Congratulations! You’re almost out of here. Don’t forget a few tasks before you’re gone for good:
Thank mom, dad and all the adults who have cheered for you, paid for your car insurance, hired you, and took the time to get to know you as an adult. You can never have enough good people in your corner.
As you know, public relations is also personal relations. Collect physical addresses, emails and other points of contact. Obtain a permanent email address and share it with everyone. Buy some note cards and send some thank-you notes. Take care of your friends, and someday they’ll be the best thing: old friends.
Come to play. You’re going to need business cards, a really good resume and a portfolio (you should also have an online portfolio). You should never be without these assets. As you gain experience, update your portfolio.
Buy a great suit, all the accessories that you need to make it work (guys, that includes a tie and dress shoes), get it tailored and have it ready. When you get the call, then you just put it on like a uniform. Easy.
If you anticipate needing a new computer, use your student status to get a discount on hardware and software. It would be a good thing if Santa brought you Adobe Creative Suite 4 (retail price is $1,400; student price is $300). You can order through the university bookstore or a third-party store like JourneyEd.
As a recent graduate, you can join PRSA at a great rate – just $60 plus local chapter dues. I strongly recommend that you join and turn out at local meetings.
I’m truly sorry there aren’t more jobs. But even so, opportunities abound. I know you’ll find and seize them.
You have accomplished a great deal; savor it. And then get to work.
All the best,
Dr. K
photo credit by M00by
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