Volunteer Political Jobs Lead to Careers

  In the U.S., this is the best time to become involved in politics–and build your resume of experiences.  Thousands of campaigns are under way throughout the country.  Simply walk into the campaign HQ and offer to help.  You might not automatically start out in a PR role.  Small, seemingly insignificant assignments turn into more…… Continue reading Volunteer Political Jobs Lead to Careers

Building a Career While Making a Difference

  Amy Goad and students  As the plane started its descent into Lusaka, Zambia, two thoughts came to my mind: “I can’t believe I’m doing this!” and “Maybe I can just get on a plane and go back.”  Throughout my last year at college and even after graduation, I spent countless hours researching various teaching and…… Continue reading Building a Career While Making a Difference

View From The Outside: Agency, Volunteer Insights

      Teresa Mastin, Ph.D.  (second from left) If you were independently wealthy, what would you do with your days, what would you do with your life? During my summer 2010, I often found myself wondering what I would do with my life if I didn’t have to work for a living.  Two experiences in particular…… Continue reading View From The Outside: Agency, Volunteer Insights

Tipping Point 2.0: ‘Good’ Business = Big Business

Cause-related PR is on the verge of exploding.    For years, corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts have been handled by small, sometimes one-person staffs.  As consumers reacted positively to companies that did good deeds, CSR gained increasing credibility as it expanded from corporate philanthropy to a new marketing tool.  Rob Densen wrote a thoughtful guest post recently on CSR (he…… Continue reading Tipping Point 2.0: ‘Good’ Business = Big Business

Volunteer, Have Fun and Build Resume

  Many posts here have discussed the importance of volunteerism and involvement as a way to enhance your resume.  So, I was pleased to see the report from PR students at Columbia College who got actively involved in supporting Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympics.  Although Rio de Janeiro was awarded the 2016 Olympic rings, the…… Continue reading Volunteer, Have Fun and Build Resume

Focus on Grades, Fun and Extra Curriculars

  As nearly 2 million freshman begin arriving on campuses in the U.S. alone over the next two weeks, most will focus on parties and academics.  Only a few will lay the groundwork for their future careers by becoming involved in extra-curricular activities.  Since hands-on experience and networks are essential for future job searches, don’t postpone getting…… Continue reading Focus on Grades, Fun and Extra Curriculars

Factors to Consider in PR Career Choice?

  Q.   I am the mother of a soon-to-be high school senior who currently thinks he wants to major in mass communications/PR when he goes to college next year.  My husband and I are in financial jobs, and don’t know enough about PR to effectively discuss our son’s career choice with him.  Suggestions?  Thank you.  -EB A. …… Continue reading Factors to Consider in PR Career Choice?

Carrying ‘Extra’ Weight in the Job Search

  Brandi Boatner College students and recent graduates should be aware of a common myth faced during your academic career. Myth: Extra-curricular activities in high school were good enough but in college they aren’t really a big deal. You might think, who has time to join dozen of clubs and organizations, going to several meetings…… Continue reading Carrying ‘Extra’ Weight in the Job Search

The 5 Ws of a Successful CSR Initiative

Columbia College’s Sandra Allen, who is a long-time friend and PR colleague, invited me to speak to her Social Change Communication class yesterday.  Her students are focusing on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and they clearly have been giving a lot of thought to the subject. We discussed the evolution of CSR from over the past 30…… Continue reading The 5 Ws of a Successful CSR Initiative

Career Quick Start Via Volunteerism

Tom O’Keefe graduated from Villanova University last year and asked himself “now what”?  He found his answer and writes about it in a short, thoughtful post on Career Realism.  In this bleak job market, Tom answered his own question with another question:  “Did you know you don’t necessarily need a job or internship to gain relevant experience in your…… Continue reading Career Quick Start Via Volunteerism