By Jess Carnprobst
When we come to college, we’re told to focus on our coursework and find organizations to get involved in. Especially within the Scripps School, many of us overachievers choose professional organizations, as they are all recognized for their excellence. While this is so, so important, it’s not all we should be doing during our time in college.
Disclaimer: I love PR with all of my heart, so please keep that in mind as you continue reading.
There is more to like than PR. There’s more to life than your classes. Sometimes, I worry that we’re all so wrapped up in becoming the best professional we can be that we forget to be the best person we can be. I’m guilty of this, and let PR define who I am. Although it’s a big part of me, it’s definitely not all of me. After college, I want to continue reading, traveling, volunteering in my community, dancing and enjoying all aspects of life. I don’t want to become that workaholic who never leaves their desk. There are so many things to love about PR, but there’s also so many things to love about Netflix. It doesn’t mean you should spend all of your time doing either one of these.
Getting involved in professional organizations is extremely beneficial, but it’s only one piece to the puzzle. Marisa Dockum recently shared some advice that really resonated with me. In one of our meetings, she reminded us not to take life too seriously. I’ve thought about this since the moment she said it, and a lot of times I’m guilty of this. In reality, one internship can’t make or break your life and one position can’t define who you will be for the next 20 years. It’s up to us to find many things that are important to us in life and to continue making them a priority. Also, I hate to bring it up, but employers will be looking to see that there is a person inside of your perfectly drafted press release.
When our classes and meetings are over, we need to pick up that old hobby of ours. So dust off your dance shoes and shine that bowling ball. Go have fun and remember to be a person as well as a professional!
Jess is a junior majoring in strategic communication, minoring in marketing and receiving a certificate in global leadership. After graduation, she hopes to travel the world and work at a boutique PR agency. Follow her on Twitter @jess_carnprobst
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