LinkedIn For Dummies

By: Natalie Campbell

Before college I never paid much attention to what LinkedIn was, and potentially what it has to offer. It turns out it’s not just for top executives or old people with briefcases. It’s time to transition from campus to career, and the amount of college students looking for a job is bigger than ever. Anything you can do to differentiate yourself from the rest is important. A complete and clean LinkedIn profile can help you do just that.

LinkedIn can help you:

1.     Showcase Yourself

Show people who you are and where you come from. Your profile is equivalent to an online resume although, unlike a paper copy, you have no control over when or who sees it.  Pretend someone is always looking, and make sure you keep your profile clean and up-to-date. This means you should have a concise profile summary, similar to what your cover letter would look like. Be detailed but keep it simple. No one wants to read a lengthy bio, so make it short and straight to the point. Show that you are confident about your qualifications and personal goals by including actual examples of your work to show employers what you can produce. After you have created a thorough LinkedIn profile, it’s time to use this business-oriented site for what it’s made for.

2.     Get Found

It’s not necessarily always about what you know, but who you know. In today’s job market, it’s all about networking and making connections. To start out, invite people you know and trust such as your friends, family, former colleges and even current co-workers. As you build connections, try and customize your requests with a little personal note on why you want to connect. Joining groups on LinkedIn can help you branch out and form new connections as well. Reach out to alumni from your school in similar career fields for advice in their profession. Get social proof of your skills and talents and let others recommend and endorse you. After you’ve built up a strong network base, you can start job-hunting or seeking a desired internship.

3.     Start Applying

After you’ve tailored your profile to its upmost perfection, it’s time to look for your ideal job. There’s no better place to launch your career than LinkedIn. Do your research and visit different organization’s company pages. Don’t be shy, join groups that intrigue you, diversify yourself. Make sure your profile has a good, professional picture of you. This is a critical aspect to making a good first impression. Be sure to review your recommendations. Try to get your foot in the door and access experts in your area of interest. Also, inbox recruiters to help you find what job applicants they’re looking for. Remember, your profile is essentially your resume that never sleeps and it should scream, “Hire me!” So, stand out, be active and leverage this amazing social network. 

The PR Student Guide to an Organized Life

By: Madison Hutton

Winter break is your time for a fresh start. Finals are over, meetings have ended and now it is finally your time to get your life back in order. My personal recommendation is that you take a few days to yourself. Read a book, runaway to a coffee shop for a day and just listen to music, spend the day in bed with your favorite movies and chocolate, whatever it is, do it. Then, after you’ve rejuvenated yourself and slept for hours, it’s time to get your life back. Follow this fresh start guide and you’ll come back the professional you always knew you could be.

Step 1: Coffee

Not just a cup, you need the whole pot. Coffee will be your partner in crime, cheering you on through this process. So, grab the biggest cup you have and start drinking, it’s going to be long day.

Step 2: New Semester New You

Take everything out of your back pack/professional bag. All of your papers, folders, books and notecards and start sorting. Get rid of what you really don’t need and store the important things (portfolio pieces, notes about PR, etc.) in one central place.

Step 3: Get Yourself a Planner

If you already have one, you’re one step ahead! If you have yet to get one, go to the store right now and pick one out. Get one with a fun color or design, that way you already love it.

Step 4: Start Writing!

This will be the most important step. Grab colorful pens and open up your planner. For each task, chose a different color, this will help you remember your schedule better. Next, start writing:

1.)   Classes first. Pull up your schedule and start writing in room numbers, class number and class time.

2.)   Write meetings. Committee meetings, organization meetings and work meetings. Write them all in and put stars next to them so you will remind yourself how important they are.

3.)   Check each class syllabus for exam dates. If you write them in early, you won’t have any “oh no we have an exam today?!” moments.

4.)   Schedule yourself time to do professional development tasks every day. For example, resume touch-ups, website building and portfolio organizing.

Step 5: You’re Almost There!

Now that you have a clean back pack, a beautifully color coded planner and more caffine in your system than you can handle, it’s time for the final step, your portfolio. I know, I know, portfolios are a scary concept we all know we need to do but just cant quite get around to doing it. Now is the time, whether you’re a freshman or a senior, it’s important to get your pieces together. Start organizing your portfolio pieces into specific categories in a binder. This binder will begin to grow and before you know it, you’re officially a professional PR student with their life together.

Let's Talk About Mental Health

By: Dana Blankenship 

Mental health. Something I know little about, but am extremely interested in. Mental health is captivating in the fact that a large number of college students, 1 in 5, suffer from some sort it. 20 percent! 20 percent of college students suffer from mental health, the largest percentage of students ever in the United States.

What is mental health? I have no idea. Sure, it is depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, but I do not know how to recognize it. I think that is the scariest part about mental health; it is a silent disease. By the sound of it, I don’t think many other college students know how to recognize it either. College students also assume that there is this negative stigma around mental health; that if you have anxiety or depression you are suddenly a weak student and person.

What can we do about mental health? It is always a good idea to take a step back and evaluate the situation. Sure, this may not work for everyone, but it is good to remember that we are not alone. I have a test tomorrow, but so do 29 other CMU students. I have a to present a research project next week, but that is along with the rest of my COM 362 classmates. Others recommend doing something off task that could help you refocus. If you have time, take a walk around your town. If you can draw, sketch what you are feeling. Some universities even bring ‘stress animals’ to their campuses in an effort to help students relax. Hey, I understand, if I play with a puppy for ten minutes I guarantee that I would feel better that I felt before.

If none of the above work for you, it is always good to remember there are external resources that you can reach out to. I will use my school, Central Michigan University as an example. Started more than 20 years ago, CMU implemented the Take Care system that provides counseling and help to any CMU student. If you notice that one of your friends is acting different, seemingly depressed or stressed, you can call the Take Care staff that will then intervene as a third party. Their job is to provide resources and options to this student, anything to relieve their mental stress. Take Care can recommend counseling sessions, locate local police for you, find academic tutoring and advising or help with any sort of student problem. Even if you don’t want to directly get involved, you can anonymously call about a friend who needs help. I’m sure other universities have programs similar to this, all in the interest of student welfare and mental health.

I have seen many friends fight the battle with mental health and I know it is not an easy war. I don’t wish it on anyone. Students think that no one else has these problems, so why should they? They think of it as a sign of weakness. It’s not, and that is a lame response. Anxiety, depression, trauma, stress only get the best of you when students don’t seek the help they need.

I encourage everyone to take action, whether it is prevention or empowerment for your mental health. Know that you have the resources to back you up and that you can make the best of any situation.

Blab or Periscope?

By Orrin Shawl

Tell me I have no life, but the highlight of my summer was being able to watch my favorite podcasters make their show live on my phone. By using both Blab and Periscope, I was able to sit back, relax and enjoy multiple podcasts.

Periscope is a mobile app that provides live broadcasts from a mobile device. The broadcast can be replayed multiple times, but is only available for a limited time period. Periscope displays live comments from viewers and sessions you “like” can automatically be tweeted to your account.

Blab is also a mobile app that provides live broadcasts. It broadcasts up to four people talking at the same time, which usually requires a host with other users calling in. This app also allows you to view conversations at a later time. 

That all being said, here are how the two apps differ from each other:

1) Topics

Whenever I go to the home screen for Blab, it’s all too easy for me to find streams about topics relating to public relations such as hashtags, blogging tips, small business marketing and news recaps.

Periscope feeds mostly seem to be random people laying on their beds and chatting with their watchers about their lives. I’ve also seen reporters use it for meetings. It’s not as focused to one certain topic like blab is.

2) Social Media

Basically, Blab is the live-streaming version of LinkedIn and Periscope is like Facebook in its early days.

Since I monitor my Twitter often, the people I follow who use Periscope automatically have tweets sent out announcing they’re using it. Blab doesn’t have that, and it’s harder for me to tell when my favorite people are using it. However, Blab keeps their streams available to watch for a much later time than Periscope, which only has their replay streams up for about a day before it disappears (like Snapchat).

3) Function

To me, Blab is much better when it comes to networking with professionals. You can go to their website (blab.im) or go on the app and see several discussions about several business-related topics. However, Blab streams have frozen up on me way fewer times than Periscope.

As far as I could tell, Periscope had been around since June, where Blab (still in its Beta phase) has been around since September. Blab has similarities to Periscope with a major exception of more than one live stream being able to appear on the same screen like Google Hangouts.

Periscope may not be taken as seriously as Blab when it comes to professional conversations, but the heart floating up the side of their stream like chimney smoke is a nice touch.

PRSSA National Conference

By: Jennifer Eskridge

As a new member of PRSSA, I am determined to make the most out of what this organization has to offer. To me, this included making the journey to Atlanta at the beginning of this month for PRSSA National Conference. This conference was a great learning experience as it introduced me to the professional world, as well as the fascinating experiences that conferences can hold. Here is a list of the top five lessons I learned while attending conference!

1.     Don’t be afraid to be alone.

Now I’m not saying it’s a smart idea to wander around an unknown city alone. By this I mean go to the speakers YOU want to listen to regardless if anyone else from your group wants to. My favorite and most fulfilling sessions I attended were the two I went to by myself. Not only did I get to learn from the professionals that interested me, but it gave me the chance to network with students from other chapters.

2.     Everyone wants to network.

As future public relations professionals, we are entering a world where everyone wants to know everyone. As a student, I found it intimidating to speak with the PRSA professionals when in fact, they absolutely loved getting the chance to share their experiences with students.

3.     Dress the part.

The biggest and most helpful step in preparation for this conference I took was investing in a suit. Each morning I woke up and suited up for the day. I left my room feeling confident and ready to network!

4.     Bring business cards.

Unfortunately, I did not bring any business cards with me this trip and it something I regret. I still found it possible to network and make connections without business cards, but they serve as that simple reminder of you after the conversation has ended.

5.     Take time to have fun!

During my time in Atlanta I was able to learn so much and network with many of my peers, but some of my favorite memories happened outside of the hotel walls. When you attend conferences the main goal is to learn, but getting the chance to explore a new city is all a part of the experience! Even if it means getting caught in the rain.

Jetlag

By: Alexandria Haymaker 

So you’ve finally finished college, and what a ride it was! You hop out into the proverbial real world, and you realize how lost you really are. Don’t worry. Everyone gets that feeling of jetlag. Here are some dos and don’ts to give you some direction and reassurance. 

1. Don’t stress about not knowing the future. It’s okay to have an idea of what you want to do, but make sure that you are flexible enough to seize opportunities that become available. 

2. Don’t be discouraged by your first paycheck. Of course, make sure that you can make ends meet, but realize as well that your first job is just a stepping stone in your career path. 

3. Don’t be “that guy.” Build your personal brand. Don’t be the one people are talking about behind their back. Do your work. Do it right. Always do your best on the little things, and the big things will come much easier. 

4. Do make the most of your opportunities. Be a rock star with the opportunities you are given, especially the ones that will look good on a resume. Always give them your all, and make sure you nail it. 

5. Do network. It’s easy to say-not easy to do, but seriously, network. Don’t wait for a position to come available before you start talking to someone from the company you are interested in working for. Proactively network within an organization. Reach out and ask for a 15-minute phone conversation. Ask questions about their job and what they do. It’s flattering, and they will almost never say no. 

6. Don’t ask for something the first time you network with someone. Develop a relationship. People are more likely to do favors for someone they know. No one wants to help someone that comes to them with their hand out. 

7. Don’t think you’ll have your dream job right off the bat. You might look around and see some of the people you graduate living the dream. Always remember that they are the exception-not the rule. Work hard, and you will end up in a job that you enjoy too. 

8. Do ask questions. Ask questions without being needy. Yes, make sure the things you do are done right, but try not to be running in and out of your supervisor’s office. Make a list of questions and kill three or four birds with one stone. It makes work run more smoothly for everyone.

Dress To Impress

By: Natalie Campbell 

As many of us college students know, at one point or another in our lives there comes a time when you will have an interview for the job of your dreams. Interviews are all about first impressions and marketing yourself. With that being said, the outfit you wear to an interview is one of the most crucial aspects of defining who you are. Whether you’re worth the position you’re applying for or not, you better dress like it. You may not be remembered for how well you dressed but surely you can be negatively remembered for how bad you looked. Avoid this obstacle and dress to get hired. Many jobs may have more of a casual dress code but remember you don’t have the job yet so it’s better to be overdressed then underdressed. 

For Men

It is reccommended that men wear a matching 2-piece suit colored suit. A navy or dark grey work well with a long sleeve collared shirt, preferably white or other neutral colors. A tie is also important, and most of the time required. Try and stick with a solid color, but don’t go overboard with a pattern or loud print. Shoes should be dark leather (clean and polished) worn with equally dark socks that are tall enough to cover the ankles. Belts typically coincide with the shoes, so find a leather belt that is similar to the color of your shoes. It’s important to try on your outfit the night before to be sure everything fits appropriately.  Make sure you iron out any visible wrinkles for the best possible look.

For Women

A woman’s look is a little more complex compared to a man’s. You can either wear a suit jacket or a blazer. Both go hand in hand, but a suit jacket tends to be more formal. With either choice in mind, try to aim for a navy, dark grey or even black. Either option can be paired with a blouse, preferably collared. Look for a shirt with a neckline more on the high side. You never want to show too much skin. Transparent blouses are completely unacceptable! As for a skirt, it should be just past the knees and long enough to comfortably sit down in.  Consider wearing pantyhose for more of a professional look. As for shoes, you should wear close-toed heels/pumps with a conservative height, no higher than 2 ½ inches. Lastly, you can accessorize with simple jewelry such as accent studs or pearls. You could even throw in a fitted watch as long as its color coordinates. Try and avoid hoops and bangles or anything that can jingle as it may annoy interviewer.

Research shows it only takes six seconds for an employer to look at your resume to decide if you’re a viable candidate. It takes even less than that for someone to judge your appearance, so it’s important to dress for the job you want. Some more things to consider when dressing for an interview are to cover any visible tattoos and remove any facial piercings you may have. Depending on what a company may permit, it’s better to come in with a cleaner look.

Redoing Your Resume

By: Dana Blankenship

With the Internship Fair coming up, there is one thing that will set you apart from other students: your resume. If you’re like me, you don’t really like to update your resume and tend to prolong the entire process, which is generally a bad idea. So, in times like this, rebuilding your resume doesn’t have to be so hard. Here are some tips that will help you make your resume stand out.

Put School Information on Your Resume

Some businesses don’t appreciate your school information (GPA, major, minor), but at the end of the day you are a student. Sure, you shouldn’t have it on your resume two years after graduating, but it’s appropriate to have school information on your resume now.

Make Bullet Points Achievement Oriented

At the end of the day, recruiters want to see what you have accomplished in your various positions. That being said, make your bullet points achievement oriented to show how your contributions made a valuable impact on your organization. Recruiters also appreciate seeing detailed numbers as a way of tracking your achievements in your results oriented bullet points.

Don’t Over-Design

It is becoming more and more popular to use InDesign to create your resume. This is a great tool and trend, but remember not to over-design your resume. It can be fun and engaging, but recruiters only look at your resume for 15-30 seconds, and if they are overwhelmed by design you can bet they will toss your resume right into the trash. Show your design talents in your portfolio or on a personal website instead.

EDIT, EDIT, EDIT

Always have multiple friends, classmates or mentors look over your resume. You don’t want to be caught with a misspelled word or incorrect title, and if you ask your friends to give your resume a look it can be avoided. Recruiters see hundreds of resumes for potential internships, and a mistake is one of the easiest things to cast a resume off for.

To make your resume stand out, I also suggest using thicker paper to print it on. This is an old trick, but one that has captured internships for students before, and it can work for you.

Good luck in the future when trying to get internships! You can do it.

How To Succeed in Public Relations as an Introvert

By: Elise Hubel

Public relations is one of the most social fields there is. I mean, it has public in the name! As a profession that requires more talking and more interactions than most, it is easy to assume that every public relations professional is an extreme extrovert. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Just like in the real world, public relations consists of both extroverts and introverts. Now you may be thinking, how on earth does an introvert succeed in a field that requires so much human interaction? The answer is, there are many ways for an introvert to fit in and be successful in the field of PR. Introverted people have many traits that are highly beneficial as a public relations professional.

INTROVERTS HAVE HIGH CONCENTRATION SKILLS

Often times, a PR profession will handle numerous clients all at one time. This juggling of various activities can often be overwhelming. With so many different tasks, all based on different client needs, it is important that those in public relations are able to concentrate on each task at hand, while still maintaining all deadlines. Introverts are often known for their high concentration skills. Because of their tendencies to think more than they speak, those considered to be introverted are able to concentrate on each task at hand, while simultaneously juggling numerous tasks. These increased abilities to concentrate, allow introverted individuals to excel in the PR world by allowing them to handle the many tasks needed as a PR professional.

INTROVERTS THINK BEFORE SPEAKING/ACTING

Introverts are often stuck inside their own heads. Rather than candidly speaking or behaving, as their extroverted colleagues may, introverted people will thoroughly consider their words or actions before sharing with others. In a world as public as PR, this trait can be highly rewarding. Any work produced for public relations will be shown to hundreds, if not thousands of people. Whether press release, a new campaign or simply a social media post, all work done by a PR professional will be seen by the public. An introverts tendency to carefully plan his/her actions ensures that all produced work will be professional and up to the client’s expectations.

INTROVERTS ARE COMMITTED TO GOALS

Public relations is all about achieving goals. Whether the goal is to make a client appear better to the public, to increase Twitter followers or to create more awareness of a new campaign, every task in public relations requires a concrete mission. Once a measurable outcome is set, a PR professional does all they can to achieve it. Commitment to goals is a major introvert trait. Regardless of the desired outcome, individuals considered introverted will do whatever it takes to ensure their goals are met. This innate need to accomplish his/her objectives makes an introverted PR professional an asset to any organization, as he/she is certain to work as hard as possible toward his/her desired outcome.  

Fall In Love with Starbucks Promotions

By: Madison Hutton 

Although Summer has ended much too quickly, we now get to enjoy the comfort of a hot cup of coffee along with the inviting colors of the fall leaves. And you have to admit, there truly is nothing better than a hot cup of coffee on a cool autumn morning.

Say your bittersweet farewell to Summer and move on to autumn with the help of Starbucks. They introduced their first new autumn espresso in four years- Toasted Graham Latte. The sweet cream of the latte and cinnamon graham cracker crumbles to top it off creates a savory drink you will want to take with you into every season.

But, let’s put a spotlight on the marketing and promotion used for this tasty treat. Besides creating a sidekick for the Pumpkin Spice Latte, Starbucks is promoting their drink with a limited edition cup design for fall. When Jimmy Balch, senior designer for Starbucks, decorated the famous white cup, he had no idea it would become such a sensation.

Balch created a design that would become a fall staple. The Toasted Graham Latte was given the limited edition cup as it’s promotion tool to kick off the start of fall with a design that gets you in the mood for the falling leaves to come. In doing this, Starbucks essentially created a fall campaign that customers won’t want to end.

Now, I have one final task for you after reading this. Engage in the world of promotions and try a delicious Starbucks Toasted Graham Latte. I know, it’s a step out of your comfort zone for most of you Pumpkin Spice fans. However, fall is about change, so I challenge you to try the new delectable drink while admiring its beautiful cup design.

Also, feel free to comment and let us know what you thought of the new latte.

I Can't Even

By: Alex Haymaker 

I know what you’re thinking.  Scary, isn’t it? You are thinking, “I wish I were as talented as ________.” “____________ has way more experience than I do.” “__________ is so good at graphic design, and I can’t even draw a circle.” Been there. Done that. Let me tell you from experience that it’s all trash, so throw it away right now. 

Starting out in the PR program can be overwhelming and even completely defeating at times.  It seems like all you hear are people talking about how they had three or four internships before they graduated.  Your classmates are complaining that they have to take things off their resume’ while you’re still trying to find things to fill yours. 

Instinctively, you see people who are “at the top,” and you paint a picture in your mind of PR gods that write press releases while sleeping and plan flawless events when they sneeze.  Well, I’m here today with some earth shattering news. The people that you look up to are not perfect, and they are certainly no better than you.  They have the same struggles with confidence.  They don’t have their entire lives figured out.  I’m not kidding.

That being said, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1.  You have something they don’t. PR is about teamwork, and you have great things to offer. No one can be a master of everything, and you have something valuable.  Find your strengths, and don’t be afraid to utilize them. 
2.  You need help.  Without a doubt, you will notice your own weaknesses.  Find someone that is talented in an area that you lack understanding or ability, and build your skills.  Ask for help.  It shows strength, not weakness.
3. You should do stuff.  Put your skills to practice and work to improve yourself.  You can only do this by choosing to get involved.  Real world experience yields real world results.

My point is this: stop putting yourself down.  You have the ability to do great things, and with the desire to learn, grow and get involved, you will do just that.  

So You Need An Internship...

By Bre Moore

Hi there! If you’re reading this post chances are you are starting the process of applying for an internship, or you’re my mom and dad. Internship searching can be a long, emotional process, but it is a requirement if you are an IPR student at CMU. I have spent the past three months interning at an agency in New York City and have learned many valuable life lessons since the beginning of my internship process. For all of you undergrads that are beginning your process, especially those who are looking out of state, please read and consider carefully. For mom and dad, here are some things I have learned—It was worth every penny! Without further ado, here is my “Six Things to Consider When Applying For An Out Of State Internship” list:

1.     Apply Where You “Think” You Want to Live Post Graduation

If you think you want to move out of the state post graduation, I highly advise you to apply for an internship in a city you’re considering living in. An internship can teach you valuable lessons, but living in your “ideal” city can teach you even more. You’ll learn about the culture, pace, expenses, how people interact and what upcoming competition you may have in that location. You may love the place you want to live and be eager to move back, or you may consider applying somewhere different after graduation.

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2.     If You Don’t See An Application, Shoot An Email

Not every internship you want is going to have an application. If you have your heart set on one, and they don’t have any applications open, email them! This shows them that you’re passionate about the position, and you may just get that much closer to an interview. I can say this based on first hand experience!

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3.     Set Up An Informational Interview

Informational interviews are a great way to get more insight on a company. If you are applying out of state at a company you haven’t heard of before, having a short phone call or Skype conversation can really give you an idea of if it is what you are looking for. Most businesses are willing to set aside a half-hour to talk about themselves. In addition, you are getting your name out there and can begin to sell yourself before you actually apply!

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4.     Have Accessible Versions of Your Portfolio Pieces

Due to the fact that your interview is probably not going to be in person, have easily accessible versions of your portfolio pieces ready to send over via email. Before or during a phone interview, they may ask you to email them a writing sample once you hang up the phone. It is also convenient to have an online portfolio with your resume and pieces on there! That way your potential employer can look at your work during the interview.

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5.     Dress Up for Phone Interviews

Dressing up has been proven to make you seem more prepared for an interview rather than sitting in bed in your PJ’s. You will be more awake, quicker to answer and it will overall boost your self esteem resulting in a better interview. Even though the employer won’t be able to see you, your subconscious will kick in and make you interview better.

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6.     Go outside your comfort zone.

Taking a risk and going your comfort zone may be the best thing to ever happen to you. Take a vacation to apply to places in person, move hundreds of miles away or start completely over somewhere new. Just do something you typically would be hesitant to do. Employers like people who are willing to go above and beyond. Even if you are the shyest person in the world, push yourself to stand out in a pile of resumes. The worst they can do is say no!

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Take Away Tips From Dow Chemical

   By: Madison Hutton

   Resume Tips

• Your Resume is your ticket to an interview
• If you include an objective/summary, stay away from generic text
• Use the top line in your resume to show how you would bring value to the company
• Use powerful active verbs in your resume such as, Manage, Direct, Increase, Improve, and Lead
• Highlight how your skills will benefit the potential employer
• Show company knowledge in your intro email or cover letter
• Don’t focus on your shortcomings. Avoid phrases like “although I don’t have much experience”
• Highlight your accomplishments not just your job description
• Ask yourself “so what” when you write your resume
•  LinkedIn should have all jobs that are listed on resume
• Social Media expert: always put most up to date analytics
• Employer needs to be able to see key highlights in 30 seconds or less
• Showcase your skills in portfolio or on personal website
• Resume should only be one page maximum

Interviewing Tips

• Take a moment the night before to think about stories and examples from everything you’ve accomplished
• Always overdress
• Match handshake
• Exude confidence through your verbal and non-verbal language
• End sentences very strong
• Impress the interviewer. Always stand out.
• Use the equation: WAIT + DETERMINE + ANSWER +SUPPORT +STOP
• Always take a breath/pause and determine your answer
• Eliminate the word “just” from the interview process
• NEVER bring up salary
• Always send a follow up note

Discover Your Passion, Expand Your Network

By: Halle Sobczak  

Give yourself a huge pat on the back because if you’re reading this blog right now, I’m going to make the assumption that you have probably joined or are considering joining CMU PRSSA. For that, I say congratulations! You have officially taken a huge step towards being ahead of your classmates when it comes to preparing yourself for the future. So many students simply attend classes with the hopes that it will be enough to land them an internship or a job in the future, but I am here to tell you that is not the case.

They are not exaggerating when they tell you that experience outside of the classroom is crucial to your success in this industry.

Now that you have joined PRSSA, my biggest piece of advice is to find another related organization to become involved in outside of PRSSA. Find a club, RSO or organization that ignites a flame within you. Discover your burning passion and then figure out how you can combine that with PR. Find out what it is that makes your eyes light up because that right there is what is going to make you diverse, it is what is going to make you stand out from your peers and most importantly it is what is going to make you happy.

Aside from the benefit of discovering a new passion, you will also find that being involved in another student organization outside of PRSSA will provide you with a whole new network of peers. Having a network within the PR industry is huge, but I would argue that it is equally as important to have a diverse and extended network beyond your industry.

It’s a cliché and I know it. You don’t have to tell me twice. Regardless of how many times you have heard it before, however, a new school year really is as close as you will get to a fresh start (aside from New Years Eve). So this is my challenge for you. Discover a new hobby or passion. Expand your horizons and create a new network. Most importantly, expand your interests and involvements so that you are able to further who you are as an individual, as well as a professional this year.