8 things learned along the way – the 834 associate Rachael CrevierTwo weeks ago midterms arrived and went at Grand Valley State University, emotions are running high for seniors

graduating in December. The years of dreaming about life after college are about to become a reality. Before you can

receive your graduation gown and are handed that long awaited diploma it’s important to reflect upon on your time in

college.

These are the 8 things I have learned from my time at college, internships and from my life experiences.

Think, research, and ask – As a student you are taught how to research, from search terms to databases yet we still

ask before really exhausting our resources. Your professors and everyone at your internship will be grateful of your

ability to think, research, and then ask. Take it from me, there is nothing worse than pissing off your boss because you

asked a question that you could of Googled. They say there are no stupid questions but sometimes unfortunately there

are. Don’t get caught looking like a fool because you weren’t paying attention, write down exactly what you are told to

do so you don’t have to ask that question again.

Say no  – Working a job, joining clubs and organizations, spending time with friends and homework are all-important

but don’t overcommit yourself. If you have to work during college set aside a certain number of hours that you feel you

can handle, but when you start feeling overwhelmed, then it may be time to make changes. Make a priority list of

what’s most important to you including homework, and focus on that list, whatever doesn’t make the list isn’t that

important.

Competition is healthy – Don’t get depressed because someone has their shit more together than you. It will only help

drive you to be a better student. It may piss you off that they know more about writing press releases, blogging, media

kits etc. but competition will motivate you to work harder on your weaknesses.

PRSSA – I truly regret not making time and taking advantage of the groups and organizations at GVSU. The first

organization meeting I attended was PRSSA (Public Relation Student Society of America.  It offers amazing

opportunities like mentorship programs, agency tours and resume critiques, but because of my own lack of motivation

or fear of being uncomfortable; I didn’t take advantage of all that they offered.  My suggestion to anyone is to get

involved in an organization that will help you with your career.

Start now – The number one thing I wish I would done from the beginning of my advertising and public relations

classes was to fix my projects for my portfolio. By changing the mistakes you made right way it wouldn’t be such a

daunting task now. This also goes for your resume; don’t wait until you need for a job or internship to begin creating it.

If you already have a project created then it will be easier to update.

Ask for help in three ways – At The Economics Club of Grand Rapids event last month, JJ Ramberg suggested that you

should always ask for help in three ways because the person can choose what task would be easiest for them. Using

this strategy will also benefit you because you will get help with one out of the three problems.

Always say yes to social opportunities – I’m a true believer of always saying yes to the uncomfortable. Since starting

my internship at 834 I have had multiple opportunities to attend to networking events, parties, award shows,

motivational speakers, even pre-release showings of art because I said yes. I think this will hold true to many

opportunities in your life, you never know what may lie ahead.

Branding – You are your only salesperson and you must be ready to represent yourself every time you step out of the

house. I try to live by this rule, but sometimes it would just be easier going to class in yoga pants. I try to remember

that my peers and professors may be my future employer so looking your best will represent yourself in the long run.

8.5 – always a little extra! Write thank you notes – everyone at 834 has taught me the importance of writing thank you

notes. A hand written thank you note says something special. Taking those few extra minutes to say thank you or hello

can change someone’s mood or even lead to a future job.

There you go. Eight and a half tips are what shaped my college career and over all have taught me numerous things

about myself. I plan to take these lessons into my career and use them to reflex upon for growth and improvement. I

hope you will take a moment and learn from my mistakes and how they will help you in your future career or time at

college.