Public Relations Job Search Tips
Recent University Grads Talk Job Searching and Preparation
by Megan Scharnowske
On Thursday November 11th, the IUPUI sector of PRSSA hosted three guest speakers to discuss their experiences as recent graduates searching for employment.
The speakers were Abby Horn, a 2003 graduate of Butler University, now a Marketing Coordinator for Indianapolis Downtown Inc., Justin Guild, a 2003 graduate of Indiana University, now a Marketing Coordinator for Indianapolis City Market, and Shannon Cerajewski, a 2004 graduate of Franklin College, now an Account Coordinator for Hirons & Co.
Professor Dittmer of IUPUI asked questions regarding their experience. Below are the summarized answers from the three recent graduates:
Q: What was it like after graduation?
A: Abby: It was exciting, but sad. You now had to be a professional, but I already had my job lined up, so it was easier.
Justin: I interned for Indianapolis City Market between junior and senior year, so I was able to make contacts. After graduation, I came back for an internship, and within a few weeks, a full-time position opened up, and I took advantage of the opportunity.
Shannon: I didn't have a job lined up after graduation. But by attending PRSA meetings, I connected with Hirons.
Q: What internships were you involved in?
A: Justin: I think internships are very important. I had three, rather diverse internships that gave me real-world experience, that I couldn't get in a classroom.
Shannon: Internships gave me a realm of experience, and made me a jack-of-all-trades. Many things I learned during my internships come into play in my job.
Q: Did you use a portfolio? What did it include?
A: Abby: My portfolio consisted of published works. You should show anything that proves you can get results. Make sure to include something relevant to the company you are applying for.
Justin: I think you should include anything that shows effort, it doesn't necessarily have to be published work.
Shannon: I included a communication plan, it showed that I had strategic skills.
Q: How did you begin to network within your field?
A: Justin: During my internships I met people in my field and started to build relationships.
Q: How did you create your resume?
A: Abby: The intern coordinator at my university helped me.
Justin: I made mine from scratch. I looked at samples and adapted my information accordingly. You need to tailor your resume to the employer.
Shannon: It is important to condense and focus on what is most important. Let your resume evolve.
Q: Did your potential employer ask about your grades?
A: Abby: No, I think the diploma is more important than the grades. They would ask me to make sure I was doing all right while interning, but they never asked for a GPA.
Justin: No, I think I proved myself with my internships. I don't think grades were the main focus, as long as you graduate.
Shannon: I never included my GPA on my resume. They can see that I was involved and I could balance school and other activities.
Q: In retrospect, what were you not prepared for?
A: Justin: I wasn't prepared for the unwritten code of professional work, you have to learn that on the job. College relationships are a lot different than professional relationship, and you must act accordingly. You learn to work under deadlines. Also, you have to consider your boss's time restraints
Shannon: That I should be comfortable being myself, and not try to be anyone else. You should learn from people, and amplify from that. I wasn't prepared for the long hours, but you learn to adapt. Also, you realize there will be struggles, but you learn from your mistakes. You develop a sense of ethics and realize things that you will not compromise.
Q: How did you prepare for interviews?
A: Abby: I made a list of questions I had for the interviewer. I think it will make you look prepared.
Justin: I researched the companies on the Internet. I looked at their types of clients, organization, and structure. You have to gauge what you're getting yourself into. You can also ask current employers how they feel about the company.
Shannon: I anticipated hard questions. I mapped out the exact location so there were no surprises. I looked at my main points right before the interview, so I looked calm and prepared, instead of flustered.
Q: Did you have to complete a writing test?
A: Shannon: I had to complete an AP Style and grammar test. I also took a current local media and politics test. It took about two hours.
Justin: I think it always helps to know the key players in any city.
Q: Any coursework you would have found helpful that wasn't available to you?
A: Abby: I wish I would have known more about interpersonal relations.
Justin: I think a course in micromanagement would have been helpful.
Shannon: I underestimated the amount of math involved. You have to be able to anticipate budgets, retainers, excel, and spreadsheets. Writing is very important also, it is the base of communication. You have to learn how to write across the media. You must learn clear, factual writing.
Q: Did you have to learn how to multi-task?
A: Abby: I find multi-tasking challenging, but manageable.
Justin: When you're working on different projects, you have to learn to switch your mindset. You have to learn to switch gears and keep a positive attitude.
Shannon: I always make a list, and prioritize. You have to be prepared for unexpected situations, you have to stay calm and don't panic. You have to be over-prepared. Sometimes you have to come in early and stay late.
Q: If you could leave one message for college students embarking on their job-search, what would it be?
A: Abby: It'll happen, just keep trying.
Justin: Be diligent, and surround yourself with people who want you to succeed. Also, I took advantage of www.egrad.com, a crash course for your first year out of college.
Shannon: Don't get down. Be assertive, but not arrogant. You should find a mentor, and be a sponge. Make sure to read a lot of different publications. Don't be afraid to be an intern after you graduate. The longer you wait to find a job after you graduate, the less confident you become and the less contacts you have.
Q: Are you having fun?
A: Abby: I enjoy it the majority of the time, but sometimes it would be nice to be back in college.
Justin: It's not glamorous all the time. You're back to the bottom of the totem pole again.
Shannon: There are many unexpected challenges you have to overcome. Of course there are bad days and good days, but that's the same as with life.
