Bad Time to Switch to PR Career?

Q.  I graduated three years ago with a degree in business/psychology and now work in sales.  Everyone tells me I am a “natural” PR person.  How can I go about confirming what they say?  And is it a bad time to consider switching careers?  -PT A.  The Council of PR Firms offers an excellent “crash course”…… Continue reading Bad Time to Switch to PR Career?

PR Facts of Life For Skeptical Parents

A concerned parent of an aspiring PR professional asked me yesterday:  “Please give me an honest assessment of the future state of jobs within public relations.”   She added, “And while you’re at it could you also tell me exactly what is public relations?”  For a moment, I had a flash back to my early days in PR.  My parents and…… Continue reading PR Facts of Life For Skeptical Parents

Volnteering Helps Network and Job Search

   Doug Blemker Networking means much more than just setting up meetings or attending networking events. Networking is about meeting AND relating with people. Simply introducing yourself and exchanging contact information challenges the very premise successful networking is based upon. This past week I had the opportunity to volunteer at the 2009 Illinois Governor’s Conference…… Continue reading Volnteering Helps Network and Job Search

Outstanding Student, Young Pro Named

While the entire evening was beautifully orchestrated and dozens of awards were efficiently distributed, the best part of the annual PRWeek Awards Dinner on Thursday night was the recognition given to the Young PR Professional of the Year and Student of the Year.    Shannon Riggs Lane PR Senior Account Executive Shannon Riggs was named Young PR…… Continue reading Outstanding Student, Young Pro Named

Washington, DC: Job Capital

As we’ve mentioned in previous posts, Washington, D.C. has become a “hot spot” for PR jobs this year.  Confirmation came via a fascinating column by Tom Martin in this week’s PR Week.  Before turning to academia, Tom held senior PR positions at IBM, FedEx and ITT Corporation.  Here are his insights about why Washington has become the capital of hope for aspiring PR…… Continue reading Washington, DC: Job Capital

Career Fair Navigation

    Although scaled back significantly in many markets, Career Fair season is under way.  Career Fairs provide important opportunities to expand professional networks, so I asked our former intern, Lauren Dee, to share some tips after she and our HR recruiter set up shop last week at DePaul University’s Fair.  Here are Lauren’s observations and recommendations…… Continue reading Career Fair Navigation