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!
