Huh, so this is what my first blog would be like? Cool.
Instead of rehashing my About section to introduce myself, I’ll just let you know I am graduating in May 2008 with a bachelor’s in public relations (journalism minor). There are so many things to think about as someone in this situation, which I know many of you are or will be soon. So, I thought I would share my experience and hopefully help others out in the process.

“So what are you going to do when you graduate?”

Don’t you just love that question? I know sometimes it is just a conversation filler, but it still makes me cringe each time I hear it. The inquiry carries so many implications:

• You’re about to be in the “real world” – are you ready?
• There are so many opportunities out there, haven’t you researched them?
• Among the opportunities, which could possibly be what I’m “meant to do?”
• Departing the comfort of college – yes, a lot of us may be eager to graduate, but for some, losing the familiar environment of learning and socializing college affords, may not be completely satisfying.

I didn’t really even know where to start. Last semester I began scouring the internet – Googling “public relations jobs for recent graduates,” “entry-level pr” and the like.
I once shadowed at a large firm, but have never interned at an agency or at a corporation. My focus turned to those and the ones that offer paid programs or internships for college students and recent graduates. Below is the result of my exhaustive search.
What has helped me is creating a file for each possibility, as well as a main page which lists them by deadline and requirements (essays, transcripts, recommendations, etc…)

I’m not planning on applying for all of them, in fact, for some, the deadline has already passed, but hopefully a majority will hear from me. I’ve been told to just apply to as many as possible and see what turns up.

This is perfectly logical, but I can’t help but think, “If I put as much effort as I would like into each application (many of which require essays), that would be a full-time job.” With all my other activities consuming a great chunk of time, I couldn’t possibly create each up to my personal standards. So then would I have to “settle” for something I didn’t want as much because I didn’t spend as much time as I should have on the places I most want to work for? OR maybe I shouldn’t place so much emphasis on where I think I would rather go, because a higher power (yes, I’m putting it out there, I believe in God) has plans for me elsewhere? And if so, WHERE IS THAT?

I’ve decided to be completely open, and potential employers should not assume a lack of interest in their particular organization when looking at the results of my vast search.

One more thing… no, I don’t see this as “helping the competition.” I believe I will go where I’m supposed to go and because I’m qualified, no one can hurt my chances but me.

But I digress. I hope the following list of sites and internships (in no particular order) is helpful to you in your job search. If you have any questions for me, or if you know anything about these internships, or someone who has participated, please don’t hesitate to comment or contact me! Of course, contact familiar companies/agencies you know about to see what they offer. Also, if you know what city you want to work in, research what there is there, and contact anything that perks your interest.

FIRMS/AGENCIES:

• Ruder Finn Executive Trainee Program (New York – Deadline for this summer Feb. 15). After paying $25 for overnight shipping, I got my first official application out.
• Ketchum (many cities, Deadline is Feb. 29 for most)
• Brodeur (many Cities, no listed deadline)
• Harold-Burson (many cities, deadline is Feb. 22)
• Edelman (many cities, deadline varies/rolling)
• Fleishman-Hillard (many cities, no listed deadline)
• Ogilvy PR (New York, deadline was Feb. 15)
• Hill and Knowlton (many locations deadline is end of February)
• Manning, Selvage & Lee (Atlanta, Deadline is March 7. Top candidates compete in “Intern Challenge Day”)

CORPORATE/Nonprofit/Other:

• Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Los Angeles, deadline is March 15)
• The Walt Disney Company (deadline is March 7 for most at Walt Disney World)
• Whirlpool (Michigan, deadline is March 14)
• Liz Claiborne (New York)
• Omni Hotels (Irving, TX)
• C-SPAN (D.C.)
• Project Vote Smart (Montana, Rolling acceptance)
• Takeda Pharmaceuticals (Deefield, IL)

OTHER Helpful Sites:

• Members of PRSSA (if you’re not one, join now!), search the job center.
• Council of Public Relations Firms – Internships
• Princeton Review Internship Search – search by compensation, location, industry
• Press, Media & Communications Internships (San Diego & nationwide)
• Washington, D.C. Press, Media & Communications Internships
• Work In PR
• All About PR

And who knows, maybe I’ll be offered a job at my current internship or something else around town, I am eager to secure a summer position, and no matter where I go I will give my all.

Wow, someone’s actually read this! I sincerely thank you Please give me feedback – on the content, design, broken links, whether or not links should open into new windows – anything!

Oh, and most importantly, I encourage you to please add to this list, or share your experience, where you hope to be after college, etc…
Thanks much,

*~Cheryl~*