As a college student, I was involved in our university’s chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America. Many professional development sessions I attended over the years had a similar message: networking and volunteering are the keys to success! In other words, it’s not beneficial to simply attend meetings or events – take advantage of…… Continue reading Set Yourself Apart from Peers by Networking
Category: Volunteerism
Scholarship Season: Don’t Pass Up Free Money
One more thing to do before declaring the school year finished: Apply for scholarships. This is the scholarship application season, and I’ve heard that only a fraction of eligible students take the time to apply for scholarships–many of which don’t require much effort. I sponsor one of those scholarships through the PRSA Foundation for undergraduate…… Continue reading Scholarship Season: Don’t Pass Up Free Money
Interns Should Be Paid If They’re Billable
This post is intended for agencies and companies beginning their searches for summer interns. While most major agencies pay their temporary help, many smaller firms and start ups often recruit unpaid interns. In cases where interns perform work that normally would be done by billable employees, interns should receive some form of financial compensation. Unpaid internships should be confined to…… Continue reading Interns Should Be Paid If They’re Billable
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
Political Campaign Volunteers Sharpen PR Skills
Here we are, in the midst of another political campaign. It’s easy to be blasé about the process, but if you’re a communicator looking to hone your skills, and you have some time to spare, consider volunteering for your favorite politician to gain some valuable insight and techniques. A political campaign is a fast-moving,…… Continue reading Political Campaign Volunteers Sharpen PR Skills
Unpaid vs. Paid Internships: Focus on Experience But Make Sure You Get Paid If You Deserve It
With a glut of talent searching for opportunities to differentiate their resumes from peers, some organizations take advantage of the situation by “hiring” unpaid interns to do work that used to be performed by entry-level employees. This is wrong on many levels, and might even be illegal. During my class last week, a student raised the issue of…… Continue reading Unpaid vs. Paid Internships: Focus on Experience But Make Sure You Get Paid If You Deserve It
Scrap Resolutions, Begin 2012 ‘To Do’ List
I stopped making new year resolutions several years ago after realizing most were null and void by the second week in January. Instead of lofty, unrealistic goals, I committed to shorter lists of things I might actually be able to achieve. As they came to mind, I jot them down on Post-It notes and 3×5…… Continue reading Scrap Resolutions, Begin 2012 ‘To Do’ List
Tom Martin and Margery Kraus: Our Profession’s Shining Lights of Service and Leadership
Congratulations to Thomas R. Martin and Margery Kraus, recipients last night of the prestigious Arthur W. Page Society awards for Distinguished Service and Hall of Fame. The Page Society is comprised of corporate chief communications officers, major agency CEOs and leading PR academics. Tom Martin, Executive-in-Residence at the College of Charleston, received the Distinguished Service Award at the Page Society’s…… Continue reading Tom Martin and Margery Kraus: Our Profession’s Shining Lights of Service and Leadership
Students: Apply for Mentoring Scholarship
PR scholarship, Ronald Culp Scholarship for Mentorship, PRSSA scholarship, PRSA Foundation,
Volunteerism: A Resume Differentiator
volunteer, job interview,