davidkamerer.com

Tag: graduation

  • Dear graduate,

    annagrad.jpgI’ve been looking for the right words for some time now, but it always comes off preachy. So instead I will rely upon the words of others, and keep things short. My gift to you!
    Paul Hawken gave a brilliant graduation address to the students at the University of Portland. I urge you to take five minutes to read it. You may know Hawken for the company he co-founded, Smith and Hawken, which started out selling durable tools for living (today they sell stuff like patio furniture). I purchased a wonderful English garden spade from the company in 1983, and still use it regularly. Hawken is an investor, entrepreneur, environmentalist, a do-gooder in a world that needs lots of good to be done. Here’s hoping that some of that rubs off on you.
    Richard Edelman is President and CEO of Edelman, a leading international public relations firm. Read his advice for gaining entry to the public relations business. And while you’re at it, grab the RSS feed for his blog, 6 A.M.
    Pictured above: my daughter, Anna, 2009 graduate of Wichita East High School

  • To my graduating students

    graduation.jpgCongratulations! 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