Public Relations

Post-grad Internship Turned Full-time Job: A Checklist for Before, During and After

Lauren Gray 4 Comments

There are a number of reasons to take a post-grad internship: specific agency, certain city, more skills in a niche PR industry, test out a new area of PR, no solid job offers, and the list goes on. For me, I interned a handful of times in college and taking on one last internship during my post-grad was my foot into the door of a large agency in a city I love, Chicago.

first-day-at-new-job

Here some tips I learned before, during and after, that helped turn my post-grad internship into a full-time job.

 BEFORE You Apply/Accept:

  • Narrow your search. Whether you want more experience in a certain industry, to work at a certain company or in a specific city, narrow it down and only apply to places you can see yourself working full-time.
  • PRSA and LinkedIn are your best friends. Use them to find, research and apply for opportunities.
  • Look for paid opportunities. At this point, you probably already had one or two unpaid internships (which is more than enough). So don’t take another one.
  • Ask their hiring rate. During the interview, ask them how many interns they have hired recently. If it’s a summer internship program where they have 20+ at one time, the hiring rate might not be as high. But if they hire on need base (when they have new business/client work), there’s a better shot they are looking for an intern to eventually hire full-time.
  • Ask about their environment & professional development. Make sure it’s a place you’d like to continue to work if you were hired on full-time.
  • Ask questions like: do you have events where employees can get involved and get to know each other outside of work? Does the company encourage trainings, workshops, industry events and professional groups inside and outside of the office?
  • Be prepared and set expectations beforehand. You’re transitioning from post-grad and need to be thinking long-term. Ask yourself if you don’t get hired full-time, what’s your next step? If you do get hired, will you want to work there? For how long?

DURING Your Internship/Freelance:

  • Join PRSA. Even as an intern you can join PRSA. As a post-grad, you can use it to not only network in your area, but also discover additional opportunities and build your resume.
  • Act at the level you want to be hired for. Yes, you’re an intern, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take on more responsibility. Make sure to show them that if they could, they would hire you on the spot.
  • Ask for feedback. As an intern, there may or may not be a formal review process. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t check with your team on a regular basis and ask for ways to improve. Set personal goals and communicate them with your boss. This shows how serious you are about what you can learn from the company as well as provide the team.
  • Touch base about two-three weeks before your deadline approaches. Along with your reviews, you want to make sure you’re on the right track to hopefully getting hired. Sit down and meet with your boss to talk over your next steps: if they foresee a full-time position opening up, if there is a possibility it will be extended or if your position will come to an end with the contract. Sometimes they don’t have all the answers – it could depend on budgets with the client or company. Either way, you won’t know until you ask them.
  • Network: Inside and outside of work. Seek out co-workers who you’d like to learn from, grab a drink with an old classmate, or meet for coffee with a fellow PRSA member. Constantly continue to expand your network. The more people know you and the more experiences you have, the greater opportunity you will have to discover your next position.

To find more tips on networking, check out an earlier blog post here.

  • Keep resume updated. Halfway through your internship, begin researching and applying for other jobs. If you have an interview somewhere else, take it and be upfront with your boss about it. The bottom line is that you need to get hired. Your boss understands that. Not only is interviewing at other places helping you line up additional opportunities, but it also shows your boss how serious you are about full-time position.
  • If your position is extended, don’t worry. This means they want to hire you full-time, but can’t right now. Take this time to re-evaluate where you really want to work: is at this company or somewhere else? If you take the extension, make sure to continue asking for feedback, touching base, networking and applying for other positions in the meantime.

AFTER: You’ve got the job offer, now what?

  • Negotiating the contract. urlIf you can, ask fellow co-workers you trust about their salary when they were interns and offered a full-time position. When you’re given the contract, take it home and read through every detail. Look for all it includes: responsibilities, salary, insurance and other perks such as compensations for a phone, gym membership, professional development, etc. When negotiating, make sure to talk about all the work you’ve completed and if you’re asking for an increase, give a range or a few options and reasons for why you believe you deserve more (for example, between 3-5K more because of X or PRSA membership compensated because X).
  • Check all other opportunities. If you were pursuing other jobs and in the middle of other interviews, decide what’s best for your career move. Creating a pro vs. con list and talking with your mentors are always helpful.

Finally: Find that work/life balance. As an intern, you weren’t expected to work more than 40 hours a week. As a full-time employee, it doesn’t always work that way. Just make sure to strive for a work/life balance. You’re expected to meet deadlines, but you also need to enjoy yourself.

NicoleBersaniNicole Bersani is an assistant account executive Social@Ogilvy and also serves as the PRSA New Professionals Section mentorship co-chair. Connect with her on Twitter @NicoleBersani and on LinkedIn.

Solo PR Life Isn’t Easy

Jess Noonan 7 Comments

open-4-bizDid that headline catch your attention? Good. If there is one thing that I appreciate in friends, colleagues, and experts, is honesty. Don’t sugar coat anything; tell me how hard something is going to be so I’m prepared.

This isn’t meant to scare you if you are looking to become a solo public relations professional. It is meant as an honest post to show that being your own boss can be great, but can also be very rough.

Being a solo PR pro is a ton of sweat and incredibly hard work. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you’ll have clients knocking down your door when you are solo. Just like working for an agency, you need to focus and put in long hours at times. At the end of the day, you’ll be wiped.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. While I’m being honest, there are strategies get you on the road to success in your solo career. Organization and balance are two of the more important things to have as a professional, solo or otherwise. You may have one, but not the other. It doesn’t happen in a day or month. It takes time. Since I became a solo PR pro, I’ve learned that balance is integral to your home and work success. Here is how I’m doing it.

1.      Create a comfortable work environment. We’ve all seen that Facebook post or Twitter pic of a messy desk. There’s no way you can be productive with your desk cluttered with papers, yesterday’s snack and the over abundance of photos of your dog. Take a moment to set up a desk that will allow productivity and inspiration. You want to feel as good as possible to work. I have my inbox, inspirational quotes and a notepad on mine.

2.      Start your week out by setting goals. At the beginning of each week, put your clients and the tasks you have for each. Then, look at the tasks that are “must do’s.” This will not only help keep you focused, but on point as well. No more of the “I have nothing to do!”

3.      Work is work, home is home. You do need that separation, especially when you are a solo pro. While I enjoy working on some projects after the kids go to bed, your mind needs to reboot. Don’t push the brain too much. Set a time to shut it down for the day and make a note where you need to pick up. You aren’t a robot, so take a break.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. I’ve taken advice from many solo PR pros and asked questions about what to expect and how to handle my own business. This helped me in more ways than I can count. Don’t be afraid to hear “NO!” You’ll get hung up on or told a business isn’t interested. It’s not because you aren’t good at what you do. It is all about timing (and money). Sometimes it’s just not a fit. Lastly, You have to want it… badly. If you don’t like your job and think that being on your own will solve everything, you are going about it all wrong. Running my own business and the challenges that go along with it invigorates me. BUT, there’s been plenty of frustration and bumps. If you just go halfway, you are halfway to failing.

Ultimately, your chances at success are greater if you know the truth. I’m still learning… and don’t want to stop doing so. My current and future clients will be better for it. So will you.


Jason MollicaJason Mollica (@JasMollica) is the president of JRMComm, a public relations and social media marketing consultancy. He combines knowledge of the broadcast news industry, traditional public relations expertise and today’s new and innovative social media tools. Mollica operates his own blog and has guest blogged on several others, including the respected Ad Age-ranked PR Breakfast Club, Ragan.com and PRSSA’s Progressions.

February Twitter Chat Highlights: Real-Time Marketing

Lauren Gray Leave a comment

We’d like to thank everyone who participated in the February #NPPRSA Twitter chat by discussing the opportunities and challenges of real-time marketing. This month we discussed ways that brands can be authentic when engaging in real time and also addressed some the of risks that can come with real-time marketing.

Real-Time Marketing Twitter Chat Highlights

Specifically, we’d like to thank our two special guests for February: Adam Naide and Ken Burbary. Adam Naide is the Executive Director of Marketing for Social Media at Cox Communications, where he leads overall strategy for the company’s social media presences including fan engagement, customer acquisition & retention, social commerce and Social TV. Ken Burbary is the Chief Digital Officer at Lowe Campbell-Ewald. Ken has over 20 years of marketing experience with a focus on digital for Fortune 500+ brands.

Join us again on March 6 for our next #NPPRSA Twitter chat and stay up-to-date with PRSA New Professionals on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Google+.

Review highlights of the chat below. What did you learn from the February chat? Should brands attempt real-time marketing? Is it worth the risks? How can brands authentically engage with consumers?

 

Amy BishopAmy Bishop works in digital PR and marketing for DigitalRelevance, a content distribution and promotion agency. She is also Social Media Co-Chair for the PRSA New Professionals Section.  Read her insights on customer experience and social business on her Marketing Strategy blog. Connect with Amy through Twitter, Pinterest or Google+.

5 Advantages of Working in Tech PR

Lauren Gray Leave a comment

I studied public relations at the University of Southern California with the expressed intention of someday heading up communications for a major studio. But after graduating in the height of the Great Recession, entertainment jobs were few and far between, and a former manager 5 advantages of working in tech PRrecommended I tried technology. Pursuing a role in this industry is the best decision I’ve made in my adult life.

Here are the top five things you should know if you’re interested in the dynamic world of technology communications.

1. Embrace the challenge

At first glance, any PR practitioner, regardless of level, may balk at the idea of taking on a tech client. Chances are, you chose this profession because subjects such as science and math weren’t your strongest suits. But that really doesn’t matter.

Just because you don’t have an engineering background doesn’t mean you can’t communicate with engineers, scientists, CTOs or programmers. In fact, it’s often your role to “translate” their jargon into terms mere mortals can understand. And that’s quite rewarding!

2. Zeitgeist

It’s no question that this is the golden age of this industry. Startup founders are the new rock stars, tech executives grace the cover of fashion magazines.

People will look back at this era and wax nostalgic about the beginnings – and ends – of technology companies, trends and the characters that move them. Get in on the movement.

3. Being young is an advantage

Especially in startups, executives tend to be young and demand a team that will be able to go toe-to-toe with them on the latest trends. If you’re a new PR pro, you’re likely to be an early adopter of the latest gadgets or the cutting edge of social media.  It’s easier to find your role on teams.

Deep tech, or the enterprise, is undergoing a renaissance as well. And I promise you that some of the most rewarding work can be connected to highly complicated, back-end services and structures.

4. The industry is growing with you

Many of the burgeoning products and trends are facing coming-of-age, just like you: mobile devices, Internet privacy, 3D printing, console gaming – these are product lines reckoning with growth, change and regulation. How much more exciting can it get?

5. Tech affords a diverse crowd that will keep you on your toes

The cast of characters that are involved in technology are some of the most interesting, intellectually stimulating, unpredictable people I’ve ever worked with. They’re mad scientists, relentless humanitarians, have doctorates in medieval studies. They’re immigrants that have overcome amazing obstacles and eventually create billion-dollar companies.

The people that power technology PR have more facets than I can shake a semiconductor at. And that’s a beautiful thing.

Have you chosen or considered a career in technology PR? How has your PR experienced crossed paths with the technology world?

 

Clare Sayas (@claresayas) is a senior account executive in Edelman’s Silicon Valley office, where she works on a broad range of tech clients, including Adobe, SnapLogic and Evolv. She is also one of the proud community managers for @EdelmanSV. 

Introducing Your 2014 Section Executive Committee

Jess Noonan 2 Comments

We’re excited to introduce your 2014 PRSA New Professionals Section Executive Committee! This team has committed to a year of helping you develop as a public relations professional. We’ll do this by connecting you to valuable industry resources, providing thought leadership across disciplines and offering opportunities for you to network with peers across the country.

To kick the year off and get to know them a little better, we’ve asked our Committee members to share their favorite benefit of being a PRSA member. Check out their responses and get involved!

Heather Sliwinski, Section chair
PRSA has added immeasurable value to my early PR career – not only have I found every PR job I’ve had through connections I’ve made through PRSA, but the opportunities for professional development through free webinars and in-person conferences are tremendous. If you’re on a budget, there are a host of Twitter chats, like our #NPPRSA, and online content to browse through to keep upping your PR game. PRSA people and programs are such a fantastic resource for all new professionals.

Nick Lucido, Section chair-elect and membership co-chair
My favorite part about PRSA is being able to connect with fellow members across disciplines and regions to build my network. Having a strong network is essential for new professionals and PRSA is an incredibly powerful tool to aid you in building this cohort.

JR Rochester, membership co-chair
My favorite benefit from PRSA is the availability of mentorship and professional development. PRSA is made up with thousands of professionals who have a wealth of knowledge in all areas of PR and can guide you as you grow in your career. The PRSA Mentor Match is a great resource made available as well.

Jessica Noonan, blog co-chair
I enjoy attending PRSA events in person, especially the PRSA International Conference. While engaging online is always available, nothing is more valuable than face-to-face interaction with industry leaders. We also have some specific opportunities to engage as a new professional at the annual conference!

Lauren Gray, blog co-chair
The best parts of being a PRSA member are the professional connections and professional development opportunities. It’s been very valuable to connect with other professionals to build my network and attend national events, webinars and other learning opportunities as I continue to grow.

Robert Martin, newsletter co-editor
The webinars are something that I value about my PRSA membership. The on-demand archive has a helpful webinar for nearly every industry topic you can think of, and participating in a live webinar (many of which are free for members) is a great opportunity to network and share ideas with other PR professionals.

CNJ HeadshotCandace Johnson, newsletter co-editor
I appreciate PRSA’s commitment to helping new professionals transition from college life into the work force. Besides the very useful professional development webinars available, my favorite benefit of PRSA is the opportunity to cultivate mentorships. The supportive, professional connections are invaluable. I am continually inspired to develop into my best professional self by the members I have had the opportunity to meet.

Janelle Huelsman, programming co-chair
My favorite benefit of PRSA is meeting, networking and learning with fellow members. PRSA offers great opportunities for New Pros to collaborate with their peers on industry trends and insights, and it also allows us to learn from more experienced practitioners who are constantly setting high standards for our field and the Society.

Hilary Jurinak, programming co-chair
I love that PRSA offers access to thousands of industry experts in the PR field which allows for endless networking, industry insight and new career opportunities. The networking opportunities have been valuable for my professional development and I enjoy making new connections through national and local PRSA events.

Amy Bishop, social media co-chair
Professional development experiences are one of my favorite parts of my PRSA membership. Attending PRSA International Conference, listening to webinars on-demand and attending district events are an excellent way to continue to learn about the industry and connect with other professionals.

Lauren Rosenbaum, social media co-chair
My favorite PRSA benefit is the vast amount of resources we have access to as members, whether it be publications like Issues & Trends, Public Relations Tactics, The Public Relations Strategist or the opportunity to look through award-winning campaigns. I appreciate the team that puts these resources together so we can all continue learning and growing together as a Society, and so I can always be a student of my craft.

Nicole Bersani, mentorship co-chair
In college, PRSSA was a great way to network. Now, in PRSA as a new professional, that is still true but it is at a whole different level. What I love most about PRSA it that it gives us the opportunity to connect with and learn from hundreds of new to senior professionals – and all around the globe.

Mike DeFlippis, mentorship co-chair
One of my favorite PRSA membership benefits, among others, is the free online webinars throughout the year. As public relations practitioners know all too well, we have hectic schedules.  These webinars (available on-demand after their first run!) are a fantastic resource to keep up with industry trends, helping you bring even more value to your clients every single day.

Simon Oh, diversity liaison
My favorite benefit of PRSA is the abundant networking and learning opportunities that give me a better sense of how I can become a competent public relations professional. From meeting with professionals in person to attending PRSA International Conference sessions, there’s always something new and insightful to learn that can strengthen your professional profile.

Jessica Lawlor, PRSSA liaison
How can I choose just one PRSA benefit?! Besides the fantastic networking, conferences and leadership opportunities, I really love the PRSA Issues & Trends e-newsletter that hits my inbox each morning as I sit down at my desk to start my day. The useful stories, links and tips included keep me up-to-date on the latest happenings and trends in the PR industry in a quick and easy-to-read format.

Scott Thornburg, PRSSA liaison
Like many people, the concept of “public relations” was a little fuzzy until after I had some work experience under my belt. Even then, PRSA taught me most of what I know about my current profession. The mentorship, connections and professional advice have been invaluable to me.