Part 2: How to become an online communications/pr pro

Part two of how to: become an online communications and PR professional. 

A serious to help you become an online communications and pr professional.

We all know how tough the online communications and pr world can be.

So heres my helpful tips to get you set up and on your way!

Today is the second part of eight in the series!

Appearance

So your probably wondering like me, Why in gods name does my appearance matter when I'm online?

Ever taught about the image your sending to the world?

I never taught of this when trying to learn the ropes of a pro!

In recent years many companies have set up pop up stalls at conferences, photo shoots and Public relations events taking professional head shots for online media sites.

A good photo:

Professional

Cleverly dressed

Neat hair/Makeup

Respectable pose

Natural looking

Up to date

A bad photo:

Something used from a personal site (Facebook drinking photos)

Heavy make up

Unprofessional clothing

Group shots

The aim to get the perfect head shot or profile photo can help be the decision why a cooperation will hire you or not! 

While tweeting you may be snuggled on a couch with your hair up in a track suit, but sadly your profile can not portray this image. In the privacy of your own home you can stay that way, the online media world does not need to see that! 

The online media world can be vicious! It is judge mental, with a professional look and respectable appearance you can be taken seriously and stay on top of the competition!

Other helpful tip:

Use work pages as work pages

Do not mix personal and professional information on one page (IE: At Starbucks with john)

This can send an unprofessional signal to potential clients/employees/employers etc. Keep a professional state of mind

While being online remember every thing you post, tweet, link in etc will always be there regardless if you delete it or not.

Future employers/Other online professionals will watch you, Keep it fresh up to date and professional.

Stay up to date and recent. Try stay appealing to your audience. Keep your client/employer/media in mind. An up to date appearance is crucial. 

So why not try it out? Change your picture, Make it simple, professional and respectable and who knows you could be on your way to being an online communications and PR professional in no time! 

Happy Online Communications and PR searching!

How to: Become an online professional (Part one)

This is the first part of an eight part series I have made up. Called "How to become an online communications/Pr professional"

Always dreamed of being a Pr and Communications Professional?
Well now you can! Here's some of my helpful tips to try gain that job you've always wished for!

You may ask yourself? How does she know?

My name is Catherine Dillon, I am a second year Communications and Pr student and I have had my fair share of online communications and pr these past two years!

Take a journey on my tips and tricks to learn the in's and outs of online communications and pr!

Step one:

Education

Education is the most important step when becoming a professional. Companies will look back to your assessment marks, attendance and even your performance in college. Make sure to make the most of your education and do not take it for granted. Going to college as often as you have to, doing all projects on time and of coarse trying to pass those important exams.

If a coarse isn't right for you, how will you expect to go on? Find a coarse that suits you, with the same interests and understanding. I chose Communications and Pr as I have always been a huge media lover and wanted to expand my experiences into the field of Pr.

Keep an eye out along the way of education for chances and opportunities you might not get once finished in college. Public speaking, a president of a society, organising an event, captain of a sports club all of these things get you noticed on your Cv and show potential for your new employers. 

In Ireland of coarse your best option is do to a Level 8 honours degree in the subject of your choice. Not to worry if you don't you can always go on and do a masters or other media/PR related coarse to gain as much experience and education in the field as you can. 

There are major categories when looking for a job in the communication and PR fields. 

Technology. Without technology understanding a student will not be able to apply for a job. Something as simple as setting up a wifi connection. Logging onto a system, a presentation or excel data base. Without these vital skills the student will not have the skill level required.

Communication. Of coarse communication is one of the main ways in which a student communicates with the outside world. 

Why not set up a blog? A media monitoring log? A video log channel? Something to show future employers your interests and hobbies while using a strong form of communication. This looks good as it is your own choice, something you are keen in and shows a good understanding of new media and technologies.

Law. The understanding and education of law in this field is vital. As law changes every year and there is so many rules and regulations, knowing privacy acts and laws are crucial as the last thing you need is a court case against you as a breech of privacy. 

Design. When I first started my third level education I was hesitant to learn design. Why would a media/PR student need to know how to design? I was so naive. Now as I have an understanding I realise it is crucial. Designing banners, posters, twitter pages, social media sites, images, icons, logos the list is endless! Of coarse in the future you can pay someone else to do this, but the more education you have in something the more likelihood you have of earning yourself a job!

Marketing? Why do I need to know about the market? Of coarse knowing a good education about previous markets is vital. If your product you are trying to promote or advertise is competition with another product and you are unaware, how will you know how to market it to the right audience. Place, Product, Price and promotion. With a keen knowledge of these your sure to fly into the media/PR with a ton of knowledge!

Media/Pr education. Of coarse this one is a no brainier. If your doing a media/PR coarse, act like a sponge. Soak up every little detail, every tip. Why? This time of your life is vital. You are learning all the basics in the modern media/PR world. Without this you have no hope of a job. So for however long your education is, head down, brain on and work work work till you get the education you need!

Happy Education Days!