professional development

From Internship to Full-Time: How to Make the Transition Smoothly

PRSA New Pros Leave a comment

By Whitney Conaghan

Whether you’re starting your first full-time job after an internship or you’re entering the workforce in a brand-new environment, the shift from student to intern to new professional is both exciting and challenging. It marks a major milestone in your communications career, and it’s more than just a title change. With more responsibility and expectations come new challenges — including adjusting to a longer workweek, learning how to advocate for yourself and figuring out how to build lasting relationships with colleagues. 

The good news? You don’t have to have it all figured out on day one.

Here are a few practical tips to help you transition smoothly into your first full-time communications role, whether you’re in-house, at an agency, or somewhere in between. 

Embrace the learning curve

You might feel pressure to prove yourself right away, especially if you’re coming into an entry-level position with hopes of moving up. But every company and role comes with its own systems and nuances. That means you’re going to be learning a lot, and quickly.

Pay attention to how the team operates. Watch how meetings are conducted, how decisions are made and what the tone of internal collaboration is. 

Ask thoughtful questions. You won’t be expected to know everything, but you will be expected to show curiosity, attention to detail and a willingness to learn.

Shift from an intern mindset to a professional mindset

As an intern, you were probably focused on learning and supporting. As a full-time professional, you’re expected to own your work and think critically. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your value by connecting your day-to-day work to the bigger picture.

Start by being proactive. Instead of waiting for assignments, look for ways to add value. If there’s a project kickoff or a new client, volunteer to do the background research or manage timelines. If your team is short-staffed, offer to build the media list or serve as an extra set of eyes on the press release. 

Build relationships (they matter more than you think)

In communications, relationships are everything — and that includes the ones you build inside your office. The colleagues you’re working with now become your mentors, collaborators and advocates.

Reach out to coworkers for a chance to connect, especially if you don’t work with them directly or if your company has offices in multiple locations. Be a team player by asking questions about what your colleagues are working on. You’ll not only learn more, but you’ll also show that you’re invested in the success of the whole team.

Adjusting to full-time life takes time

Going from a part-time internship or college schedule to a full-time job is a big adjustment. Between longer hours, new responsibilities and the mental shift of working full-time, it’s normal to feel drained.

Give yourself some grace. Your body and brain will adjust to a new routine. In the meantime, try to stay organized with a task list or a calendar, protect time for deep focus and find ways to disconnect at the end of the day. That work-life balance everyone talks about? It starts with small habits, like taking breaks and setting boundaries around after-hours emails.

Keep growing

Your first job is just that – your first job. It’s the start of your career journey. Make time for professional development, whether that means taking a PRSA course, attending a local chapter event, or reading up on industry trends.

Pay attention to what you’re drawn to. Do you love media relations, or are you more excited about internal comms? Are you energized by the fast pace of agency life, or are you more aligned with the stability of in-house work? 

The transition from intern to full-time professional is a busy time, but it’s also one of the most exciting stages of your career. Stay curious, take initiative, ask for help when you need it and give yourself time to grow.

You don’t need to be perfect, you just need to keep learning!

About the Author

Whitney Conaghan serves as the membership chair of the PRSA New Professionals section. She graduated from the University of Oregon in 2023 and is a client services partner at dovetail solutions, a full-service communications agency in Denver, Colorado.  

How to Network as an Introvert

PRSA New Pros Leave a comment

by Jonathan Mayes

As introverts, we’ve all been there. You’re at a conference and there’s a special happy hour at the end of the day, where everyone is invited to attend and “network” after a long day of sessions. Or if you think back to your college days when a career fair is coming up and you learned that the company you’ve dreamed of working for will be there. The only problem is that you will have to network, aka talk with the recruiters. 

As an introvert, I know that it’s sometimes a struggle to even talk with my closest friends and family. Then, adding the stress of trying to impress an employer or colleague, I might as well be swimming up a creek without a paddle. 

However, having experienced these situations before, I’m here to tell you that you can do it! Even though it might sound scary, stepping out and talking to strangers will actually help you build up confidence for future interactions. 

Now, I understand you may still not feel comfortable dipping your feet into the water, so here are three tips on how to prepare and network as an introvert. 

1. Focus on one-on-one or small group settings.

Large networking mixers can feel draining, but you don’t have to attend every one to be successful. Instead, look for opportunities like coffee chats, small professional breakfasts, or niche industry meetups where conversation is easier.

If you do attend a larger event, aim to connect meaningfully with just one or two people rather than trying to work the whole room. Choose the industry or company that you most resonate with and start there. That way, you leave with strong contacts instead of shallow introductions. Once you’re in the room and feel comfortable, you can always talk to more people. 

Online networking (LinkedIn groups, industry Slack channels, alumni networks) can also be a great fit since it allows you to engage at your own pace, plus it can be written and not live chat!

2. Prepare conversation starters in advance.

Having 2–3 open-ended questions ready helps you feel less anxious about awkward silences. A few examples that you can start with include: “What brought you to this event today?” “I noticed your role involves [X]—how did you get started in that area?” “What’s been the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately?”

These questions demonstrate genuine curiosity, invite the other person to talk about themselves (which most people enjoy), and provide an opportunity to discover shared interests.

You can also prepare a short personal introduction—just a 2–3 sentence version of who you are and what you do—so you don’t feel put on the spot when it’s your turn to share.

3. Use follow-ups to your advantage.

After meeting someone, send a personalized message within a couple of days. For example, you can say: “It was great meeting you at [event]! I really enjoyed hearing about your work on [specific project/topic]. Would love to stay connected and hear more about it.”

Sharing an article, podcast, or resource related to your conversation is a simple way to add value immediately and demonstrate thoughtfulness. Additionally, this will help keep the conversation going and demonstrate to the individual you’re networking with that you’re passionate about what you discussed with them, and that you value their insight and opinion.

Finally, because introverts often excel at written communication, this step allows you to deepen the connection without requiring constant face-to-face interaction. It’s the best of both worlds, honestly! 

Bonus Tip – Be Yourself!  

A lot of times, people (and employers) value authenticity over fake personas. If you’re trying to grow with your interpersonal communication skills, explain that to whoever you’re networking with. I’ve often found that the person I’m talking to is quite surprised and impressed when I tell them that I classify myself as an introvert. That then causes them to remember me, which is never a bad thing! 

I’m going to end this blog where I started, and that is, you can do it! Oftentimes, it’s taking that first big step, or in this case, walking up and saying “Hello, my name is X,” that’s the hardest part. Having had the great opportunity to hold multiple internships during college and now two jobs post-college, I can undoubtedly say it gets better with practice. You can do it!! 

About the Author 

Jonathan Mayes is the current PRSSA Liaison and Chair Elect for PRSA’s New Professionals Section. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications and a minor in Hospitality Management. He’s currently the Social Media Coordinator at Red Roof Hotels, which is based in Columbus, OH. 

A Personal Brand: The Key to How New Professionals Rise to Leadership

PRSA New Pros Leave a comment

Having a personal brand is more than just creating a statement, it’s about your professional attitude.

This is one lesson I learned while at PRSA’s New Professionals Summit in New York City in August.

Emily Nichols-Mitchell, CEO of Accelerations Group and a certified executive coach, led an energized and interactive session titled “Create a Powerful Personal Leadership Brand to Gain Instant Credibility.”

Emily gave examples of famous personal brands, such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z and Oprah, explaining how they all have their own story of how they continue to achieve success.

She then asked us to consider what our brand story could be, such as a unique memory we have that inspires us to do what we love, and challenged us to think about how we can continue to edit our brand and use it in our professional careers.

Troy Thompson, who works at PRSA, thought the workshop proved very beneficial for everyone who attended.

“Emily’s branding workshop is ideal for professionals looking to strengthen their online presence,” Troy said. “Her sessions include best practices and examples that provide attendees with a clear road map for packaging themselves to achieve greater career success.”

Key Takeaways:

Improving your personal brand can benefit your job and online presence.
Brian Edmonds, Communications Specialist Associate at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, said, “Before Emily’s workshop, I never really paid close attention to what I wanted my brand to be or how it was being perceived. Afterwards, it was all I could think about. I now find myself considering how anything I do, whether work projects or updating my LinkedIn profile, will enhance or hurt my brand. I believe this attention to detail will be great for my career going forward.”

Ask friends what traits they would use to describe you.
“Your friends help build and personify your brand,” Emily said. She also offered recruiter tips for building an online brand, such as always editing your LinkedIn profile, broadening your network and strategizing your posts on outlets such as LinkedIn.

Everyone needs personal branding, no matter what career stage you are in.
“Employers are not only looking at your resume but how you portray yourself in conversation and online,” Hanna Porterfield, Chair of the PRSA New Professionals Section, said. “In a competitive job market, personal branding can help you stand out and provide the value you bring to a team. All new professionals should consider building a personal brand throughout their career just as they focus on building hard and soft skills within the industry.”

Jordan AppelJordan Appel is a member of PRSA and the PRSA New Professionals Section. He is an Associate at CommunicationsMatch, a New York-based start-up search engine. He is also a graduate of Rowan University. Feel free to connect with him on LinkedIn.

Twitter Chat Recap: Let’s Talk About PRSA and You

PRSA New Pros Leave a comment

Twitter Chat Recap: Let’s Talk About PRSA and You
By: Emma Finkbeiner, PRSSA Immediate Past President

Last week, PRSA New Professionals co-hosted a lively Twitter chat with PRSSA, engaging both new professionals and PRSSA members in a conversation about the transition from student to professional. Check out some of the highlights from the chat below.

@PRSSANational: Let’s kick off the chat with a question for everyone. How did you discover public relations?
https://twitter.com/PRSSANational/status/996556588503609345

@OFlynn_Emily: A1: My mom is a marketing manager in the healthcare industry. When I was in high school, she told me that she thought I’d thrive in the public relations field. Now I’m entering my senior year of college in a major I’m so passionate about! #HappyMothersDay #PRSSA
https://twitter.com/OFlynn_Emily/status/996557556595281921

@nicole_graney: A1 #PRSSA: I discovered PR with the help of a lovely mentor, @cmwooll, who took me under her wing as a high school student and showed me how I can use my writing to tell stories. She’s been helping me tell them ever since!
https://twitter.com/nicole_graney/status/996557803870441472

@robyn_rl: A1: Accidentally! My first job was at a bar/restaurant in my hometown & they decided they needed some marketing things designed & some outreach done to local organizations & media. So I volunteered & loved it #PRSSA
https://twitter.com/robyn_rl/status/996557337065377792

@PRSANewPros: New Pros: What are some of the benefits of becoming a PRSA Associate Member and joining the PRSA New Professionals Section?
https://twitter.com/PRSANewPros/status/996558349746483202

@GregRokisky: It’s such an affordable rate, it’s perfect to test the waters in the #PRSA universe…and you’ll find there’s no turning back because you’ll meet just the most wonderful colleagues, friends, mentors and people who just get you // #PRSSA #NPPRSA
https://twitter.com/GregRokisky/status/996559086861934592

@Gemrick: My favorite benefits of joining @PRSA is access to an extensive job board, and the MyPRSA and New Pros community forums that connect you to everyone in PRSA. You can ask questions, seek advice, and get help from peers and experts! #PRSSA
https://twitter.com/Gemrick/status/996559444908572672

@citygirlhanna: The greatest advantage, to me, is being able to bounce ideas off my peers. While having mentors is important, it can be very helpful early in your career to chat with those at your same level about their experiences, as all companies and industries are so different. #PRSSA
https://twitter.com/citygirlhanna/status/996559697112129537

@PRSSANational: Students: What are some of the challenges you’re facing or concerns you have as you prepare for the transition from student to professional?
https://twitter.com/PRSSANational/status/996560118438400001

@bridgetmurtha_: A3: Personally, I have learned so much in all my classes as a student but I am nervous about applying what I have learned about the field when becoming a professional. Overall, practice makes perfect & in order to grow within PR, I will have to try! #PRSSA
https://twitter.com/bridgetmurtha_/status/996560664926842880

@adcook22: A3: How to continue setting achievable goals at the start of your career! “Get a job”, “graduate” or “work in x area” of PR were almost automatic as undergrads, but starting your career is a path that’s much more personalized  #PRSSA
https://twitter.com/adcook22/status/996561139625615360

@Marissa_218: As I enter my senior year of undergrad, I am confident in my PR abilities but the job search/find process is very intimidating! #PRSSA
https://twitter.com/Marissa_218/status/996560671277043712

@PRSANewPros: New Pros: How did PRSA and the New Professionals Section help you smoothly transition from student to professional?
https://twitter.com/PRSANewPros/status/996561872718528514

@KayAnnePR: NP Answer: One of the greatest benefits of joining @PRSA for me is that I was able to continue the relationships I made in #PRSSA.
https://twitter.com/KayAnnePR/status/996562926701043713

@efink101: It provided me with a network of peers that are going through the same things as me, so we can relate, but also a network of mentors who want to lift up new professionals. It kept me engaged in the profession beyond my job. #PRSSA
https://twitter.com/efink101/status/996563796377432070

@Gemrick: I can confidently say that @PRSA and New Pros helped my transition feel seamless. During my last year of undergrad, I was heavily involved with my local PRSA chapter, and attended as many events as possible. (Come through student pricing!) #PRSSA
https://twitter.com/Gemrick/status/996564005882867714

@PRSSANational: Students: How could PRSA and the New Professionals best assist you in your transition to the profession and the professional Society?
https://twitter.com/PRSSANational/status/996563682208501760

@KEW_photo: Any help is needed and appreciated!  I loved @PRSAChicagoYPN event with the recruiters this was really eye opening that it is important to work with professionals who specialize in the job hunt #prssa
https://twitter.com/KEW_photo/status/996564406145204224

@nicole_tobias32: I think having a new professionals mixer hosted by your local PRSA Chapter would be a great way to connect with others who are in the same boat with you! Especially if someone has moved from out of state to work in your area! #PRSSA
https://twitter.com/nicole_tobias32/status/996564589222428672

@AllisonMellor: I would love to see local #PRSA representatives at #PRSSA chapter meetings! This would be the perfect time to hear more about membership benefits and new industry trends.
https://twitter.com/AllisonMellor/status/996565848566386688

@PRSANewPros: New Pros: What are the best ways to get involved when first joining a local PRSA Chapter?
https://twitter.com/PRSANewPros/status/996565396114300929

@KirkHazlett: Not exactly a “New” Pro, but…get involved! Volunteer to serve on a committee. Help with event promotion or at the registration table. Be there. Be seen. Become a resource. @CCPRSA @USFPRSSA @utprssa @PRSATampaBay #prssa
https://twitter.com/KirkHazlett/status/996565781885411328

@GregRokisky: Ask! I met with a few local board members I’d developed relationships with and others I didn’t yet know and, it turned out, there was a need for a chair for the @PACEAwards—our local awards! No one else wanted it, so I said yes. Even as a new pro, you have skills! #PRSSA #NPPRSA
https://twitter.com/GregRokisky/status/996566119103246336

@efink101: 1) See if there is a Young Professionals Network. 2) See if there are any committees or subcommittees you can join and help out with. 3) Offer to be a liaison to the #PRSA Chapter’s #PRSSA Sponsor Chapter(s).
https://twitter.com/efink101/status/996566487572893701

@PRSSANational: Students: What other questions do you have about joining PRSA, the New Professionals Section or launching your career?
https://twitter.com/PRSSANational/status/996567213044895748

@EmilyZekonis: If you could go back in time and take one class you missed out on to help you in your PR career what would it be? #prssa
https://twitter.com/EmilyZekonis/status/996567261447114752

@alyssamurt: As an upcoming senior, I think it is always beneficial to hear how new (and old!) pros got their first job. Any tips are much appreciated! #PRSSA
https://twitter.com/alyssamurt/status/996567487281090562

@Ashleigh_K_W: What certifications or hard technical skills could students learn to gain an edge? We know writing is a must, but are there any programs we should be studying? Muckrack? Sysomos? #PRSSA
https://twitter.com/Ashleigh_K_W/status/996568287390715904

@ambewelch: Some of us new grads don’t have jobs or internships lined up fresh out of college, what advice for new pros that are struggling to find employment? How should they stay motivated through their job search?  #PRSSA
https://twitter.com/ambewelch/status/996569255968690176

@PRSANewPros: New Pros: What is your best post-grad tip for success during your first year as a new professional?
https://twitter.com/PRSANewPros/status/996568919434547200

@JaCeyLynn_Y: Work hard and try to make a name for yourself. If you see an opportunity, don’t hesitate to take it. Also, don’t forget your organization skills you acquired in school. #PRSSA
https://twitter.com/JaCeyLynn_Y/status/996569597431156736

@sarahgdougherty: Late to the party! I’d say take things in stride and have a good attitude. Things may not come naturally at first, but bringing a positive outlook to the table and being willing to work hard and try new things will set you up for success and make you a go-to on your team #PRSSA
https://twitter.com/sarahgdougherty/status/996570480340537345

@GregRokisky: There’s a small window, even as a new pro, where you have the free time. Take advantage and say yes to as much as you can handle and figure out where you fit—the more you move up the less time for those things you have! #PRSSA
https://twitter.com/GregRokisky/status/996569316819718144

@efink101: For me personally, be resilient and don’t take things personally is my best advice. Starting a new job and becoming a professional rather than a student is sometimes difficult, but if you work hard and show your value, you’ll be fine. #PRSSA
https://twitter.com/efink101/status/996570879080484865

Thank you to everyone who participated in this chat. The conversation doesn’t have to end here! Students, feel free to reach out to members of the PRSA New Professionals Section any time with questions about transitioning from PRSSA to PRSA. And don’t forget, when you transition from PRSSA to PRSA Associate Membership, you can join for free using code AM18.

3 Ways to Avoid ‘The Grind’ in 2016

Ashleigh Mavros Leave a comment

3 Ways to Avoid 'The Grind' in 2016People are creatures of habit, and as such, it’s easy to have the “don’t fix it if it ain’t broken” attitude. But the truth is, that attitude doesn’t foster growth. In order to stand out and avoid “the grind” at work, new PR pros need to think creatively and pursue opportunities to improve. Here are a few simple things you can do to get started in 2016:

Develop, Sharpen and Show Off Other Skills

If you’re working in PR, there’s a good chance that your job is writing-intensive in one way or another. I think writing’s great – in fact, I’m doing it right now for fun – but there are so many additional skills you can develop to make yourself a more versatile and valuable employee. For example, if you have a working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, you should look for opportunities at work to utilize that. Talk with your supervisor and explore ways to not only develop new skills, but also use and improve the ones you already have.

Proactively Search for Ways to Improve the Company

New PR pros may be handed a few projects that really allow them to take ownership. It feels great to lead a project or two, but don’t limit yourself. Really take a look around and consider what else within the company could be improved. Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your thoughts with your team. Sharing these thoughts provides great opportunities to show your value and make meaningful contributions.

Find a Mentor

A little guidance from someone who has been there, done that as a PR pro is often helpful. A mentor is someone you can brainstorm with; someone who is both a role model and a professional friend. Establishing this relationship with someone who has more professional experience is hugely beneficial. You’ll have their guidance and advice on ways that you can stand out, put your best foot forward and overcome the challenges you encounter in the workplace.

With 2015 wrapping up already (I know, I can’t believe it either), now is a great time to switch up your professional game plan and make some positive changes. Getting comfortable and sticking to a routine feels safe because you know what to expect, but you will find that it’s far more valuable to step outside your comfort zone a bit. Go for it and make 2016 your best year yet as a PR pro!  

Jeff-200x300Jeff Adkins is a public relations associate for Henry Ford Hospital and Health Network in Detroit, Michigan. An active member of PRSA Detroit, Jeff enjoys connecting with fellow PR pros and seeking out new professional experiences. He obtained his Bachelor’s in Public Relations in 2014 from Wayne State University (WSU), where he was a member of the WSU PRSSA executive board and a peer mentor for students entering the PR program. In his free time, Jeff enjoys being active outdoors and volunteers as a PR officer with Portal Paranormal Society. Feel free to connect with him on Twitterand LinkedIn.