If you’re like me, you are getting ready to graduate college and join the professional realm (or, big girl world, as I like to call it) and, in all honesty, it’s pretty frightening. You begin to ask yourself if you are ready to put your big girl pants on, compete in the job market and land your first job. In college I have learned how to be an independent adult, but I haven’t truly learned how act as a public relations professional until my internship at IGS. Through this internship, I’ve found these tips helpful on how to be a successful public relations professional:
- Stay Informed – Make time to stay informed on current news. Read newspapers and magazines (or, in our digital age, peruse their sites), listen to news radio stations (more than one, to get contrasting viewpoints) or read news articles on your mobile device during your commute to and from work.
- Network, Network, Network – It’s all about whom you know. Developing personal relationships and connections enables you to stand out from the crowd.
- Pay Attention to Detail – As a public relations professional, you are working for a client and it is crucial to pay close attention to detail. Always remember that something may not seem important to you, but it may be important to the client. If you make small mistakes (particularly in areas important to your clients), your clients may begin to lose their trust your work.
- Learn How to Multitask – It is imperative in the PR industry that you know how to effectively prioritize your time. You will find that life is a juggling act, and you need to learn how manage your time productively.
- Learn to Write – Make time to learn to how to write well. Learn how to convey your message in a clear and concise manner.
- Go That Extra Mile – Do more than is expected of you! Taking the initiative to be helpful and productive will leave a lasting impression on your clients, as well as on the executives in your company.
- Have Thick Skin – In the PR industry your ideas may get shot down, but you have to learn not to take that personally. Listen and learn from the criticism you receive, and come back the next time stronger than you were before.
- Be Creative – Your client seeks your help to promote them. So, it is very important you to be innovative. You should keep up with the latest trends in the industry.
- Do Your Research – Whether you are interviewing with a company or meeting with a client, you should always do research before the meeting. Going into a meeting prepared is the best way to leave a good impression.
- Absorb Everything – Become a human sponge. Learn something from everyone you encounter, learn from your mistakes and, most important, learn from your experiences.
