The other day, I remarked to my mom that I couldn’t wait for college to end and the real world to begin. I explained that school consumes by life 24 hours a day and my job would probably only require a nine-hour shift and perhaps the occasional weekend take-home project. It would be nothing like this never-ending schedule of meetings, classes, work, projects and, very rarely, social life.
What was I thinking?
Rather than blaming this blunder on blind naivety or stupidity, I would like to think it was a moment of weakness, probably brought on by one too many glances at the novel on my nightstand that I am still aching to read. I realize it was a silly, passing thought, one you would never mention to your professor and especially never to a potential employer, but I know I’m not alone in wanting a brief rest from this fast-paced schedule.
The thing is, there are things I want even more. I want several excellent internships before I graduate so I feel confident applying my knowledge, I want perfect grades so I can get every scholarship I apply for, and most of all I want to be so excited about what I do that employers are seeking me.
Are all of these things possible? Maybe not, but constantly throwing aside the meeting schedule and homework will only help me obtain a short break and multiply the stress I will undergo when I do get around to that work.
Such is the life of a PR student, but that fast-paced, organized, and outcome-oriented approach to school carries over into the workforce more than I was willing to admit the other day. PRKent may stress you out while you’re here, but you will be ready to hit the ground running when you enter the profession. My advice? Just breathe. We’re all taking the courses, attending the meetings, applying for the internships and working for the grades. We’re a support system that outsiders cannot understand, and we will continue to exist after graduation. This blog is one more tool for you to turn to when you’re overcome with school and wonder if anything you’re doing will turn into some kind of helpful experience.
It will. PR is about the experience.
I celebrate my one-year anniversary of surviving print beat reporting this semester. I will probably continue to celebrate that anniversary, and who’s surprised- that was one of the most stressful semesters/classes/schedules of my life. I also just joined the facebook group supporting those who made it through that experience alive.
When you enter your first job and have to complete several interviews, a magazine article and a press release by the end of the day, you’ll be glad you did.
I understand your frustration, Bing. However, I’m guessing that you are thriving in this environment of non-stop expectations just as you always have. I am positive that completing a rigorous program like this with your robust attention to quality and detail you be overwhelmed with opportunities when you, at last, complete your course.
Value this sort of experience, because it is, as you noticed, instrumental in your vocational development. Consider someone such as myself, whose training and experience have been solely academic. I have no option upon graduating other than to continue pursuing academics. While this decision was made with awareness, it also severely limits my options should I change my mind in the future.
You, in contrast, have done well pursuing a diverse educational experience that will open as many doors for you as your free spirit can abide.
You go, Bing.
Heather, I only wish my days were 9 hours. If you want to work those shifts, work for a LARGE PR firm. I work for a small Ad/PR firm and it’s chock-full-o-hours!
I enjoyed your blog…best of luck to you! I’ll keep checking out your blog.
Matt,
Thanks for the insight… I’m sure I don’t know exactly what I’m getting myself into yet, and it’s nice to hear about the real world from the experts so there are fewer surprises when I get there. Thanks for stopping by my blog!