Starting your first day at work is intimidating for anyone, no matter what the chosen field. It's not easy starting at the bottom, however knowing that you are setting the foundations for a long and successful career path should give you enough motivation. In public relations there are a few things that can really help you feel more comfortable and confident as you begin to climb that corporate ladder.
As most know, Public Relations is a trade that is constantly thriving, though changing media and communicating opportunities which should always have you on your toes. As a newbie in this industry, one needs drive and a natural curiosity to keep up to date with the constant adjustments and transformations within the traditional and social media spaces all the while keeping abreast of client's needs.
I have found some great pointers for PR newbies from PRdaily. I also added a few of my own thoughts and experiences which can hopefully help you too, here they are:
- Interpret and understand all forms of media (newspapers, blogs, magazines, etc.)
People take it for granted that in order to keep in touch with the world around us, we need to be reading and paying attention to the media EVERY DAY. Without the media PR would not be able to survive and vice versa.
Adding to this point I have found that the more magazine, newspapers, blogs and online features you read, the more capable you become in your job. It gives you confidence and a greater understanding on what the media, and more importantly your target markets are looking for.
- Learning is the Key to success as a newbie
The golden key for a newbie in the PR industry, and with any other industry, is to keep your mind active and keep your feet on the ground. Take the initiative to listen, speak and do as much as you can even if it is not part of the job.
Personally I have found that the most important thing is listening to your peers and colleagues, as this is where you can really take advantage of someone else's experience.
Become a team player, help out where you can.
"The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club won't be worth a dime." Babe Ruth. In my experience so far team players win, get more help and have the backing of their peers. While those that aren't team players seem to slowly but surely distance themselves from the group, leaving them alone and isolated.
With a character trait such as curiosity one will become naturally more aware and can this can help develop your creativity. Being tough in this industry is crucial to survive, as this is a business that will eat up anyone who isn't able to stand on their own two feet.
Your boss will also love the fact that you are curious, as it shows passion and a need to learn and grow. Being tough allows you to fight through the bad times, and there will be a few, and come out stronger for it.
Any form of communication on the web has become a necessity. Become familiar with different social networking sights and those that less informal people, such as bloggers, who have an impact on what others see, hear, think and do.
As a result PR is about relationship building and maintaining those relationships throughout ones career. PR is not a job but rather a career that one needs to invest in as it will consequently lead to your own success.
Besides the above, and this might seem obvious but is often overlooked, I have found that the correct use of grammar and spelling is essential in PR. This does not only apply to clients and the media, but internally too. It is the basis of our jobs and doing your utmost at all times, whether writing a simple email to a colleague or a press release shows people that you take your job seriously.
To all those entering the PR industry, good luck and enjoy. It's tough and can be stressful but is hugely rewarding. Keep an open mind, eagerly learn, be positive and go the extra mile and you will show your worth in gold.
Source: http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/10669.aspx#
