Narrowing Focus

Each year thousands of students pursue degrees in public relations hoping to be the next Samantha Jones or Olivia Pope.  After discovering the profession, my goal was to earn a degree and become a practitioner.

“You can’t find a job in public relations by searching Monster.com.”

-          Joseph Mirando, PhD. , Professor, Southeastern Louisiana University

Dr. Mirando drilled this into my head throughout my undergraduate career. When expressing my desire to work in public relations, most people ask what that entails. The public relations profession uses simple yet strategic practices for a large variety of responsibilities. In addition, there are many different directions and disciplines you can take.  Three elements to consider:

1.      Corporate vs. Agency

2.      Public vs. Private

3.      Industry

Credit: Aldos80

As I worked to gain experience in a number of ways, I was able to evaluate my skills and interests to change my response when asked about my career aspirations. 

I once answered “I want to be a public relations professional.” My answer now is: “My long-term career goal is to become the community relations director for a professional sport's team.”

That reply often prompts greater discussion, but it is much more focused. My passions for service and sports merge through the role of a community relations professional. While that concept is simple, I took a much more strategic approach to narrowing my interest. There are several ways to discover the best fit for you in the communications or public relations industries. I wanted to share the process I took to discover my desire to become a community relations director and begin my pursuit of success as a professional.

What you need

-          Experience (volunteer experience, internships, jobs, class projects, etc.)

-          Legal notepad/ writing paper

-          Writing utensil

Instructions

-          Find a quiet area with a limited possibility of distractions.

-          Identify your passions and solid skills.

-          Think about your previous experiences.

-          Make three lists.

1.      Things you like about each experience

2.      Things you don’t like about each experience

3.      Things that will be required as an industry standard

-          Compare your lists to gauge the industries, roles and responsibilities of positions that align with your passions, interests and skills.

Note: This method can also be completed on a computer. Use the most comfortable tools for you. 

Although I didn’t complete this process until the start of my last semester of graduate school, it can be applied earlier in your academic career and allow greater opportunities to gain experience and connections. Even after you narrow your focus, always be open to other possibilities.

Are you a public relations professional or aspiring practitioner? What steps did you take to narrow your focus? Are you struggling with which PR path to take? Try my method. Please share your results.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate

The Secret to Success… Revealed

Photo by D'Anthony Jackson

The information and resources available online through Google, Linked In and various other sites are limitless. In addition to applying for every position I’ve found that I’m qualified for and matches my interests in the past few weeks, I’ve also reached out to professionals who currently have the position of my dreams.

“Your first job won’t be your dream job.”

I’ve heard it several times and different ways. Thankfully, as I’ve mentioned before public relations professionals are extremely generous when it comes to helping others achieve success, especially aspiring practitioners. Although your first position of your career may not be your "dream job," it should be a stepping stone to help you attain it. 

Throughout the last five years I’ve attended more than a dozen conferences, heard from various industry leaders and networked with the best of the best. Beyond proficiency in writing and public relations skills, the advice given by most successful practitioners is similar.

1.       Pursue your passion and find ways to incorporate it into everything you do.

2.       Take advantage of opportunities to get involved.

3.       Build your résumé and portfolio with quality demonstrations of experience beyond the classroom.

4.       Develop a solid network with meaningful, “mutually beneficial” relationships.

5.       Be genuine and authentic in who you are and the skills you have to offer.

I have recently spoken with community relations directors for various professional sports teams. After conversations via email and phone calls, I finally get it. I have unlocked the big secret I’ve been searching…

And what I’ve found is that there is no secret. Most insights I gained were no different from things I’ve heard throughout my academic career from peers, professors and professionals alike. As a believer I had to realize that when you take advantage of people, resources and words of wisdom and do everything you can to reach success, it is sometimes a matter of practicing patience for God to deliver on His promises and reveal His will for your life.

So, if you’re like me constantly seeking “the big secret.” You can stop now, because there isn’t one. If you disagree, please share. If there’s something I’m missing, I would love to know what it is. Enlighten me. Share below.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate 

Save the SUMMER

High temperatures, sandals and open snowball stands are all signs of summer time. Although it’s easy to spend the entire season catching up on sun, sleep and Scandal, let’s choose to be productive, too. As I seek and apply for job opportunities and prepare for the summer special of Hit The Floor, I’m making a conscious effort to “Save the Summer.”

For me, this starts with a schedule because “time flies when you’re having fun,” right?

Creating a schedule will ensure success in achieving goals this summer. Start with the date of the first day of classes or an important event such as the PRSSA National Conference/ PRSA International Conference.

Next, update professional documents. I’m sure your Linked In Profile could use a boost. Change your headline, adjust dates or enhance your summary. Review your portfolio, add projects from the end of the year or remove outdated work samples.

Master a new skill. With the growth of the public relations industry and expectations of multi-talented candidates, you can never know too much. Design a PRSSA invitation to outside disciplines, explore videography or view a free PRSA webinar.

Maximize opportunities to gain experience or get involved. View the event calendars of local professional organizations such as the Public Relations Student Society of America, Public Relations Association of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, etc. Volunteer for upcoming events such as back-to-school drives or summer socials.

Employ old and new skills you’ve gained. Plan a social for PRSSA members who are still in town or high school classmates you haven’t seen since graduation. Write for Progressions or Forum or start a personal blog.

Finally, Don’t let the summer pass you by without realizing that public relations practitioners, and aspiring professionals, are life-long learners. Read a book or blog; research professionals you may meet at the national conference, and don’t forget to rest.

Save the summer, but enjoy it, too.

What are your summer plans? Are there any activities, events books or blogs you would recommend to avoid wasting time and talent this summer? Share below.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate

MASTERing PR Education: Why I Chose to Pursue Graduate Studies

Yesterday marked three weeks on the “countdown to commencement.” As I reflect on my journey through advanced studies, I think about FAQs from educators, peers and professionals alike. At the start of my graduate career, I could not avoid one question. “Why did I choose grad school?”

During my time at Southern Miss. I have given and heard several answers to this question. Many students want to become professors or collegiate administrators. Others seek to achieve a lifelong dream. Some want more time before entering “the real world” or simply don’t know what they want to do. Finally, there is a significant number of grad students who either could not find a job after graduation or were not happy in their career or position.

None of the reasons mentioned above applied to me. I began to consider graduate school the semester prior to my graduation from Southeastern. I had an amazing undergraduate career and wanted to expand on my knowledge and experiences. That was enough for me.

Although I had completed several internships, excelled in my classes and networked with many professionals, I still wanted more. After attending the 2014 PRSSA Regional Conference at LSU and speaking with the USM PRSSA advisor, Dr. Cindy Blackwell, I knew that graduate school would be my next chapter.

As I approach the end of my time at Southern Miss., I could not be more happy with my decision to earn my Master’s Degree. USM has given me more than I have time or room to discuss in this post.  I encourage anyone interested in pursuing graduate studies to research institutions and programs and understand how they will help you reach your long-term career goals.

If you love public relations and want more, know that the public relations industry is one that requires lifelong learning to achieve success. Working in the profession will give you more than you want. Or so, I’ve heard.

Here are five pieces of advice for those interested.

1. Don’t go to grad school just because you don’t have to pay for it.

2. Don’t compare your experience or education to others. (I did… a lot. )

3. Experience will provide more preparation than grad school, for those interested in practice vs. teaching or research.

4. You will never know everything (about anything). Don't stress about entering the profession. Everyone has to start somewhere.

"It's PR not the ER!" - Teni Karapetian, Vice President of National Publicity, STX Entertainment 

5. Finally, a wise comment from Carolyn Markey, General Motors' Manager of Global Manufacturing Communications. “You will never ever, ever regret furthering your education.”

Are you considering grad school? Do you agree or disagree with any of my advice or comments? Did this post spark curiosity or more questions? Let’s continue the conversation. Comment below.