The “X Factor”
I’m just beginning to realize the wealth of information out there about getting a job in PR. And although each firm or company is probably looking for something different, “The Public Relations Career X Factor” by Cori McKeever offers some valuable insight on starting in the PR industry. What is the X factor according to McKeever? It is more like the X,Y and Z factors.
1. Exude confidence, not arrogance.
2. Identify a mentor.
3. Realize that mistakes will be made, but do not make the same ones twice.
4. Burn the midnight oil.
5. Commit to being a student of the industry.
6. Recognize there is much to learn.
They seem pretty obvious, but sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to remember.
photo from office.microsoft.com
Surfing New Media: It’s Sink or Swim
The more I learn about social media public relations, the more I think that traditional PR is on the way out. These days it seems like distributing information and getting publicity is impossible without using the newest technology. As social media tactics get more elaborate, the more the old black and white press release loses influence and credibility.
We are a PR generation caught in the middle, and any new graduate without knowledge of how to ride the social media tide will be left on the beach.
Luckily, many colleges around the country are beginning to catch onto the media transformation currently happening in PR. There are also a lot of new media disseminating information about new media – like the example below.
Steve Rubel of Edelman Public Relations, Senior Vice President and blogger of Micro Persuasion talks about the impact of social media on PR.
My PRemier
As I quickly approach the end of my college experience, I begin to wonder about my future. To be honest, I haven’t had this kind of nervous anticipation since 5th grade fractions. I made it through that traumatic experience, and I’m sure graduation will be nothing compared to irregular numbers. With my search for a job, however, I’m sure a little guidance would not hurt.
For that reason, I have decided to share my research, ideas and experiences while I prepare for, find and get a job in the PR industry. I’m ready. I think.
