Advice for PR Graduates

I recently responded to a LinkedIn Group post from a public relations student asking what advice we have for someone starting a career in PR. I posted a quick reply but got to thinking more about what I would tell students and recent graduates.

• Network, network, network. Join local PR organizations and meet as many PR practitioners as you can. These days if a company can fill a job opening without having to advertise the position, it saves both time and money. Also, personal referrals often carry more weight than blind resume submissions.
• Volunteer your services. Offer to volunteer with the local PR organization, or donate your services to a local nonprofit. This gets you hands-on experience and can help build up your portfolio.
• Read the news. That doesn’t mean scan the headlines on Yahoo! or CNN.com. Reading newspapers and magazines (whether in hard copy or digital form) plus relevant blogs can give you an idea of what topics are making news and what reporters cover what beats. Reading should also improve your knowledge and command of words.
• Practice writing content of different lengths and forms. PR students should already know how to write a press release, but they should also know how to write articles, editorials, letters to the editor, speeches, story pitches, interesting blog posts, and more.
• Get a copy of the Associated Press Stylebook. You certainly don’t need to memorize it, but do become familiar enough with it to look up items you have questions about.
• Proofread everything you send in to a potential employer. An errant typo could get you dismissed from consideration.
• Be open to other jobs that utilize communications skills. Chances are you’re probably not going to start with a high-profile job at a multinational PR firm. Your first job might be in corporate communications, member communications, journalism, administration, etc. Once you’ve settled in, proactively volunteer your communications skills and suggest new ideas and concepts.

Finally, I would say have patience and see where your interests and career take you. Years ago I thought I would be writing scripts for Hollywood movies and TV shows. Instead, I’ve enjoyed a rewarding career in public relations and can point to numerous projects where I helped make a positive difference for employers, clients and nonprofit organizations.