New Professional Advice

New Pros Survival Guide: Hard Choices Leading To A Better Career

Lauren Gray Leave a comment

This is a re-post from PRSA’s blog PRSAY. As previously featured…

Most public relations graduates exit college somewhat overwhelmed by the myriad decisions they are faced with – which city to move to; should they work for an agency, boutique or corporate; what field of PR should they practice; etc…

The options might seem endless.

Now-What

For some, whether or not to join PRSA might be among the choices they’ll need to make. While the path to professional development and career growth often leads to PRSA, membership isn’t always part of the immediate career plan for young PR professionals – as Heather Sliwinski mentioned in the first installment of our New Pros Survival Guide – for others, especially PRSSA members, the transition to PRSA is anticipated and for a few it is already predetermined.

Lauren K. Gray, PRSSA Immediate Past President (until recently) and PRSA New Professionals Section Blog Co-Chair, discusses her unique path from PRSSA to PRSA and offers some advice for new pros making the transition from student to professional. She also adds a few career tips to your New Pros Survival Guide.

Q. How did your involvement in PRSSA affect your decision to join PRSA?

Lauren Gray: My situation was a little different in joining PRSA because I was technically still a PRSSA member. As the Immediate Past President for the PRSSA National Committee, it was imperative I join PRSA as my position served as the link between PRSSA and PRSA to encourage the transition from the pre-professional organization to the professional organization. Even if it would not have been mandatory to join, I still would have joined PRSA because of the value I received from PRSSA which I knew would continue in PRSA and I wanted to continue my own professional development.

Q. How does PRSA membership differ from PRSSA?

LG: It’s really not that different. You get out of both organizations what you put into them. I was very active as a PRSSA member and I’m still very active as a PRSA member. I still learn and grow through the volunteer opportunities I sign up for. All of my PRSSA friends are now PRSA friends and the fun continues! Professional development wise, I think the webinars and conference sessions are more in-depth over the basics and introduction levels of PRSSA sessions.

Q. What is your best experience so far as a PRSA member?

LG: This year, the best experience I’ve had is serving with a very talented and collaborative PRSA New Professionals Executive Committee. I’ve really had a lot of fun serving as the blog co-chair with Jess Noonanand we’ve done a good job rebranding the blog to The Edge and updating the design and layout. It’s been great to collaborate with many of the other chairs on the committee and I was really excited we were able to put together a presentation for PRSA International Conference on understanding the importance of today’s hybrid PR professionals.

Q. How has being in PRSA helped you to boost your career?

LG: Two ways: friendships and professional development. Most of my closest friends are PRSA members or will soon be members. They’ve supported me with career changes and personal council as well as providing friendship and support in other ways. Those types of friendships are invaluable. From working with so many people in PRSSA and PRSA, I’ve learned how to work with different personalities, how to plan large and small-scale events from conferences to career forums, how to manage a running blog and obtain writers, how to be a follower or adviser when it’s someone else’s turn to lead and the importance of continued learning throughout my career. That’s probably not even all the ways PRSA has helped my career, but it’s a start and I know that list will keep growing.

Q. What is one piece of key advice you would give a recent graduate or new pro to help their career?

LG: Take chances. It seems so many communication and PR majors are determined to land at one of the big agencies we all know, but they might not understand they could have an even better and more valuable experience at a smaller agency, a corporation or a startup. As new pros, now is the time to take chances and figure out what you want to do early before you’re stuck doing something you don’t want to do later. Apply for or take a job you never thought you would be in and see if you like it. You never know who you may meet and where you may land.

Q. Is there any rest of the “wickedly determined?” Can a recent grad take the summer “off” and prep for their interviews in August?

LG: Absolutely! I know many graduates may graduate on a Friday or Saturday and start work that next Monday, but it’s a good idea to take some time off because once you start working there are no more summer breaks and vacation time is short. Enjoy your last real summer! Take informational interviews, take some time off and prep for interviews in the fall. I think it’s great to land a job in PR or communications for the summer, but volunteering or moving to a different location for another job can be just as valuable. Success isn’t measured in jobs or job titles; it’s measured in the amount time you set aside to reach all of your goals, including just having fun and being young.

Q. Anything else you’d like to add?

LG: It’s one thing to be a PRSA member, but it’s another thing to be an involved member. Like I said above, you will only get out of this organization what you put in it. Take time to listen to the webinars, write a guest post for one of the PRSA blogs, attend local conferences and attend local meetings. Look into joining a national or local committee as well; we’re always looking for volunteers and committee members! Being in PRSA is rewarding in so many ways, but you have to put yourself out there and really get involved first.

 

0114bd7Lauren K. Gray is a new professional working in marketing, public relations and social media communications and currently works as a Project Manager at The Visual Brand in Westport, Connecticut. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.

5 Things To Do When You’re Feeling Over-Stressed

Lauren Gray Leave a comment

One of the things that drew me to work in PR most was the diversity; the diversity of clients, the range of topics you “become an expert” on, the fluidity in your schedule and how no two days are alike. It’s liberating… but it’s also very consuming. Your brain is always running and playing connect-the-dots between your clients and the seemingly unrelated beats desirable journalists want to cover. And although I argue that those right for the field should thrive in this state, sometimes it can be a bit much. [Insert disquieting yearly statistic where PR is ranked as one of the most stressful jobs in the nation.]

When you find your brain is giving you the spinning beach ball of death, try doing one of these:

62c809b1f2bf23b96f99fee270e9a2d61)   Put Down the Coffee

I know. This is blasphemous for our industry. And believe me, I am the last person who’d say this because I’ve proudly flaunted my Starbuck’s Gold Card since 2008… but you can’t ignore the facts. When you’re stressed, your body is already on high alert, pumping cortisol and adrenalin into your veins to ensure all systems can fight or flight at a moment’s notice. (Yes, this is what’s chemically happening as you nervously wait for your turn to present at the all-hands meeting.) Adding copious milligrams of caffeine to the mix would be like adding water to a grease fire. I suggest substituting with tea until things settle down.

2)   Get Some Vitamin D

More than likely, you’ve been sitting at your desk, glaring at LED lights and typing away for the past 6 hours, agonizing about an impending deadline you don’t feel prepared for. Sound familiar?

Get up from your chair and step outside for a quick recess. Walk around the block for a new perspective. Breathe in the fresh air, and let it fill you with new ideas. A simple 10 minutes is all it takes. Sunrays have a way of thawing your worries and shedding light on what’s important.

3)   LOL

Whoever coined the phrase “laughter is the best medicine” was a poetic genius. Everyone and their mom still says it because it really is true. (Read this 2013 article by Mayo Clinic for the nerdy details.) Find something, anything, to laugh about. Make it a full-bellied chuckle because pity laughs don’t count! If you’re in dire need of a quick fix, a funny animal video usually does the trick.

4)   Get KRAFTy

After a long stressful day, I find one of the most relaxing ways to unwind is to crack open a bottle of wine, crank up the “Chillin’ Playlist” and cook a gourmet-style dinner. Don’t worry if you’re not a master chef; it’s about letting yourself disconnect from outside worries and putting all of your concentration on what’s in front of you, while simultaneously expressing yourself through a creative outlet. I find that cooking shares the similar cathartic effect of painting, only you get the added bonus of getting to eat your masterpiece afterwards! Baking works for this too; however, I prefer to cook stuffed bell pepper + risotto for the week’s dinner than have two dozen baked chocolate truffle muffins sitting on my counter right at the start of beach season. Whatever melts your butter, do it.

5)   Werk It Out

** If you chose baking from the last stress release tip, you may want to try this one too.

Stressful energy is a powerful force if you can learn how to make it work for you rather than against you. Use all of that pent up frustration to propel you and push you forward in whatever type of exercise you prefer. Swim laps, run, cycle or dance until you’ve exchanged your anxiety with endorphins and self-accomplishment. Can’t solve how to get a client into Us Weekly’s national gift roundup? Okay, but you can run nine miles and feel great afterwards. Do something that builds your confidence outside of work to remind yourself how competent you are the next time you step into the office.

By now I think we’ve all agreed that in this profession (and life in general), stress is inevitable. However, there is still a silver lining! Though you may not always be able to stop things from going bananas, you CAN control the way deal with troubles when they do occur. If you chose to frame life’s stressors, not as the enemy, but as an opportunity to ‘rise to the challenge,’ it would make the idea of stress a lot less, well, stressful.

And if all else fails, call your mom.

Megan Nicole O'Neal headshotMegan O’Neal graduated from UCLA in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, emphasizing in mass communications. She is currently the PR Coordinator at Marketing Design Group and volunteers with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, freelancing for the public relations department. Connect with her on Twitter @megannenicole.  

Five Media Relations Tips for New Professionals

Lauren Gray 1 Comment

Media-relationsWorking with the media is a huge part of any PR career.

It takes some time to build relationships with reporters and producers, and new professionals may feel intimidated at first. I recently worked on a PR campaign to launch a new retail store in Dallas and had the chance to sharpen my media relations skills.

Based on my experience, here are five tips that can help new professionals work effectively with the media.

Do your research before pitching

Before you contact any reporter, browse their latest stories. Do their stories fit your pitch? If so, customize your email to fit the reporter’s needs, or your message may be ignored. Many reporters and producers receive hundreds of pitches each day, so remember to draft a short email that’s meaningful to them.

Become a resource for the media

Acting as a resource for the media is essential in building new relationships. Feed journalists your clients’ news in a bite-sized yet impactful way. Members of the media want to read news that’s easy to digest. You know you’ve done your job when they come to you looking for more news and additional help!

Offer an exclusive story

If getting into a particular publication is important to your client and in their best interests, offer the writer of the publication an exclusive story. By giving the publication first dibs on the news, it may result in a placement with a unique angle.

Remember to follow up

Sending a follow-up message to the media is a common practice in the PR industry. To follow up effectively, send a brief email and give the journalist a call. If they pick up, keep the conversation very short. Reporters are busy and don’t always have time for small talk. What helps me is having a few notes in front of me as I’m on the phone. Take a deep breath, cut to the chase and don’t forget to smile!

Thank the reporter for his or her coverage

A simple thank you goes a long way and helps strengthen your bond with journalists. If you secure a new media placement, send an email or thank-you card to acknowledge the journalist’s work.

headshot_nelliNelli Tokleh is an assistant account executive at Nunez PR Group in Dallas. She received her undergraduate degree in public relations from the University of North Texas and her Master’s in Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University. Nelli is an active board member at PRSA Dallas and enjoys traveling, shopping and blogging about fashion and food. Connect with her on Twitter.

Applying Your Education to Your New Position

Jess Noonan Leave a comment

diplomaAfter you’ve graduated and you’ve settled into your new job, college and your education starts to slip through the cracks of your memory. It may be hard to remember the theories and texts you read in college as it recedes further into the past. Here are some ways to apply your education to your new position, and keep what you’ve learned fresh!

Examine what the brand and messaging are for your company or client, and figure out how it was created.
Every company that has an established public relations staff should have an established brand and message in place. It is good practice to discover how that brand and message came to be, in order to offer educated suggestions later on to keep your work in line with them.

Ask questions and discuss best practices using your knowledge from your education.
The best way to learn is to ask questions. Each company will have its own best practices and methods to use that have been tried and established. Learn what you can from them to do your job better and apply your learned skills to make them even better.

Take the communication skills you’ve learned and be part of the solution to address communication issues, where appropriate.
The biggest problem that humans have – whether it’s in their career, relationships, friendships, and family life, is communication. Having studied how communication breaks down, what causes it, and the theories behind it, you are the perfect candidate to contribute to solving them as they come.

Education is ultimately about learning, and it doesn’t stop once you have your degree in hand. Remember to continue striving to learn as much as you can, stay well-read and up-to-date on what’s happening in the public relations industry and the world-at-large, and make sure you’re always searching for the information that you need to know.

What advice do you have for new professionals looking to apply their learning to their new job?

dTbWKDtT_400x400Samantha Owens is a writer, hobbyist photographer, and grammar enthusiast based in Napa Valley, CA. She writes her own blog, contributes at a literary fiction book blog, and freelance writing work. Find out more about her at about.me/seowens or follow her on Twitter at @sowensphoto.

Flourishing Your Local New Pros Chapter

Jess Noonan Leave a comment

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Being responsible for building your local New Pros committee or Chapter is not an easy task. In addition to your job responsibilities and launching your career in the PR world, you’ve intentionally chosen to pile more on to your plate. The good news is that you’re not the only one solely accountable for your group’s success – well, you shouldn’t be, anyways. Most likely you have a team of like-minded individuals working towards a shared goal of flourishing your New Pros chapter. And if you find yourself as the lone leader, then … recruit, recruit, recruit!

Here are some lessons learned from PRSA Charlotte New Professionals and a few ideas on how to flourish your New Pros Chapter:

Get on the same page

How are you going to connect with fellow New Pros if you don’t know their interests? At the end of each year, implement a survey that will help you plan and organize for the upcoming year. Ask questions about what topics and programming interests them, what expectations they have of the group and what changes they want to see to help everyone get on the same page.

Schedule mind-blowing programming

ENOUGH with the socials! We all miss college, but the days of hosting all your events at a bar are over. Somewhere along the way, our group found ourselves socializing more than learning. It’s great to host a networking social every now and then, but don’t be afraid to get a little crazy with your programming.  You’ll find success in diversifying your events and mixing in educational programs that are targeted to your group’s needs. If you have dedicated members, they’ll want to learn and grow just as much as they want to network. If you haven’t tried this approach, give it a shot.

Encourage attendance at PRSA programs

It can be terrifying for a new member, especially those fresh out of college, to attend programs and events hosted by their local PRSA chapter. Yes, those highly experienced, well known, senior PR pros are intimidating to all of us who aspire to be just like them one day. But, those are the individuals you should want to be affiliated with. Encourage members to attend Chapter events and work the room. Network with everyone and make sure they know that the New Pros are worth watching. Plus, you can get ideas and speakers for your next group event.

These are some of the ways we have connected with our new pros in Charlotte. What programs have you found to be successful?

Jessica_Ernstberger_HeadshotJessica  Ernstberger currently works as an administrative coordinator for Carolina Public Relations, a Chernoff Newman company, where she aids senior level practitioners for each active client.  She serves on the PRSA Charlotte New Professional’s board, she’s on the communications committee for the chapter and served on the communications team for the 2014 Southeast District Conference in April.