Well Bobcats, we’re one month into summer ‘16 and some of us are itching to add valuable skills and experiences to our resumes. For those people who have public relations related internships, resume builders may not be too hard to come by. For those who do not, it is more important than ever to build your skill set and keep learning and growing while there is no pressure of a full course load breathing down our necks. Here are five surefire ways to build your resume and add pieces to your portfolio this summer.
Blog for PRSSA and ImPRessions and write for PR Success
You’ve heard this time and time again ladies and gentleman, but you can never be too good at writing. Nobody is perfect and even the best writers in the world are always looking to improve. That being said, we have a few wonderful outlets that allow you to go through the process of coming up with a topic and writing a blog or article, but with much less pressure. Scripps PRSSA and ImPRessions would love for any and all OU students who are looking for writing experience to blog for our websites and write for PR Success, our newsletter! In this case, an executive board member will read your blog or article, edit it and give you tips to improve in the future before publishing it. How cool would it be to say that you were a contributing writer for a newsletter that is seen by members and alumni of PRSSA all over the nation!? This opportunity will also help you build experience writing for an eclectic audience.
Create and write your own blogs
I would urge any and everyone to make their own blog site at some point during their college career. There is nothing more exciting than getting to write about whatever topics you choose, designing your website so it looks the way you want it to and promoting yourself on social media. It’s really such a rush! This is also a place where you can add writing samples and your resume. You won’t regret it and you’ll only have to write as much or as often as you’d like. Here’s the perfect chance to show your creativity.
Learn how to use the social media tools available for free online
Hootsuite, Tweetdeck and Google Analytics are just a few of many free online tools that help with social media organization, branding and analyzing. These hard skills are extremely valuable when looking for a job or internship in the future. Gain some experience working with these types of programs while you have the time so that you can speak to this skill set during interviews later on down the road.
Shadow a professional for a day
While contacting a professional to ask if you can shadow them for a day or throughout the summer may sound a little intimidating, it is a sure way to gain insight into an industry or type of company you may be interested in. Scripps alumni are always looking to help Bobcats! All it takes is a few emails and I guarantee you, someone will be more than willing to take you under their wing.
Find a job PR related or not
Having a summer job of any kind is a resume booster! Future employers like to know that you work well with others and know how to keep up in a fast paced environment regardless of what it is that you are doing. You can learn soft skills from any job such as communication, organization, time management, working on teams, etc. Another big upside of having a summer job is that, if you leave on good terms, your boss will allow you to use them as a reference for employers to call down the line and they’ll be happy to put in a good word for you!
Not finding a summer internship can be extremely frustrating, but there are more ways to keep learning and expanding your knowledge completely on your own! If you ever want to learn more about writing opportunities for Scripps PRSSA, please don’t hesitate to reach out to an executive board member. Make this summer about the beach, the sun and turning yourself into a PR Star! Ready, set, LEARN!
Jennica Lurie is a senior studying Journalism-Strategic Communication. She is also the VP of PR for Scripps PRSSA. If you would like to learn more about getting involved with writing for the PRSSA blog or PR Success email her at jl390412@ohio.edu. Follow her on Twitter @jennicalurie.
Reblogged this on Jennerally Speaking.