Graduation and the Real World

As I mentioned in my previous blurb, I’ve graduated and entered the real world. I took two weeks off between my graduation and the beginning of my new agency job to travel (surprise), but now everything is catching up. 

I’m still receiving e-mails from KSU listservs, which is bringing on a barrage of emotions ranging from joy to horror at having finished college, but I’m loving every minute at work and it’s really what has helped me stay stable and sane. Although my first weeks flew by, trying to get acclimated to the workplace and my clients, I’ve finally had a moment to stop and think about everything that has happened.

I was talking with a friend who is finishing her last semester at KSU in the PRKent sequence, and she was asking me quite a few in-depth questions about my time at Kent State, my internships, my job, my travels and how those things helped lead me to where I am now.

 I’m glad that I dedicated so much time and effort not only to my course work, but to the organizations I joined and positions I held. I just turned in my paperwork to join the Akron Chapter of PRSA, a move brought on by good experiences as a member of Kent State’s PRSSA. I was only a mildly active member due to declaring my major late, being out of the country and class conflicts, but the meetings I attended and my experience at the PRSSA National Convention all helped me develop professionally before I was officially a professional. Whether I was participating in a resume or cover letter critique, earning scholarship money or simply meeting other classmates, I learned more about applying what I was learning in class to the real world, and I was learning how many opportunities existed for me once I left Kent State.

The best time to explore those options is really during college, and I only regret that I didn’t start exploring sooner. My internships spanned several career path options: nonprofit, corporate and agency. I don’t believe I could have successfully chosen a job upon graduation without having given each one a try, and despite everything I heard from other professionals in the industry, my experiences in each setting were not always typical, proving that it was essential that I try them all myself.  I have heard mixed reactions ever since about the importance of including anything from college on my resume from here on out.  Some fellow PR practitioners like to see impressive GPAs or significant leadership roles in professional organizations, but most tend to agree on wanting to see work experience, preferably relating to public relations.  I know it’s hard to get that all in while you’re balancing everything else college life brings, but I can’t be more serious in suggesting that it might also be the biggest favor you do yourself.  I had three internships, all paid, and although they took some work to find and land, it’s possible.  PRKent does an excellent job of updating students on internship opportunities, and local PRSA Chapters often  list them as well.  I also suggest that you contact a place you’re interested in learning more about and ask them directly if they need an intern.  That extra initiative can go away, and I personally find it impressive.

Of my PRKent friends who have graduated, I can’t believe how many had jobs before graduation or shortly thereafter and in a variety of industries.  My role at Akhia is mostly public relations focused, but I am working on a number of marketing strategies and am even dabbling in some advertising.  Don’t be afraid to branch out into other areas that you have some background understanding in from classes, and at the same time, don’t disregard those courses you are taking that aren’t for your major.  It’s funny how those things come back around.

New house, new job,  new life.  It was good looking back, but now I’m hoping to concentrate on looking forward.