The highlight of my week was an engaging Skype conversation Thursday afternoon with University of Oklahoma students who were attending the annual Leadership Academy for one of the best student-run agencies in the U.S., Lindsey + Asp. Several universities have student agencies, and more are expected to hang up shingles this fall. OU’s PR faculty adviser Bob “Pritch” Pritchard knows…… Continue reading Student-Run Agency Prepares for Big Time
Category: Q&As
Writing Samples Should Reflect Broad Experience
Q. How far back can I go when submitting writing samples to an agency requesting them? Some of my more creative writing was done in college at the student-run ad agency on campus, but the stuff I’m currently writing is pretty dry business-to-business focused. I’ve also written a couple of speeches and an op-ed piece…… Continue reading Writing Samples Should Reflect Broad Experience
Avoid Unpaid Internships at For-Profit Firms
Q. I’m the first ever intern at a fairly new company, and my experience to date has been less than rewarding. As background, I am not paid. Second, I spend most of the day running errands, preparing packages for shipping, sorting mail and receptionist. I’m not learning anything about the business or staff roles,…… Continue reading Avoid Unpaid Internships at For-Profit Firms
Fear of Moving Shouldn’t Hinder Job Search
Q. I’m a 2010 PR grad living in a Detroit suburb. I’ve been doing odd jobs for the past 18 months as I look for a relevant PR job in this area, but have come to the conclusion that I should move to a larger PR market like Chicago or New York. My…… Continue reading Fear of Moving Shouldn’t Hinder Job Search
Take General Ed First, Focus Later on Career Major
Q. I’m a college freshman majoring in business, but am seriously thinking about switching to public relations. I’m not certain, however, about the prospects for PR majors in three years. I’m also considering a major in political science or pre-law, but those job areas look even worse. What do you recommend? A. Your question…… Continue reading Take General Ed First, Focus Later on Career Major
Social Media Posers Need Not Apply
Q. I notice an increasing number of postings for social media jobs. I know the basics of social media, but prefer to do more general consumer PR. Should I pursue a social media position as a way to get my foot in the door? -PD A. Landing a job in social media isn’t as…… Continue reading Social Media Posers Need Not Apply
Buying Time for a Second Job Offer
Q. How do I buy time with an agency that wants a quick acceptance of a job offer, while I know I’m in the final stages of a probable job offer with another agency where I’m pretty sure I’d prefer to work? -AC A. You are one of the lucky few who face such a…… Continue reading Buying Time for a Second Job Offer
Show Me the Money. . .And Promotion
Q. I just completed my first year at my current agency and nothing has been said about a promotion from entry-level where I started (after two internships elsewhere). I like what I’m doing, but need a promotion for both financial and psychological reasons. When should I expect to hear or how do I ask about a promotion? -EB…… Continue reading Show Me the Money. . .And Promotion
International Students Can Intern in U.S. With OK
Q. I am from Asia and am studying public relations at a major U.S. university where you spoke recently. You emphasized the need for students to build resumes that differentiate themselves by gaining relevant experience and internships. I’ve been trying to find an internship for the past year, but am having difficulty doing so—I assume…… Continue reading International Students Can Intern in U.S. With OK
The Question Every Intern Candidate Should Ask
Last week, I talked with an enterprising college senior who managed to wrangle five agency interviews during his 24-hour visit to Chicago. That feat alone is impressive and merits kudos, but his final question at each interview is the subject of this post. His question: “What percentage of interns move into full-time positions here?” Answers to…… Continue reading The Question Every Intern Candidate Should Ask