This week marked my second week interning at The Ulum Group in Eugene, Ore., a public relations agency. During this time, and over the cold, blistery winter break, I have come to a few revelations with regards to being a young professional and finding yourself in the large, competitive professional world.
1. Networking is Key
I have been told this time and time again in all my public relations classes. My professors told us repeatedly: You must network. It’s all about who you know. It wasn’t until Professor Tiffany Derville pushed us to join social networks that I had realized the reality and possibilities that come along with networking. I was able to connect with well-established PR professionals across the nation that I would not have contact with if it wasn’t for networks such as PROpenmic, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Although I have only been interning at Ulum for a few days, I have found that the staff knows more people in any industry than I could imagine. Just think of the next professional you meet: Who do they know? What can they say about you as a recommendation? The more I think about these questions the more I learn the importance of working hard and presenting yourself as such. In any position in a job, the classroom, or internships, those who are leading you pick up on those who stand out and are willing to go the extra mile. This includes getting a task done quickly and efficiently yet professionally and correctly, and always willing to tackle the task at hand. With this mindset people will recognize your abilities and determination.
2. Pick Their Brains
Well, not literally. I have found that the more professionals I talk to, the more I can feel at ease. Ask the “stupid” questions: How did you go from a college graduate to landing this job? What was the process? Who did you talk to while interning? How did you know you wanted to work here? What do you like most about your job? In asking these questions I have gained more insight into my path after graduation and the world of agency PR. Connecting with professionals around you may open many doors, back to the perks of networking. After chatting with practitioners they will get to know your true desires and personality, hopefully making them more inclined to recommend you to others.
With graduation in six, short months myself and my classmates are struggling with the thought of entering the world in a shaky economy. I feel getting to know PR professionals and practitioners may give us the leg-up in battling the odds.
Connect with me here:
twitter: http://twitter.com/afishner
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/afishner
PROpenMic: http://www.propenmic.org/profile/afishner
Ali, it’s great to hear that you’re enjoying your internship at Ulum. I’m glad to hear that you are networking and following the public relations industry closely. This will all help with the job search when you graduate.
Thanks Tiffany! Thanks for all your help last term. I hope this term is treating you well!
Ali,
These are good insights.
I got all but two of my PR/media jobs through networking. You might also consider going to some of the local PRSA meetings. These professional gatherings can be a little insular, you may feel out of place, but if you’re persistent and friendly, you can make some great contacts. As an icebreaker and as a way for others to see my work ethic, I found it helpful to get involved with committees. They are always desperate for warm bodies. I eventually became a PRSA board member in Sacramento.
These contacts are also great to have when you have a difficult work problem and need some feedback on how to handle it.
Glad to hear your internship at Ulum is going well!
Lisa
Thanks for the advice! Professor Hagley gave us some examples of landing a job through PRSA connections. I tried to make it to meetings last year, but it didn’t work out with my schedule. I will definitely look into it.