How PR Interns Can Build Strong Professional References for Future Jobs

  Earlier this week, I was told by by a former student that she had given my name to an agency for a reference check later that day. I almost said “no,” but I used the last-minute request to serve as yet another teaching moment. I asked her to jot down key points on why…… Continue reading How PR Interns Can Build Strong Professional References for Future Jobs

Your Writing Isn’t the Job. Understanding the Business is What Matters.

  By Vanessa DeGier Imagine being a 20-something communications professional sitting across from a Nobel laureate, trying to understand a groundbreaking research discovery well enough to explain it to the public. It was intimidating. But it taught me a lesson that has shaped every role I’ve held since: If I don’t understand something, I can’t…… Continue reading Your Writing Isn’t the Job. Understanding the Business is What Matters.

6 Things You Can Do to Turn Internships into FT Jobs

Students and recent graduates throughout the country are starting summer internships this month and next with high hopes of landing coveted full-time jobs. Over the past 17 years, this blog has provided lots of internship advice. This year, I’m updating what I’ve heard from recruiters and hiring managers about what they expect from their interns…… Continue reading 6 Things You Can Do to Turn Internships into FT Jobs

From Agency Life to Government PR: My Journey & Lessons for Comms Pros

  By Michael Queroz After more than 11 years at a public relations agency, I’ve recently embarked on a new chapter as Communications Manager for the City of Elmhurst. At Public Communications Inc., I was fortunate to work across healthcare, conservation, nonprofit and destination clients. But it was working with government clients, including municipalities, park…… Continue reading From Agency Life to Government PR: My Journey & Lessons for Comms Pros

Graduating into AI: What Matters Most

  By John Millen  Congratulations on your college graduation! You may have heard amazing commencement speeches with advice on following your heart and changing the world. That is all good and inspirational advice. You should follow your dreams. But as you know, you’re entering the workforce at a moment of serious change. AI is already…… Continue reading Graduating into AI: What Matters Most

Why Podcast Placements Are the New Press Coverage

  By Anuj Agarwal Although it’s only starting to appear in college PR programs, students and young professionals need to be prepared for a skill that’s quietly becoming a client expectation: booking podcasts. Not a passing mention of a podcast. An actual guest appearance researched, pitched, and landed by you. If that sounds unfamiliar, you’re…… Continue reading Why Podcast Placements Are the New Press Coverage

Winning Scholarships: Odds are Better Than You Think

  Last week, I was disappointed not seeing any DePaul University students on the list of 55 scholarship winners from The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF), a phenomenal organization that encourages future leaders in advertising, marketing, and PR. Since the scholarships were promoted by several fellow faculty members, I was curious how many of our students might…… Continue reading Winning Scholarships: Odds are Better Than You Think

How Media Monitoring Can Supercharge Your Career 

  By David H. Lasker Young PR professionals are working in a brand-new environment compared to before. The world and how information is spread are completely different than at any time in history. News is disseminated not only at nearly the speed of light, but also in so many ways and on so many channels…… Continue reading How Media Monitoring Can Supercharge Your Career 

Don’t Suspend Your Job Search During Holidays

  During an email exchange last month with an unemployed friend who is looking for a job, we had difficulty finding a time for a Zoom call due to his jammed schedule, not mine. When we finally talked yesterday afternoon, he explained how busy he has been with conversations and initial interviews with several organizations.…… Continue reading Don’t Suspend Your Job Search During Holidays