The Top 10 Things I learned in Practicum
PRCA 4711 Final
Amy GemmelNovember 30, 2009
1. How to write a Resume & Cover letter
• No more than one page, no weird fonts
• Use Action Verbs in previous job descriptions
• Be Specific! Give person good picture of you as a person.
• Do NOT exaggerate
•Education trumps Experience, at least for fresh out of college
2. Perfecting Job Interview Skills
• Only bring essentials into interview room
• Bring a list of questions about the company
• DO NOT ask about salary
• Dress appropriately
3. Creating the Perfect Portfolio
• Tailor portfolio to the job requirements
• Use tabs for easy flip through
• Assemble a variety of pieces that show creativity and writing abilities
4. Staying Up-to-Date with PR Events
• Important to be aware of the “online chatter” about your brand
• Subscribe to RSS feeds for public relations blogs
• Read public relations trade books
5. Making First Impressions• Be on-time (Which is early
by most standards)
• Have a firm handshake
• Avoid bad breath
• Don’t fidget
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions
6. Tips from the Experts Nuggets of Wisdom from Ty
Mays • Look for an internship with a
PR agency
• Seek out ways to enhance your professional development regularly
• Shadow professionals as often as possible
8. After the Interview
• Be sure to write down the names of all interviewers
• Send an email Thank You immediately
• Follow-up with a hard copy, hand written Thank You ASAP
9. Networking online Twitter:• “Follow” as many PR
professionals as possible• Look for opportunities
to broadcast PR current events
PROpenMic:• Internship opportunities • Peer-to-peer advice,
even from PR faculty
10. PR Trade Books • Richard Laermer – PR
genius and author of several PR books
• What is PR? This book can tell you all about it!
• The guidebook for all things PR and marketing your “brand”