As someone who has changed his field from Health and Physical Education to journalism and public relations, I know that it can be difficult to know where to start. It can feel overwhelming at first, and easy to question whether you’re fit for the field. I had those same doubts when I came in. However, now that I have graduated and gained more experience in the field, I have discovered new insights and tips that would have been great advice for my younger self. Below, I will outline eight tips that I wish I had known coming in and that can be helpful to those coming into the field.
Stay Informed.
Staying informed and up to date on the latest news is essential. By keeping up with the news, you develop media literacy skills that help you analyze information in your own work. It can also help you with making sure your writing is up to the industry standard. By studying other journalists and major publications’ playbook, your ability to tell stories of your own improves.
Write and Then…Write some more.
It goes without saying that writing is part of the job of a communicator. Being a strong writer means that you are effective at getting your message or story across to an audience. The more you practice it, the better you will get at it. Practicing means writing something every day and experimenting with different styles and formats along the way. Whether it be a news article, press release, blog, or even a social media post, writing every day sharpens your skills and prepares you to adapt your voice for any audience or platform.
Start Networking…NOW.
If you want opportunities in PR or journalism, networking is essential. You’ve probably heard the saying, ‘It’s not just what you know, but who you know.’ This couldn’t be truer in the communications industry. Start to network early by building lasting relationships with classmates, professors, and other professionals on Linkedin. Don’t wait on opportunities; seek them out. By doing so you will gain valuable knowledge on your career path, gather feedback, and leave the door open for future job prospects.
Learn Multimedia Skills.
In today’s fast-paced world, people want more than writing. They crave audio and visual content such as images, videos, and podcasts. Multimedia skills in graphic communication, video editing, and podcasting are skills that every modern PR professional and journalist should have. These skills make your content more engaging and are great to put on a resume.
Leverage Social Media.
Using social media to build your personal brand is a smart move that can set you apart in the field. Learning to leverage social media to showcase your work expands your audience, builds your professional network, and opens doors to job opportunities.
Experience Matters.
Hands-on experience is invaluable in PR and journalism because these disciplines are not just about theoretical knowledge. They are about the ability to perform. Showcasing that you know what you are doing through internships, student publications, or volunteer projects is how you prove to potential employers that you are capable of the job they have set out for you.
Accept Constructive Feedback.
Having the ability to accept constructive feedback from others is how we get better no matter what field we work in. Learning lessons through failure is how we improve and grow from our mistakes.
Conclusion
Going into public relations or journalism can be challenging, but with these tips, you are getting ahead of the game, and you will be able to get your foot into the door of an industry that can shape narratives and tell stories that inspire and engage people. Now, do what I should have and begin to follow your passions with confidence.