5 ways to make the most of your public relations degree
Clara Clorey // March 15, 2013
As I approach the final stages of my Bachelor of Public Relations, I’ve been doing quite a bit of reflection. In the end, even if I decide not to continue in the communications field, I know I have significantly benefited from this program. I met a lot of interesting people who shared their expertise and who positively shaped my educational experience. I learned many valuable positive and negative lessons over the last four years. As I prepare to leave campus and make the final climb up Evaristus hill, I’d like to share some personal advice.
1. Talk to your professors. The professors at the Mount want to help us succeed and teach us ways to accomplish our career goals. Talk to your professors about your goals and ask lots of questions in class – they are there to help!
2. Beware November and March. I say this hoping that someone will listen, because four years into this degree, I still haven’t. The months of November and March are often crunch time for PR students. Some may argue that important due dates aren’t until December or April. That may be true, but trust me, November and March are when the stress begins to pile up overwhelmingly high. Set small goals and personal deadlines for yourself. This is a helpful way to manage your time and alleviate anxiety.
3. Peer edit. Peer editing is a skill that is valuable on many levels. Asking your friends to read over your writing is a helpful way to not only see another perspective, but to catch any small errors you might have missed in your own review. Getting feedback from your peers helps you learn how to take constructive criticism (instead of getting discouraged) – and it improves your writing. And don’t forget to reciprocate: offer to edit your friend’s paper, too.
4. Interviews get easier. I remember staring at myself in the mirror wearing my black blazer in a complete panic before my first co-op interview. When you’re feeling nervous and stressed, remember, it does get easier and most importantly – you got this. If you are having difficulty finding a co-op, treat every interview as valuable experience. Although it can be discouraging if you don’t get a co-op placement right away, see it as an opportunity for you to practice selling your skill set. Learning how to prepare for an interview and conduct yourself confidently is a lesson in itself that gives PR students an advantage.
5. Take responsibility. There will come a time during this degree where you may feel so frustrated that you contemplate why you chose this program. This, from my experience, is completely normal. The most important lesson that I’ve learned amongst all the sweat and tears is that you are ultimately responsible for your fate. It may seem easier to blame professors or blame university policies, but at the end of the day we all make our own choices. Inevitably difficult situations will cross your path, and what’s important to remember is that every experience, positive or negative, is a chance to learn something new. If you surround yourself with supportive people, you will accomplish great things.
It has been a pleasure working and learning from all my PR pals. I wouldn’t have made it through this degree without you all. Good luck!
