Five pieces of advice a PR grad must consider in today’s job market:

With this economy, it has been considerably difficult to find a job
after graduation, especially in communications departments.

Offices such as Porter Novelli in Washington D.C. laid off 15% of their
office, and this is a growing trend in the field. However, at PRSSA
Senior Night, the graduating class of 2009 received some heartfelt and
practical advice from PR professionals and financial advisors alike in
how to maintain their enthusiasm, think wisely about their finances,
and find the perfect job for them, whether it takes a year or two.

Here is the some advice that ANY graduating senior could use in
today’s job market:

1) Check your parents’ insurance policies, and make sure you are insured!
Tom Strate, Strate Insurance Group, Morristown, Tenn.

Insurance can be tricking, but finding an independent insurance agent
will help you find packages that work best for your needs (especially
if you do not receive benefits at work). See which of your parents’
policies you may remain on after graduation, and assess what type of
coverage you may need after graduation. Renter’s insurance is a good
idea if you are living in an apartment, because if your belongings are
damaged or stolen, they can be covered by this insurance (which is
extremely affordable)!

2) The dream job may not come today.
Nadine Randall, CDC, Public Policy Department, Atlanta, Ga.

After figuring out that the agency life was not for her, Randall
decided that she wanted to work in a corporate setting. Understanding
what you want out of your work life is important, but this can only
come with time and experience such as having internships/jobs in
different work environments and figuring out your interests. However,
you can’t be discouraged by not finding your dream job immediately
after graduation, and make sure to continually volunteer and work with
your passions so you can find it.

3) Spend and save your money wisely.
Mike Emanuele, Horizon Staffing, Jonesboro, Ga.

Emanuele made his first budget back in 1981 when he was a student at
Northwest Missouri State University! Make sure to budget your income and
expenses closely, and allow room for emergencies! To save money after
you graduate, stay with a roommate or at home to save on costs. Make
sure you direct some of your money from each paycheck to go straight
into your savings account, so that you don’t live off of ALL of your
money and you have cushion for future expenses.

4) Keep your networking opportunities alive!
Katherine Mason, Porter Novelli, PRSA/GA representative

Joining PRSA has helped Mason, a Florida State grad, to meet PR
professionals in Atlanta and network tremendously. Sometimes, the
company will pay for your membership in PRSA, but make sure that you
are helping them by forwarding notes and tips (from luncheons and
seminars) to your boss (and to the office if given permission). Your
continuing education can profit the entire company!

5) Be proactive, especially in the first jobs of your career.
Allie Carswell, Spanx
Lindsey Berryhill, Fleishman Hillard
Kate Griffin, Kleber & Associates
Nadine Randall

If this mean that you have to ask a lot of questions, do it! Make sure
you do it in an intelligent way, but make sure that you ask them! A
lack of questions may seem to employers that you aren’t prepared to
learn, you aren’t interested in the company or you are unenthusiastic
about working there.

If you see a task that can prove your asset to the company, dedicate
yourself to it and follow through. Employers understand that you won’t
have the specific knowledge of their company, but you have the basic
communication skills to perform your job.