Think ahead, get ahead

With graduation just over a month away (May 16 – not that I’m counting), seniors have a lot to think about other than the obvious job search. From putting the final touches on group projects to finally getting around to purchasing your cap and gown ($60 at ODU; am I the only one getting ripped off?), the best days of college are behind you as we prepare to take the big step into the real world. While these things are keeping us focused on the present, it is extremely important to start thinking about the future as we begin to go on interviews.

I was challenged to think about my future in my senior seminar class when I was asked to complete a 5-year plan. Initially, I was frustrated because the thought of putting together a plan for the next five years seemed impossible. With the ailing economy causing major job loss and a record-high unemployment rate, it’s hard to even think about where you’ll be a year from now.
If you’re like me, you have to take it one step at a time. So, the first thing I did was ask myself; what really makes me happy?

Once you answer this question, it will help lay the groundwork to any plan. Fortunately, for me, my broad internship experience helped me answer this question. After completing four internships, a fifth in May, that focus on different specialties, I found my true passion in the public relations industry: healthcare. With that, I was able to make a list of aspirations and goals that eventually formed a start of a 5-year plan.

Another component of the plan should include a list of activities or organizations you plan on joining or taking part in. Throughout my college career, I was actively involved in three campus organizations (PRSSA, Delta Sigma Pi and Tau Pi Phi) and volunteered at various organizations throughout central Ohio (Mid-Ohio Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House, Fruit of the Vine: Friends of the Homeless). I’m the type of person that likes to stay busy (obviously), so joining different organizations and continuing my efforts in helping the community are two things I am going to continue.

Senior PRSSA members, did you know that you can join PRSA as an associate member for a discounted price of only $60? Regular dues are $250, so look at the money you will save (sign-up by April 30 and you can receive a complimentary membership to the New Professionals section; check it out)Take advantage of this great opportunity to not only continue networking, but keep learning about the trends in public relations.

So, why is all of this important? When you go into your first, second or even third real job interview, I guarantee they’ll ask you about your plans for the future. It happened to me, and I’m sure it’s happened to others! So even though I was frustrated with the 5-year plan assignment in the beginning, I am extremely grateful that my professor pushed me to put a plan together.

While most of us are applying for jobs online, attending networking events to let everyone know, “Hey, I’m graduating – hire me!” and completing our exit interviews, do yourself a favor and think about the next few years. It will pay off – I promise you.

A peak of my 5-year plan:
- Stay positive
- Start positioning myself as an young PR professional interested in non-profits, healthcare and children
- Join PRSA and take on leadership roles
- Continue volunteering
- Continue networking
- Spread my wings and look for jobs outside the Ohio border