Spring Break
Promote Yourself by the Public Relations Society: Part One
Jessica Guidoboni
Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: Editorial/Opinion
10/03/08 - One of the Public Relations Society's goals is making sure our members have the tools they need to be successful when searching for an internship or career. Since PRS was founded in 2006, our executive board has aimed to give our members the best professional experience by working with real clients and attending conferences. Some of our members and alumni have worked at ESPN, Hasbro, Cat Country WCTK, Providence WaterFire, Laforce & Stevens and Arnold Worldwide.
PRS would like to use this column as a platform to share with the student body some of the professional advice we discuss during our meetings. In the weeks to come, this column will take you through the process of searching for an internship or job, interviewing and tips for once you land the position. But first it is important to expel any false ideas you might have about the job search process. Here are four common professional myths.
Myth 1) You don't need to or can't do an internship until after junior year.
This myth is completely false. Basic rule of thumb: the more experience the better. Since the job market is so competitive, employers look for candidates with a lot of experience. That is why you should get out there as soon as you can to gain experience and start networking.
Myth 2) It's not what you know, it's who you know.
It's true. Knowing someone at a company can be helpful. However, connections do not guarantee you will land the internship or job. The best way to secure a position is to be proactive. Do not be afraid to call the company more than once. Most businesses are interested in candidates who are interested in their organization. Make sure you do your research on the company you are applying to. Also, it is important to display your best attributes and let them know why you would be an asset to their company.
Myth 3) All the good opportunities are in big cities.
There are jobs everywhere. Not interested in the big city? Don't worry; some of the most well known companies, which you probably buy products from all the time, are located in small towns. For example, Hasbro's headquarters is 45 minutes away from the University of Rhode Island in Pawtucket, Ocean Spray is located in Lakeville-Middleboro, Mass., Converse is located in Malden, Mass. and Nike's headquarters can be found in Beaverton, Ore. So no matter where you are, there's a job for you.
Myth 4) The major you chose will dictate your career.
Employers care more about experience and interest than the courses you took in school. Of course, there are careers where certain training is required, however, many majors are closely related and lessons are easily transferred to other fields. For example, journalism students could easily start a career in public relations and vice versa. Moreover, my supervisor at the advertising agency where I interned last summer majored in religion. So as long as you are motivated and driven toward a certain career, then you're on the right path.
For more information like this, stop by PRS's meetings at 5 p.m. in the Memorial Union room 308 or e-mail us at prssa06@gmail.com
PRS would like to use this column as a platform to share with the student body some of the professional advice we discuss during our meetings. In the weeks to come, this column will take you through the process of searching for an internship or job, interviewing and tips for once you land the position. But first it is important to expel any false ideas you might have about the job search process. Here are four common professional myths.
Myth 1) You don't need to or can't do an internship until after junior year.
This myth is completely false. Basic rule of thumb: the more experience the better. Since the job market is so competitive, employers look for candidates with a lot of experience. That is why you should get out there as soon as you can to gain experience and start networking.
Myth 2) It's not what you know, it's who you know.
It's true. Knowing someone at a company can be helpful. However, connections do not guarantee you will land the internship or job. The best way to secure a position is to be proactive. Do not be afraid to call the company more than once. Most businesses are interested in candidates who are interested in their organization. Make sure you do your research on the company you are applying to. Also, it is important to display your best attributes and let them know why you would be an asset to their company.
Myth 3) All the good opportunities are in big cities.
There are jobs everywhere. Not interested in the big city? Don't worry; some of the most well known companies, which you probably buy products from all the time, are located in small towns. For example, Hasbro's headquarters is 45 minutes away from the University of Rhode Island in Pawtucket, Ocean Spray is located in Lakeville-Middleboro, Mass., Converse is located in Malden, Mass. and Nike's headquarters can be found in Beaverton, Ore. So no matter where you are, there's a job for you.
Myth 4) The major you chose will dictate your career.
Employers care more about experience and interest than the courses you took in school. Of course, there are careers where certain training is required, however, many majors are closely related and lessons are easily transferred to other fields. For example, journalism students could easily start a career in public relations and vice versa. Moreover, my supervisor at the advertising agency where I interned last summer majored in religion. So as long as you are motivated and driven toward a certain career, then you're on the right path.
For more information like this, stop by PRS's meetings at 5 p.m. in the Memorial Union room 308 or e-mail us at prssa06@gmail.com
