By Diandre Ussery

Practicum Final

•After registering for Public Relations Practicum I was unsure of what type of class it would be. There was no specifics like previous PR classes, such as writing, campaigns, or research.. So what would I be learning?

•My definition of Public Relations Practicum: Understanding fundamentals of real life career situations and furthering your knowledge of how to become prepared for the work environment

•From not knowing what I would learn in the beginning of the semester, this class has left me with vital skills necessary for being successful in the field of Public Relations.

1.ResumeWriting• Looks clean and crisp•Offers more than one way for potential employer to contact you•Headings are easy to navigate through•Objective includes both a career and industry•Educational History•Strong action verbs used throughout•Appropiate use of bold, italics, capitals, or underlining•Specific•Without errors•Font – No smaller than 10 point•Sprinkle words that have to do with PR such as press release, budget, etc

2.Searching For a jobCommunication is essential!•Make use of Social Media

•Be Proactive

•Do your research

•Apply to several companies

•Always Follow Up after contacting potential employment

3. Job Interviewing

The 2 most important aspects of a job interview are information and behavior.

•Informational: Pitch yourself as if you were a product. Discuss your best features, past experience that relate to potential job, and even information about your potential employers company•Behavioral- A firm handshake is the best way to begin your interview. Eye contact, and letting your personality shine through are key. If you are nervous, don’t appear to be.

• Always send a thank you note after the interview

4. Creating and Sharing•Portfolio Pieces

• Special Event Fliers

• Press Releases

• News Articles

• Current Blog 1.Highlight pieces that you pride2. Results of what was done by you3. Display TEAMWORK4. Review how you convey yourself to interviewer5. Create a Leave Behind

5. Using *LinkedIn is an online service mainly used for professional networking.

Build Your Network. Connect with other members and build your network. The more connections you have, the more opportunities you have.

6. Tips from PR Professional

What three tips would you offer someone just starting out in PR?

1. You have to understand what everyone needs. For example, what does the journalist need? They are going out of business and you need to be able to help them do their job the best. What do your clients need? Be aware to balance client’s needs and executives needs.

2. You cannot go into it thinking you know it all. Be prepared to learn and be humble and have a positive attitude. You are going to have to multi-task and not everyone is going to like what you write.

3. Perfect a skill that makes you stand out from others. (Such as social media)

7. Interview Table Etiquette

•Order something you can eat easily (NEVER spaghetti!)•Do not over eat•Do not drink alcoholic beverages•Place napkin in lap•Remember to chew with mouth closed•Learn to use chopsticks

8. Social Media

Use Social Media to your advantage when searching for a career, and developing one.

Many companies have turned to Facebook, Twitter, and other social media to better themselves as organizations and so can you

Certain websites offer the communication you need to remain in contact with potential employers.

9. Discover your PR niche

There are many avenues available with a degree in PR

Understanding where you fit in is key in obtaining a successful career

A few are…..1. Event Planning2. Crisis Communication3. Political4. Financial5. Marketing/Advertising6. Business Administration

10. What to Wear during an Interview Women

•Minimal Jewelry•No perfume (people have allergies)•Do not bring your purse, instead carry a shoulder bag•Wear hosiery with a skirt•Nothing short or low•Closed toe shoes

Men

•Solid color shirt or suit•Minimal aftershave•Trimmed Nails•Carry a briefcase•Hair out of face•Regular Tie