to internships. This can only help build your resume and boost your credibility.
I believe that the best way to prepare for your job search in public relations is to build your resume. The more experience you have, the more you stand out in a pile of resumes. Being able to bring unique skills to an organization that you have learned through experience in the field is something not every graduate can provide. Internships are not easy to get however; using the resources you have will help the process. Networking or going through Towson are two very helpful tools that should be utilized when searching for an internship.
When you apply for an internship through an organization’s website, your resume or application may not even be looked at. Therefore, creating a network can help you meet a lot more people who are in the business who can help you in your internship or job search. If you are looking to be in the public relations field, joining to the club at your university can be a major help during your search. Being a part of the club can help you gain more experience on your resume and it also can help you meet people in the field. Two major ways, college students or graduates are getting these internships is through people they know and what experience is on their resume.
Towson has also made it a lot easier for their undergraduate students to find internships. They have dedicated a part of their website to jobs and internships posted by the organization itself. This is a great way for Towson students to find local jobs or internships and find out what they are looking for in their applicants.
No Towson student should be unemployed after they graduate. Networking and utilizing their website should be used during their job search. Undergraduate students should be searching for internships to build their resume with so they ensure a job after graduating.
Public Relations is the ability to maintain mutually beneficial relationships between different companies and organizations. For someone to find a job within public relations, I feel that in today’s difficult economy the most important thing to do is to build a positive and reliable reputation for yourself within the field. By doing so, this will build relationships, better your resume, and increase experience in the field. Almost every day of my college career, I have been told on multiple accounts that internships are a necessity now-a-days for students. That being said, I strongly feel that one must go through at least one type of internship before he or she graduates to ensure a more clear understanding of what life after college will entail. Most colleges, if not all, offer outlets to students to obtain these internships. The tools that colleges and universities give to their students are extremely valuable and should not be overlooked. Being a part of different company’s work environments enhances the many relationships one will obtain, thus bettering the chances to obtain a job in that field in the future. A lot of job opportunities come from knowing the people who are the backbone within the company. If you have those connections, it will be almost impossible to fail. I feel that within the field of PR you must be a “people pleaser”- the more people you please, the more they start to recognize your hard work.
Reading back in prior comments to this post, I agree with Nicole Bateman when she touches on how rewarding it is for Towson students to be given the opportunity to write different pieces for classes. Being a student of Professor Potter’s class has also prepared other classmates as well as myself for what may be expected from us in the future. After going through this course, I feel confident putting multiple pieces that I have written in my portfolio for future possible employers to view. It is a wide range of different assignments, but are also ample learning devices that all students should take advantage of, especially those in PR.
In today’s economy, experience and reputations are the two most important building blocks to obtaining a job not only in PR, but in any other job field as well. It is imperative to know what you are getting into before you are there. This is why, when possible, one should take full advantages of the different opportunities passed his or her way.
I agree with much of what my classmates have discussed about preparing for a job in the public relations or in general, the mass communication field. I believe there are three key aspects in preparing for the “real world” after graduation. Those three things are building our resumes through experience, networking, and putting to use the knowledge and advice we have gained from our professors at Towson University.
I was a nursing student for majority of my college career before switching my major to public relations. I remember how I retained the information I learned through the lab portion of the science classes much more than the lectures because they were more hands on and we were “learning by doing”. One of the most important factors in preparing for a job in the public relatons field is through an internship. To be able to learn through an experience that is career-related is a huge advantage to students. Not only do students have the opportunity to learn likes or dislikes about industry they work with, but we gain knowledge that we may have not learned in the classroom alone. Internships are learning experiences as well as a wonderful tool to networking. The advisors and people you work with through an internship can be key to obtaining a letter of recommendation or even a job opportunity.
We the millennial generation, are also extremely fortunate to have all the technology we do, especially social networking. Advice I have received from college graduates within the past five years is to keep in touch with your connections, whether they are classmates, professors, or those at the company you intern with. Job opportunities have become so competitive in recent times, that sometimes it is all about “who you know” rather than just the degree you graduated with. I believe that Linked In is a key tool that students can use towards seeking a job, as well as for companies that are seeking us, the soon-to-be public relations professionals.
I believe we are all so fortunate to have learned from some amazing professors at Towson University, such as Les Potter. Some of our professors have provided us with key information and advice that we will need to use in the future. Going into the job market, it’s important to take what knowledge and advice our professors pass on to us, especially from Les. I know I will always have the “Lesterisms” engraved in the back of my mind. I believe it’s important to keep in mind that when our professors tell a class “you will need to know this information in your future jobs”, then we will definitely need to know those key items. Not only do our professors teach us the information for our coursework, but also advise us for our benefit.
It’s petrifying to me, as I’m sure it is for many others, that many jobs are uncertain in the future and not guaranteed. But, with hard work, dedication and these three key resources we will be so successful in the public relations field!
This is Brittani Kaltman by the way… I had the same issue as Ashlee with including my name in my comment!
Resume, resume, resume. This is by far the most important aspect of getting a job, especially in this tough economy. This is the first impression that the employer gets to see, if they don’t like it, that is the end of your opportunity. Not only is this a first impression, it is also a sample of your writing skills when paired with your cover letter.
From high school and throughout college, teachers and professors have engraved into our brains that we should include certain things within this process. However, unlike high school and throughout college, as a college graduate the resume needs to look absolutely perfect. The basics aren’t as important anymore because almost everyone has an education and work history. Instead a potential employee must convey leadership skills, communications and writing skills, through experience and memberships to clubs and organizations. The resume shouldn’t include the one time you walked in a fundraiser for cancer research. Instead it needs to include a stand-out part of this, either you were on the board for this event or you dedicated yourself to earn a great amount of money or walkers. This economy leaves no jobs for people who do the “regular” amount or basics. Unfortunately standing out is the only way to catch a potential employers eye.
The cover letter should always be specific to the job for which you are applying, which we all have learned. But in this economy where “one in two recent college graduates is unemployed or underemployed” every sentence and piece of information must be captivating and enticing. Employers skim through hundreds, if not thousands, of resumes with boring cover letters every day. You don’t want to be the one that goes right into the trash.
We want to be able to wear that fancy new suit our parents bought us to an interview and be able to blow them out of the water. But we never get this chance if we make a bad first impression. In public relations writing we have practiced writing for every situation. We are able to create a speech or news release that many company’s would love to have. Our goal is to work for that big firm or small non-profit in the city. All of this hard work could potentially go to waste if we don’t get our foot in the door through connections, experience and our awesome resumes.
This economy is testing all of the college graduates and weeding out the ones that can’t put in the hard work. I believe this horrible challenge that is before us is what creates many strengths that cannot be taught. We can no longer be intermediate writers and workers, we must not be the best that we allow ourselves to be. I have one more year and I won’t lie, I hope and pray I will find a job in public relations. But I can’t wait to iron out my resume and be proud to send it to potential employers. I may not have the highest GPA (a 3.2 isn’t that bad) but I have the drive and the dedication to make my first impression something that won’t just get thrown down the trash shoot of a major company. With a great resume and cover letter, you can be the one in two college graduates that GETS the job. So always remember; resume, resume, resume.
I think the key to preparing yourself for a job in public relations is experience. Without experience, for example an internship, after graduating you are just thrown into the workplace without half a clue about what it is that you’re doing. Yes, students spend years learning what it is public relations involves, but it is not the same as getting firsthand experience in the actual field, rather than just sitting in a classroom.
Speaking of experience, I am speaking from experience. I have been involved in the Campus Activities Board for almost two years now, and it has helped me immensely in understanding how public relations works. The position that I hold is completely on a volunteer basis, but I do it because I love it. This experience is what has made me grow to be so excited to graduate and get out there. It has also taught me what to expect in this field, both positive and negative.
I hear professionals say all the time that internships and previous experience is what employers look for when selecting candidates for jobs in this field. Building a resume with different experiences is extremely important for public relations.
Besides experience, I think passion is also an important part of landing a job. If a person is doing something they love or enjoy, that will shine through when being interviewed, and who doesn’t want a passionate employee? It is a fact that people perform better when they are enjoying what it is they are doing.
My advice for any college student going into public relations is experience and passion. These two things will only bring you up in the industry.
In these troubled economic times, finding a job as a recent college graduate is particularly difficult. However, like anything in life, the more you prepare, the more likely you are to succeed.
In my opinion, preparing for a job in the public relations industry boils down to three main points.
1. Stay up to date with industry news and trends. An example of a recent trend in the public relations industry would be the rise of the PR agencies using social media (Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, LinkedIn) and the Internet to create transparency in the people or organizations they represent. Keeping up to date with industry news will not only make you look professional and well educated about the public relations industry, but will also show employers how dedicated you are as a young professional. Additionally, the more you know about the industry, the more confident you will feel at job interviews or while networking.
2. The next important way to prepare for a job in public relations is to network and make connections with professionals in public relations, and a variety of other industries. Of course, it is always important to talk to individuals in PR if you want a job in PR because you can get a sense of what the industry is like from an insider’s perspective. However, in order to truly prepare for the real world, graduates must go one step further, and connect with professionals in a variety of different occupations. Meet people that work in advertising, non-profit organizations, the pharmaceutical industry, etc. This will give you a greater knowledge of the vast world of business, in general. As a PR person, this is especially important because you never know what kind of client you could represent in the future.
3. Find a niche. Find one industry you are particularly passionate about, and learn as much information about it as possible. Post articles on social media sites, comment on blogs about your niche industry, and make yourself known to the niche audience. For example, if you love sports, research sports history, meet athletes, or talk to sports radio or TV hosts.
In conclusion, what recent college graduate should take away from this post in order to prepare for the professional PR world, is this: be interested and informed about many different topics and industries. Then, find one industry that absolutely FASCINATES you. Learn about it, live it, and know it like the back of your hand. Meet people, learn from them, ask for help, and all the right doors will open.
The immediate disadvantage of graduating from college in a poor economy is apparent. The SSRN (Social Science Research Network) stated that even among employed persons, those who graduate in bad economies may suffer from underemployment and are more likely to experience job mismatching since they have fewer jobs from which to choose. That being said, I believe proper preparation is crucial to post graduation success. Although I agree with my peers that networking, “standing out” and being involved are of great importance, I think there are several fundamental factors that need to be determined first. Knowing yourself and your abilities, what you want and deserve, then developing complete confidence in those ideas is the first step in the preparation process.
Upon entering Towson University, I had every intention of graduating with a degree in Journalism and pursuing a career as a news broadcaster. As I evolved as a student and an individual I quickly learned that Journalism was not the field I belonged in. I started taking a variety of courses until I realized that I find most enjoyment in the classes that allowed me to explore my creativity. After making that discovery I was able to channel my creativity and develop my skills in the classroom.
The Public Relations and Advertising track that the Mass Communication department offer felt right. I had a focus and knew the career I wanted. My next step was to find an internship and test my skills outside the classroom. I joined the Towson Public Relations group as a sophomore, completed two internships as a junior and now as I enter my senior year I will be pursuing a paid internship at one of the top Advertising Agencies in Philadelphia. With a clear idea of my talent and capabilities I was able to enter an interview with confidence in who I was, what I wanted and the opportunity I deserved.
The reason I stress the importance of knowing yourself and your aspirations is to avoid the inevitable underemployment and job mismatching that is likely to occur in this economic state. Unfortunately, with few jobs available, new graduates might rush to accept the first offer he or she receives and miss out on a greater opportunity. Students should focus on their strengths and position his/herself as desirable candidates for employers rather than desperate job seekers.
As defined by PRSA, Public Relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics. In order for an individual to succeed in this career, I find it critical for a new graduate to have a clear understanding of their abilities, wants, needs, and desires. If you know exactly who you are and the goals you wish to achieve the easier it becomes to confidently brand yourself. In my opinion, students that graduate with high self esteem will most likely land the job he/she desserves because employers will feel that confidence in the interview room.
I agree with the majority of the points that have already been made. The PR industry is based around networking opportunities, knowledge of PR trends and, most importantly, setting yourself up for success.
However, I don’t think that the importance of social media’s advent can be understated. Due to the recent advancements in disseminating information, it is so easy to be plugged into any particular well of information an individual finds relevant. Using tools like Facebook and Twitter is infinitely more effective than older, more traditional ways of spreading the news. Without being conscious of it, society is always connected plugged in to any media outlet as long as they have a smart phone or tablet. The convenience of gaining access to any piece of information has helped PR initiatives evolve from the now-archaic ways of snail mail to what it is today.
Resumes are going to be around for the rest of time. With that said, if an aspiring PR professional cannot properly sell themselves in 30 seconds or less, a great resume won’t mean a thing when it comes down to be chosen or passed over. Therefore, knowing yourself is one of the most important things when attempting to find a career. If I was stuck in an elevator with a possible employer and I could not at least be memorable in that person’s mind, there would be no point in giving him my resume at all. With that in mind, I think that being able to be persuasive and and knowing oneself it tantamount in looking like the most attractive candidate possible.
To echo the sentiments of some of my classmates, tenacity is crucial to finding a job. Unless you know that you’re walking towards a career after graduation, it is going to be a dogfight to land that elusive job. You are up against not only recent college graduates, but PR pros that have been in the game for several years, leaving candidates with little experience at a huge disadvantage. I can say that this occurs because it recently happened to me. Not every interview is going to be a home run, and being rejected should only be used as fuel to succeed. Being passionate about finding a job in public relations is completely possible, but employers are going to be looking for only the best. In conclusion, you need to bring “it” every time you send in a resume, cover letter, or attend an interview. Your passion will be evident to the employer and could result in being selected for the position.
As with any job in communication, specifically public relations, a key aspect of employment is gaining a variety of viable experience and to repetitively practice the art.
Many entry level positions, and upper management for that matter, require a vast number of skills and knowledge of certain tasks. Thus, it is important as students to expose ourselves to these responsibilities early and gain an understanding of the nuances of work – often times public relations students can grasp basic formats and the gist of work, but little mistakes will make it appear as though your work is amateur.
Enrolling in as many internships as possible in a wide scope of organizations, non-profits and companies, will allow interns to prepare for the real-world experience. Often times, entry-level positions require internships or at least samples of published works.
I would also recommend researching various professional societies and conferences to attend. These often allow for opportunities to link with current professionals in the industry and provide connections when applying for jobs. When I attended the Online News Association in September, I connected with various professionals from outlets like the New York Times and Huffington Post. Connections with these people, and recommendations, can provide numerous opportunities for the future.
In order to get a job in public relations, or any other field for that matter it is important to gain experience and make connections as early as possible. In these economic times jobs are limited and those who are hiring want to make sure they choose the best person for the job. These people have good connections and high qualifications, something that can be hard to find in those that have just graduated college. This is why it is important to start taking internships and getting job experience before graduation.
Internships provide those without any experience in a particular job field with hands on experience that may help them decide between jobs, and will help them enhance their skills for future internships and a career later on. Nowadays, getting internships can be seen as critical, because it may help an employer decide between those who have done them and those who haven’t. The employer would most likely hire the person with the internship experience as opposed to the one without. Internships may also lead someone to meet people in the field they wish to pursue. It allows the person to get their name out there and potentially make connections that will be of importance to them in the future.
Work experience is also important when someone wants to pursue a career. Although internships look good, having previous work experience looks good as well. An employer can see what you learned and what skills you have from past jobs, and that may influence them to hire you. For example, a person who wants to get a job in the communication field may have worked in sales, but that customer service experience and their ability to interact with others could help them get a job.
In conclusion, this economy has made it difficult from recent graduates to get a job. A couple things upcoming graduates could do to improve their chances at jobs would be to do internships and to have previous job experience before applying after college. These two things can be seen as positive to a potential employer and make allow them to get jobs over those students who have not done internships or worked.
Deborah Moreland
To prepare for a job in public relations you have to have a good resume which includes internships, an established network of business people who can give you recommendations and guidance and a can-do attitude that is needed in the business world.
Everyone wants their resume to stand out and what better way for it to do that than have a number of impressive internships and jobs? I believe that the more internships a student receives and works through, the more likely they are going to be hired once they graduate. Not only will employers see that the person is well rounded and has a decent amount of knowledge about the business of public relations, but also the person will have an established work portfolio showing off just a sample of their talents. Practice makes perfect and in regards to internships, this saying really does apply. An internship shows students the working world and gives them the opportunity to put their skills into action. Also multiple internships help students experience the different types of jobs they may like and may not like. This can save students from landing a job that they know they won’t like if they have already had previous experience with it, thus leading them to a specific field of public relations that they truly have a passion for.
Not only do internships provide great work experience for students throughout their college years and especially during their junior and senior year, but internships help students establish a network of connections. For me personally I have been fortunate to have family and friends that have connections with people in my field of interest of advertising and pr, but having internships has let me personally meet professionals in the communications field. I have been able to meet marketing directors, public relations managers and others who work in both advertising and public relations. Keeping in touch with supervisors and other employees is important as they can re-hire you or recommend you for other jobs as well. Another good way of getting your name out to companies is attending networking fairs. These types of settings are meant for starting relationships and making an impression on potential employers. Giving out your business card and or resume is one way to be remembered and sending a reminder note to the person who you talked to is another way of standing out. I believe that internships are extremely crucial for being hired after graduation. Not only will students who have had internships obtain real life experience, they will also have connections they have made through the internship opportunity, which goes a long way.
While having an impressive resume is important and establishing and keeping relationships with employers is significant, having a positive, can-do attitude is what makes someone stand out to employers. When the resume has been looked at and it is time for the interviewing process to start, it all comes down to making a lasting impression. If someone has the charisma, an honest work ethic and the drive to be good in what they do, then that will stick out to the employer. Also not being afraid of rejection is another characteristic to have since with public relations it happens a lot in working with the media. It’s the persistent spirit and willingness to not let things get to you is what prepares you for a job in public relations. An impressive resume is nice, and knowing people has its benefits, but if someone does not have the attitude that employers are looking for then they will never get a second glance.
In this economy it is hard finding a job especially right after college, but I believe that if someone has the skills from internships, connections made from previous work, family or friends and the drive to be the best at any job given to them, it is possible to get hired after college. If someone makes such a good impression in an internship they had and lets the employer know they have graduated and can work full time, then the internship may turn into an actual full time job. Doing the job to the best of your ability is all you can promise a potential employer and saying that you graduated from Towson University should get you hired right away!
Everyday there is an increase of competition in the economy for college graduates. It is very important to be able to stand out from the rest of graduates looking to get the same job as you. One valuable factor in the search for employment is networking. Being able to interact with people in the field you plan on pursuing is vital. Having contacts in the industry will be able to help your career in the future.
Experience in the industry will also boost your chances of finding a career in this competitive economy. When a future employer reviews your resume, it will be beneficial to have prior experience in the public relations field. It will show that you have knowledge of specific public relations tasks that will be important in your job. Internships and previous low profile jobs would be perfect to add onto a resume to show that you had previous experience in the industry. Getting involved with clubs and organizations for public relations is another way to gain experience. At Towson University, signing up for the PR Club would be a great addition to your resume. Even joining other organizations and performing public relations tasks for them would be beneficial. For example, I am in the Italian Club at Towson and I am helping prepare the event “Notte Italiana.” I have made flyers and helped with the actual event planning itself. Any type of experience will help you in the future.
One important task that a public relations professional will need to perform for most of their careers is writing. Being able to write well is imperative.The overall job of a public relations professional is to spread news through writing. There are all different types of writing assignments related to public relations and having experience with them would be an advantage that could help you get hired for a job.
The industry is growing day by day and so is the competition. Separating yourself from the thousands of other graduates is significant. It can be the difference of you landing the job or losing it to someone else.
There are many right answers to this question, most have been posted by my fellow classmates, but after thinking about this particular question, as well as calling on past experiences of some of my friends, I believe that the best way to prepare for a job in public relations is to get an internship.
Internships incorporate skill, networking, and knowledge building all into one. Internships provide students a realistic outlook on what to expect once out of college. It offers the student the ability to apply what he or she has learned in an institutional setting (the skills) to real situations that have real outcomes based upon the student’s skill set. It is the easiest way for the student to grasp a deeper meaning of what it is he or she will be doing after graduation. Internships are also the easiest way for a student to decide if this career path is one that he or she really wants to pursue.
In an internship, the student also has the ability to network within the company, making connections with others that have similar career aspirations and goals. Because networking is a key characteristic of public relations, it is important that once the student starts the connection, he or she continues to cultivate the relationship, as it may be needed in future endeavors. Networking has the potential to open specific doors that may have been closed.
Internships also provide the student with a look at the different specialties in public relations. Once the student has made the decision as to what part of the field he or she wishes to specialize in, he or she should immerse himself or herself into it, soaking up all possible knowledge pertaining to that field, making himself or herself an expert of the subject. Just like it is vital for doctors to be up date in medical treatments, surgeries, and practices, it is just as important for the student to remain up to date with current practices in public relations.
Even though the clichéd saying is “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” I feel that it is both. It may be the “who you know” that gets the student the job, but it will the ultimately be the “what you know” that keeps the student employed.
Unfortunately I am on the tail-end of the comments so all that I planned on saying is going to be repetitive of what my classmates had previously written. However, this does not mean that it is not important! I agree with the general consensus that early experience will get you far. Even since freshman year of college my classes and extracurricular activities have heavily pushed internships. While we are all learning the necessary skills in our courses, internships allow us to apply these garnered abilities in real-life, hands-on scenarios. It should be known, however, that solely having an internship is not a guarantee ticket to being hired. Employers want to see that you have been active in your position by taking on challenges, showing results, and generally getting things done in an advantageous way to the company. Having proof of being proactive in past internship positions sets a job applicant apart from many others. Anyone can hold a job, but how many people can make a clear, positively consequential difference where they worked?
As other students before me have also mentioned, it is important that the experience one obtains through internships show a wide range of abilities. As we think about our future, it is probable that we have an idea of what sector we wish to go into. This may cause us to only take internship opportunities in certain areas, instantly ruling out all others. But what if one day you wake up and realize, for example, that B2B is your true calling instead of nonprofits? All experience from that one category thus far, while always helpful, does not necessarily show that your skills are transferable across industries. This summer I am lucky enough to be a Public Relations intern for both a fashion/lifestyle company and a local theater. These two jobs will provide different experiences for me. While doing them both at the same time may potentially be confusing and busy, I look forward to learning more about what Public Relations entails in these two fields and seeing where I seem to fit in the best.
Also as previously discussed, basic skills are needed to succeed in Public Relations. People who can write well in the English language are unfortunately far and few between, especially with the complexly lazy way society tends to communicate over technology and social media (“BRB–luv u ur the BEST!!”). Just being able to write solidly will open up many more doors for future employment. This, and other simple skills like following directions and formatting correctly will show that an applicant is professional, competent, and will no way hinder the company of future employment.
The next popular topic in the thread of answers is also one that is extremely important: networking. As an Advertising and Public Relations student who spent the past few months searching desperately for an internship, I know that contacts are extremely important. Being even vaguely connected to various professionals will without a doubt come in handy many times during the job hunting process. For example, a job position may have opened up at the firm you have always wanted to work for, and the first person who was informed about it was your dad’s bosses’ uncle, who of course knew that you were currently looking. That example is a little obscure, but not far from reality. Just think of how much easier and potentially beneficial it would be if your “dad’s bosses’ uncle” was replaced by a first-hand contact of yours. But in order to have contacts, it is important that we put ourselves out there (to use a common cliche). Be confident in yourself and friendly to others. “Connect” to people on LinkedIn that you have ever had any contact with–you never know when that connection might get you a great experience. Do not lose touch in professional friendships. And, most importantly, do not be afraid of failure. As a perfectionist, I am still learning this myself. But in terms of taking the change and leaping into networking, I have to remember that cheesy but true quote that plagues the backs of athletic t-shirts everywhere: “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” So take a deep breath, smile, and show them all what you have.
Network, network, network! The more people you know the better off you are! In this crazy economy the best way to obtain and keep a job after college is by having a solid network of connections. I learned the importance of networking while taking my very first class in public relations. My professor espoused over and over again why having a solid network of connections was crucial in this field. Almost every teacher from then one has reiterated the same concept, “know how to network and do it well”. Performing internships is a great way to network and get one’s name in the public relations field. By performing internships one can meet people in the field and learn from them. I have always been told to ask as many questions as possible; “you don’t know unless you ask”. Upon graduating I plan on using the network I have created through internships, teachers and other students in order to generate a job in the public relations field.
Another thoroughly important aspect to obtaining a job after graduation is having a solid resume. Most of the classes I’ve taken in public relations have had some sort of assignment pertaining to creating or maintaining a resume. The resume is what sets you apart from the fifty or so other people applying for the same job. If one has a strong resume they are more likely to be called in for an initial interview over someone with a relatively weak resume. This point also leads back to internships, the more internships one has on their resume the better. As one professor put it, “you have the same degree as most of the other applicants; your in-the-field experience is what sets you apart from others”.
Public relations is a sub-category of the field of communications. Naturally, being able to communicate well is critical to the public relations professional. Communicating orally and through prose is 90% of the tasks that public relations professions perform. Professor Potter has drilled into my head over and over again this semester the importance of being able to write well. Along with a resume one might be asked to submit writing samples when applying for a job. The better the samples the more likely one is to get the job.
There are many things that help recent college graduates obtain a job upon graduating. In my opinion the three most important things for obtaining a job are, knowing how to network, having a sold resume and being a great communicator.
Internships, community service projects, and campus involvement are crucial aspects to prepare yourself for public relations jobs. In this economy, a large number of people are going back to school in hopes to find a stable job. The increased number of students enrolled in school is decreasing the overall value of a college degree. Employers are looking for people who have valuable skills that are difficult to find. Potential employees have to find ways to differentiate themselves from the large number of college graduates by gaining experience, and makeable skills. A degree alone is not enough preparation for a job.
Many students ignore the benefits of campus involvement, and attending school related activities. Your experience starts with getting involved on your college campus. Campus involvement can build your resume and confidence before you apply for an internship. Students can get involved in a lot of organization on their campus with little to no prior experience. Anyone who wants to get involved on campus has the opportunity. Student organizations provide students the opportunity to gain a variety of marketable skills.
Student involvement can lead to internship opportunities. Internships can help students discover their skills, interests.
Internships can lead to full-time employment, networking opportunity, and job opportunities. Employees are looking for people who have experience within the field. I believe students should find internships, but I think gaining experience through campus resources is an easy way to gain marketable skills.
I’m a firm believer that it is all about who you know. Being able to network yourself to the right people will allow you to know he write people to to give you the opportunities when it comes to internships and getting your foot in the door. From there is can correlate to just that, internships and possibly landing a job.
It is important to take advantage of what your school has to offer whether it is networking fairs or other aspects of the career center. By following taking advantage of these can allow you to get the necessary tools to stas out from the rest.
I think the best way to prepare for securing a job after graduation is internships and real world application. Classroom environments, although highly nurturing and beneficial, are one dimensional. Taking on an internships takes you out of your desk and into unpredictable situations unlike a classroom where assignments are clearly outline in a syllabus and examples are available in a text book with plenty of time before due dates to smooth over an assignment. Internships force an individual to think critically without the aid of textbooks and take classroom assignments from a one dimensional form to three dimensional: practical application, real time assignment deadlines and projects that arise on a whim.
I believe employees are looking for people that have the ability to apply their classroom knowledge to an actual workplace environment and internships show that you have done so successfully.
As a current graduating senior who has done a lot of job searching, the most important part of preparing for a job in public relations is getting experience. No matter where you look, there is always the dreaded “3-5 years experience required.” There are always other requirements for Public Relations positions, but the experience requirement is the only one that employers pay attention to.
Everybody who has been blessed with the privilege to be educated by Les Potter does not have to worry about having the knowledge. As one of those students, I feel like I am prepared to confidently take on whatever task that is presented to me in the Public Relations world, but without experience, no employers would have cared to give me a chance.
If I had to give any type of preparation tip, it would obviously be to get as much experience as possible. Getting an internship is the best thing to ensure consideration for a public relations position after graduating. Whether the internship is paid or non-paid, long term or short term, or if it’s with a large corporation or a small business, any experience looks great.
If you are one of those people who maybe does not have that experience, the next best thing is to take your assignments from class and use them as proof that you have experience doing it in a classroom.
The next most important part is knowing why you are the perfect candidate for the position. If you have the experience and the education, but you can not present it to the employer, there’s no use in even applying for positions. Be confident and know that you have the ability to get the job done and get it done well. If you believe in yourself, you’ll make others believe in you as well.
Overall, preparing for a position in public relations will take a few years. It’s not something that is going to happen over night. Starting early is definitely the best idea. If you have enough experience, you will feel more confident explaining to future employers why you are the perfect candidate for their PR position, which is the second most important thing. College goes by faster than you think, so take advantage of every day and use your resources. Join a club, get an internship, do whatever is necessary to get that experience while you’re in school because once you’re out, you want to be in a great spot for this competitive industry.
In this economy, I think the most important thing for recent college grads looking for a job is to really just get themselves out there and network as much as possible. Whether it be through internships, social media, or networking fairs, ect. I really feel that it’s all about who you know and making connections with key people within the industry. I know from my own personal experience, I have gotten every job I have ever had through someone that I knew and most of the jobs that I have had aren’t the easiest to get into unless you know someone.
Standing out from the crowd is another big thing. With employers getting bombarded with applications and resumes more than ever, I feel like one must really stand out from other candidates. A big thing I know a lot of young people have been getting into recently is making a présumé. A présumé is a presentation that incorporates your resume. Many presentation building websites such as sliderocket.com (one of my favorites!) offer free templates to create your own presume. I highly recommend that any recent graduates seeking a job that requires you to be creative should look into making one. Here is a great example of one:
http://www.sliderocket.com/blog/2011/09/how-i-landed-my-dream-job-with-a-presume/
I agree with everyone here, being prepared is key to finding a job in PR during these hard economic times. It is important to know how to get yourself out there and network, as well. Public Relations is all about your relationships with the media so it is a good idea to get a head start on that. Research some local media outlets and some local reporters and reach out to them, just to get your name out there. You never know, you could develop a great relationship with them from there and use that to your advantage to help you stick out from your peers.
Getting an internship is also a crucial part of being prepared. It is a great way to get excellent work experience in the PR field. Employers love people with experience and the more, the better. With the help of your professors and the career center, finding an internship can be very easy! Finding an internship is also good because you never know, if they like you and you do a good job, they may even offer you a position after graduating.
Also, stay positive!! don’t get discouraged if you apply to a million places and only hear back from one or two. The right job will present itself to you at the right time and everything will work itself out!
Good luck to all my fellow seniors graduating in a couple of weeks and starting your job search!