By Michael Shmarak A weird thing happened when I went to work a few weeks ago—I got laid off. I say “weird” knowing full well layoffs are not all weird or humorous—they stink badly. Having been laid off before, I find solace that I have been through this process once before, and know I…… Continue reading Handling A Job Search–with Eminem’s Help
What Matters in an Interview
By Erica Swerdlow In the past 30+ years of working in public relations and communications, specifically at agencies, I have had the complex but rewarding task of hiring people in all types of positions; complex because it has always been difficult for me to find the right formula that helps find the right fit,…… Continue reading What Matters in an Interview
Job Hopping Looks Bad on the Résumé. Gen Z Doesn’t Care.
This headline from the Labor Day print edition of The New York Times hopefully drew thousands of young professionals into reading the article, including former students of mine – a few of whom are into their sixth, seventh and eighth jobs since graduating three to five years ago. Long gone is the belief you…… Continue reading Job Hopping Looks Bad on the Résumé. Gen Z Doesn’t Care.
Lessons from Leaders I Admire
By Torod B. Neptune Great leadership is one of those things that can be difficult to define, but you know it when you experience it yourself. That’s one of the reasons why it is so valuable for aspiring leaders to have mentor figures who can teach them and help them grow. I’ve been lucky…… Continue reading Lessons from Leaders I Admire
Like it or Not: Office Attire Has Changed Forever
An agency leader who has hired several recent graduates sent me the recent Wall Street Journal story with the following headline: “What’s Too Casual for Work in 2023? You Can Get Away With More Now.” His email requested that educators do a better job of stressing soft skills – including appropriate work attire –…… Continue reading Like it or Not: Office Attire Has Changed Forever
Check List Before Finishing Summer Internship
Attention: Summer Interns As the summer internship season draws to a close, make sure you can check off key accomplishments that will lead to your next career opportunity. Here are 10 questions to ask yourself: Did you learn or seek to learn something new every day? Did you get to know the agency, association…… Continue reading Check List Before Finishing Summer Internship
The On-Ramp to Writing Success
Great writing example fosters great insights for writers and citizens. By Jill O’Mahony Stewart Maybe it’s because I’m from Pennsylvania. Maybe it’s because I love infrastructure [really, I do; it’s another story, though]. Or maybe it’s because I teach writing and I LOVE good examples like this one. Whatever the reason, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s…… Continue reading The On-Ramp to Writing Success
Navigating PR as a Student and Future Professional
By Avery Marelli As college students, we have all, at one point or another, doubted the direction we were going in. You may recall having asked yourself if you were on the right path or perhaps faced the daunting thought that you were not making enough of an impact. Subsequently, we live in an…… Continue reading Navigating PR as a Student and Future Professional
Pay Freelancers Promptly
Since leaving the agency world 12 years ago, I’ve enjoyed consulting on some great projects for several C-suite executives and associations. Many of those projects required extra arms and legs so I’ve enlisted freelancers who have done amazing work. Most freelancers tell me not to worry about paying them until the client pays me.…… Continue reading Pay Freelancers Promptly
Congrats to the Class of 2023: Advice For Them and My Younger Self
By Christina Steed This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending DePaul University’s graduation ceremony. I hadn’t attended before even though I’ve been an adjunct professor since 2019. The stars aligned. I was in town. And I was able to secure some ceremony regalia last minute. I was also able to make it…… Continue reading Congrats to the Class of 2023: Advice For Them and My Younger Self