This document provides information and tips for public relations students entering the job field, including how to search for jobs, create a strong resume, dress and prepare for interviews, showcase work through a portfolio, use social media and networking sites, and expectations for the varied work in a typical PR week from an alumni perspective. Key advice includes starting the job search 6 months before graduating, tailoring resumes to specific jobs, keeping eye contact and asking questions in interviews, and never stopping writing skills practice.

1. Georgia Southern University PRCA 3711- Public Relations Practicum Presentation by: Sam Dershowitz

2. Things a Public Relations Student Should Know before entering the field…

3. Searching for a Job Start job searching at least 6 months before you graduate! Use job search engines and social networking sites Visit your school’s career services center for tips Do your research! - know basic facts about the company

5. If your GPA is lower than a 3.0, it is better to leave it off of your resumeBarbara Nixon's resume writing tips

7. Light makeup

9. Plain colored tie

10. Nice, clean dress shoesWear This Wear This Not This Not This

12. Speak with proper grammar

13. Have a few questions prepared to ask the interviewer

14. Impress the interviewer by showing your knowledge of the company

15. Be sure to drop your voice at the end of sentences

16. Keep eye contact at all times

18. When showing your portfolio to the interviewer, turn your portfolio towards the person

20. Staying current with these sites will help you boost your knowledge and gain experience in the PR field

22. This book provides helpful tips and step-by-step instructions for planning public relations campaigns. I encourage anyone in the public relations field to reference this book while planning a campaign. Read the case studies to find information that relates to your situation.

23. No Week is Typical After speaking with PR professional, and Georgia Southern University Alumna Kempten Taylor, I quickly learned that life as a PR professional is hectic and ever-changing. You must be available at all times to assist clients and address issues. “No week is ever typical. Since you’re not dealing with just one client, you have a variety of different things to do on any given day. Typically I have 10-15 meetings a week. Half of the meetings are with clients, where you review their plans and get approval for communication pieces such as press releases and email campaigns.” - Kempten Taylor

24. Tips From Kempten Taylor Q:What three tips would you offer someone just starting out in PR? Think about what you really enjoy because when it comes down to it, you needto be interested in what you’re doing. You should decide if you want to work with an agency or a corporation because they are completely different. 2. Never stop writing. Now that I’m doing managerial things and not writing as much, I realize that it is very hard to get out of the groove. Although you may have other responsibilities, make sure you never stop writing. 3. Know your social media!

25. Good Luck!