The document summarizes what the author learned in a PR Practicum course. The author learned skills for resume writing, interviewing, creating a portfolio, writing cover letters, using social media, staying current in the field, tips from a professional, the benefits of LinkedIn, the importance of networking, and different methods for job searching. These lessons will help the author succeed after college in their public relations career.

1. How to Succeed After CollegeWhat I learned in PR PracticumSara DavisPR 3711November 30, 2009

2. Resume WritingThe most important skill that I learned in PR Practicum was how to improve my resume writing.I learned that “action” adjectives help give future employers a look at my abilities and accomplishments.I also learned that my resume needs to show my accomplishments & how I will benefit the company.

3. Job InterviewingAnother important thing that I learned in PR Practicum was how to improve my job interview skills.

4. I learned that I should create a “leave-behind” to leave with the interviewer.

5. I gained confidence after doing the “mock” interview and portfolio review. I feel more prepared to interview for my future career. Creating & sharing my portfolioI learned that my portfolio should contain an array of my accomplishments, instead of just one type.

6. I also learned that my portfolio should contain tabs so that everything is easier to find when in an interview.

7. In addition, I learned to choose two or three of my best pieces to show the interviewer. These pieces should be from different genres, such as print and web work. Writing a Cover LetterIn PR Practicum, I learned how to improve my cover letter writing skills. When writing a cover letter, I should describe the skills that I have that will benefit the company. I learned that I should express a knowledge of the company’s history when writing my cover letter and make sure it is specific to the job that I am applying for.

8. Social Media is KeyIn order to succeed in the Public Relations field currently, I must be skilled in social media, such as Twitter and facebook.

9. Social media is a great way to promote and to network.Staying CurrentIt is important to stay up to date on what is going on in the Public Relations field.Reading trade magazines and using google alerts are great ways to learn what is new in PR.

10. Tips from a ProfessionalI learned numerous things from the PR professional that I interviewed. One of the most important things that I learned was that technology is extremely important in Public Relations.I also learned that I need to be proficient in design programs, such as Adobe and Microsoft Publisher.

11. The Benefits of LinkedInLinkedIn allows you to connect with other people in the PR field.In addition, LinkedIn provides employers with your resume and a list of your accomplishments.LinkedIn is a great way to network and to promote yourself.

12. Trade BookThe trade book that I read discussed networking.I learned that networking is extremely important and often times you will meet a future employer by networking.I learned that networking can be done in unexpected places, such as a hair salon or even a gas station.

13. Searching for a JobFinally, in Public Relations Practicum I learned that there are numerous ways to search for a job.LinkedIn, job search engines, and career services are great outlets for job searches.I also learned that connecting with people is a great way to find a job.