Congratulations, Class of 2024! You did it. You survived all-nighters, questionable dining hall food, and that one professor who always seemed to lose your assignments. Now it’s time to tackle the real world, which, let’s face it, can be a bit overwhelming. But fear not, because our team has your back with some tried-and-true tips to help you break into the PR world and navigate this new chapter with confidence.
Networking: Your Secret Weapon
Remember that awkward kid from your freshman dorm who always seemed to know everyone? It’s time to channel your inner social butterfly and start building your professional network. The PR world is small, so attend industry events, join online groups, follow journalists on social media, and reach out to alumni from your school to grow and build your network. You never know where your next opportunity (or story) might come from, and a strong network can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Never Stop Learning
Just because you’re done with exams and textbooks doesn’t mean your learning journey is over. In today’s fast-paced world, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. In PR, the early bird gets the worm so keep your finger on the pulse of news, read industry publications, learn journalists’ names and beats in sectors you are looking to break into and build in time to look critically at successful brands. How did they get there? What are they talking about? How are they positioned in the market? Building the muscle that allows you to think critically drives creativity and resourcefulness when you are faced with a challenge.
Find a Mentor
Everyone needs a guide on their professional journey. Find one (or two) people you admire in your field and ask them to be your mentor. They can offer invaluable advice, share their experiences, and help you navigate the often-confusing world of work. Don’t be afraid to reach out to multiple mentors for different perspectives and insights. P.S. having a mentor helps you on your journey to expand your network and never stop learning.
Don’t Be Afraid to Take Risks
This is your time to shine! Step outside your comfort zone and try new things. Apply for that dream job even if you don’t meet all the qualifications, pitch your story to a journalist, connect with influential marketing and comms professionals on LinkedIn–you never know what risk will turn into a reward so don’t pass on any!
Remember, the transition from college can be a rollercoaster ride–there will be ups and downs, but with the right mindset and these helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to conquering this new chapter in your life. So go out there, make your mark, and show the world what you’re made of!
ABOUT ESCALATE PR
Escalate was built to provide B2B tech and tech-adjacent organizations with consistent high-level strategy, counsel, and deliver the results they deserve each and every day. We aim to challenge the traditional agency model with a modern approach to communications that is more efficient and cost-effective.
Escalate PR is a Boston-based virtual boutique consultancy, though we have PR professionals across the country (San Diego, San Francisco, Phoenix, New York, New Jersey, and more). Our team of 16 senior public relations strategists boast an average of 15 years experience each with the ability to provide top tier services to each and every client.
Escalate PR specializes in B2B enterprise tech PR, with vast experience in HR tech, Martech/Adtech, customer experience CX, and many other enterprise technology verticals. To view our main suite of services, use this link to visit our services overview and learn about our team here.
Learn more about our clients and their work under Experience and Insights.