The time has come. Many of us are beginning our last lap of college and it’s terrifying. I’m absolutely one of those panicked people. Time is flying by in the blink of an eye and there’s nothing we can do to stop it, so instead our best bet is to embrace it. But how? How do we take one of the most emotional and anxious years of our lives and make the best of it?
Throughout the year I will be posting blogs containing advice from graduates on how to handle the emotional hurricane that is our senior year of college. So get ready for some tears and some laughs as you read these wisdom-filled tidbits from a few of your favorite past Scripps kids…
“Strat comm is one of the most versatile degrees you can have. Don’t be afraid to look outside what we know of as a traditional SM/communications/marketing/PR job. You are qualified for so much more than that.”
“I know students hear about this all the time, but they don’t take it seriously…at least I didn’t….YOUR GPA DOES NOT MATTER. I got caught up in the pride of having a piece of paper say ‘Magna Cum Laude’ when it literally means nothing. Take that time to skip class once in awhile and go to Strouds or stay out late with your friends instead of spending an extra two hours perfecting a report. It doesn’t matter.”
Kelsey Miller is the Economic Development Specialist for the City of Delaware in Delaware, Ohio. She served as VP of Internal Affairs on Scripps PRSSA’s executive board and Senior Director of ImPRessions before graduating in May 2016.
“Surround yourself with good people”
“You never know who in your network could help you land your first job. When I graduated I was nannying for a family while looking for a job. The mom ended up referring me to a position in her company, which is where I’m working now. You never know who will be able to help you out.”
Marisa Fiore is the Marketing Coordinator at BSI Group in Hendon, Virginia. She used to serve as the Communications Director for ImPRessions before graduating in December 2015.
“The golden rule that we all know is networking. Take opportunities to take networking trips or go to regional events with COPRSA to get to know other professionals. Get to know them as friends and really learn about their post grad life. See what different post grad lives are like – based on city, nightlife, activities, working environments – and figure out what you like. It’s more than just industry.
Also when you’re job-hunting make sure you’re looking at jobs that will let you advance and take on opportunity. It’s hard not to jump at the first job offer, and every opportunity looks like it will provide advancement, but look closely and take something that will.”
“Don’t underestimate yourself in your first job. Though you could be the newest and youngest member, know that you have value and an opinion that matters. Bobcats are smart, so show them your smarts. ;)”
“Give yourself time before accepting a job. It’s ok not to have a job at graduation. I repeat, IT’S OK NOT TO HAVE A JOB AT GRADUATION. As PR students, we get burnt out and overworked during our four years, so enjoy having a break even if it’s only two weeks! You need it! You have the rest of your life to have a job and work.”
Melaina Lewis is a Communications Specialist for the Food Marketing Institute in Washington, DC and previously worked as a Digital and Social Media Specialist for Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. She served as the Director of ImPRessions before graduating in May 2015.
So there you have it, people. Infinite wisdom straight from the brains of three Scripps PRSSA success stories. Senior year isn’t easy, but it’s also known to be the most rewarding. Connect with Kelsey, Marisa and Melaina on social media to keep building that oh so important network that everyone keeps talking about!
Stay tuned for part 2 of this blog series and remember to do what you love and love what you do!
Jennica Lurie is a senior Journalism-Strategic Communication major. 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.