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

Networking is real...

I'm working on another blog post, but I want to hear from you!

For those that know me, they hear me say it time and time again, but I can only say so much about how networking has helped me get to where I'm at today.

So, here's what I'm hoping you can help me with...

Tell me how networking has helped you - internships, careers, social media, etc. I want to hear it all!



If you have a minute, or two, comment on this post and let me know your stories!

Thanks in advance - I really appreciate it!

Yea - I use Twitter, don't judge!

So, I have now been laughed at twice for talking about Twitter in my Integrated Marketing Communications class. Although the name is a little unprofessional, this mini-blogging site is taking the world by storm and I am a proud user!

For the days that I was able to catch the 5 o'clock news (3 days last week and with my schedule, that's fantastic!) my local news station used Twitter to interact with their followers and asked certain questions about the economy, the troubling job market and something else...I forget. Either way, this is just another way that Twitter is becoming the new way people communicate. Who needs AIM anymore when you have Twitter?

Not only have news stations used this social media tool, so has my school...they talked about global warming this week...needs some work to make it a little more exciting, but hey - they'll get there.

Most people laugh as I talk about this network and constantly check my Blackberry for updates, but I'm getting my news, local weather forecast, even job postings right at my fingertips. Social media is changing everyday, but I am proud to "tweet" everyday.

Follow me at @epope

Beginning the final journey

Unlike most college students, I have yet to start classes and it is the third week in January (guess that's good planning on my part to sign up for a class on Monday and two on Thursday). Tomorrow I will embark on my final journey as a college undergrad, and it is a weird feeling. Grad school is definitely in my future, but the fact that the "best years of my life" are slowly fading into the past is daunting.

In just four short months, I will be walking across a stage (the location of that stage is TBD - thanks ODU) with a diploma in my hand and the world ahead of me. I'm faced with finding my first job, asking questions like, "Will this insurance plan include dental?," deciding whether to brave living on my own or stick with a roommate, amonst many other decisions.

During my last interview, they asked me how I felt being a student graduating in May during the middle of a recession. This question is probably becoming a standard for most graduating seniors and most would say that they're worried, but for me, I answered it with the honest truth: you have to be positive. If you're not going into the search with a positive mind, chances are you're not going to be one of those students with a job right out of school. Yes, so I've read The Secret, (great book if you haven't read it), but I believe that if you think positively, good things will follow and visa versa.

So, as I go into my last semester as a college undergrad, I'm thinking the same way: positively.

More to come as the semester continues.