Getting Started in Public Relations

Brooke Watson

Given that I’ve recently started my internship here at Obsidian, it seems a fitting time to look back on the steps I’ve taken to get me here and reflect on the lessons learned that will hopefully continue to carry me forward in this exciting career.

I initially started college with my major declared in journalism, but like many others, I became a bit lost down the line as to what career path was right for me. Unsurprisingly and unfortunately, this resulted in me changing my major three extra times. Life is funny, though, and my third and final change landed me right back where I began – journalism, with a concentration in public relations. It could not be a better fit for me. Although this major aligns with my natural strengths, I’ve also come to see that the extra time I’ve spent maturing in my academic career helped me hone certain traits that are crucial for the public relations professional.

Be Outgoing.

I’ll admit this used to be a hard one for me. However, in the last year and half, it suddenly became glaringly apparent that in order to be successful in any objective, you have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and chase it. No one ever crossed a finish line without first deciding to tie on their running shoes and step out the door.

Photo Courtesy to Flickr UserJames Robinson

Be Thorough.

Oh, be thorough! The absolute key to this, without a doubt, is asking questions. There is no inquiry so small that it’s irrelevant or unnecessary, especially when you’re just beginning. Do not allow unanswered questions to hover around and bring about failure or disappointment simply because you were afraid to ask. The way an amateur becomes an expert stems from a constant drive to expand his or her own understanding. Do not let a potential moment of embarrassment keep you from excellence.

Be Vulnerable.

Showcasing your talents is important when getting started in any field, but it isn’t everything. Be willing to seek help in your weaker areas, and give yourself room to practice these skills. Others will remember your progress and tenacity as you develop, as it showcases passion and determination. Besides, no one likes a one trick pony.

Commit.
Ah, perhaps the most difficult lesson I’ve learned. You don’t change your major three times because commitment is easy! However, it is inarguably the most important skill on this list. Deciding to do something is half the battle of any accomplishment, but it’s easy to be intimidated away from it after your first few mistakes. Naturally, everyone wants to be an expert right from the start, yet unfortunately, life rarely goes that way. The good news is, usually, the biggest road block is in your head. Make up your mind to succeed, and with hard work, you will!

Keep your mind open and your chin up: Advice before entering college

Sarah Burgess

Before you embark on the college journey, there are a few things that you need to be aware of. But, before I dive into my advice for incoming college freshmen, let me share a story about my college experience.

After graduating high school, I was so incredibly sure of myself. I was sure of who I was, what I believed in, what kind of people I wanted to be friends with and the path in life that I would take. But, as is usual in an angsty adolescent story, I was critically wrong. I began my college career as a landscape architect major. I was going to use my knowledge and degree to become an architect for sustainable building and do my part to save the planet one structure at a time. Looking back on that now, I have no idea what I was thinking. I hate math and science, and I extremely lack the creativity and ingenuity necessary to be successful in that capacity. 

Within the first month, I realized what a colossal mistake I had made as I struggled with each assignment, feeling like that one kindergartener that could never manage to color inside the lines. Before I could say “pergola,” I found myself hopelessly overwhelmed, feeling like there was no way out of the mess I had gotten myself into. 

After getting advice from every adult I knew and taking countless “what job is best for you” quizzes online, I discovered that my university offered help from a career center on campus. I had a great meeting with a career counselor and was then instructed to take yet another job quiz. Some of the results were truly comical considering the applicant – librarian, florist, anthropologist. What? But there among the chaos was something that finally sounded interesting – journalism/public relations. I had always enjoyed writing and language arts classes infinitely more than the rest. It was worth a shot, I supposed. I met with the head of the journalism concentration in the Department of Communication and found myself hanging on her every word. Apparently, this department gave you the opportunity to concentrate on more than one area of study – from communication studiesand broadcasting to journalism, public relations and theatre! Needless to say, I changed my major as soon as I could. Journalism and PR sounded infinitely more interesting than drawing up site designs.

Once I finally found the right major, everything fell into place. By the end of my four years, I had joined clubs related to my major, was accepted as an ambassador for my department and college, and had three internships under my belt. I don’t say that to brag on myself but rather as an example of how students can succeed when they finally find the right fit for them. 

As you enter college, I urge you to learn from my mistakes. Being stubborn in college will make everything much more difficult than it should be. Open your mind to alternatives, seek advice from professionals and know that it’s okay to change your major! But most importantly, understand that you will not leave college as the same person that you were as a freshman. Use these years as a time to grow, learn and be exposed to a variety of beliefs and opinions. Keep your mind open and your chin up, and you’ve already won half the battle!