Got Entitlement?

As a teenager, I had unbreakable determination to excel in school. I never missed class, always studied hard and actually enjoyed writing papers. Yes, I was a nerd. But my parents always smirked when my teachers raved on and on about me, because they knew the truth.

At home, it was give me this and I need that. I worked hard in school and therefore figured I deserved an endless supply of cash for nights out with friends. I remember keeping track of every penny I spent so that my parents could reimburse me later. Yes, I was an entitled brat.

I’ve matured since then and no longer expect my parents to foot my expenses. Entitlement should end after adolescence, right?

Maybe. Maybe not.

Even as a college student, I see it all the time. Weren’t we all told growing up that if we succeed in school we’ll succeed in life? According to that logic, graduating seniors should all have jobs waiting for them. We’ve aced the classes; done the internships; perfected our resumes. Don’t we deserve to be employed?

Maybe. Maybe not.

And still, entitlement doesn’t necessarily end in young adulthood. Consider all the time PR pros spend creating media lists, developing relationships, writing releases and crafting those news-worthy pitches. After all that work, don’t they and their clients deserve that hard-hitting story?

Again, maybe. Maybe not.

So what does all this mean? Honestly, I’m not sure. What I know is that entitlement is not attractive; it wasn’t cute when I was 15 and it won’t be cute 30 years into my career. I’m only 21 years old, a senior in college, but I already recognize life is not an easy formula. I can work all day and all night and still might not get the end result I want. There are countless people who have lost their jobs over the past year because of the economy, not because they weren’t smart or skilled enough.

So now, readers, I turn to you for advice. I’ve been lucky never to suffer any major disappoints in life. But they are inevitable, aren’t they? What can students, young and even seasoned professionals do to stay grounded? To stay away from feelings of entitlement? To remember always to try our best but never to expect rewards?

What, if anything, do we actually deserve?

 

Don’t Completely “Check out” in December!

This post is for students (me, included) who are finishing up final exams and anxiously anticipating a stress-free Holiday Break. No more homework, exams, papers and projects for a whole month! Maybe you are a senior and this is your last extended vacation before hitting the “real world.” Perhaps you are a freshman, homesick  as ever, and can’t wait to invest some overdue time with the family. Some of you might even be graduating this week (congrats!) and are thrilled to be putting away the books for good.

Preposterous as this might sound, what if we dedicate at LEAST a portion of our break to something productive? No really, think about it. All semester long, we Tweet and Facebook about how we can’t wait until the end; how much we wish we could just read something for pleasure or write something that doesn’t include tedious formatting.

I don’t know about you, but I am incapable of completely “checking out” once I complete my last final. Sure, it’s fun to be lazy for a couple days…but then I just get bored. Maybe this year, we can all make a Pre-New Years resolution list of some things we’d like to accomplish.

No idea where to start? I have a few suggestions:

• Start a Blog: I won’t lie. Starting a blog in the middle of a jam-packed semester was not necessarily my most strategic move; however, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Blogging provides the opportunity to write without deadlines (though you should stick to at least a self-imposed schedule); to share your thoughts in a unique outlet; to challenge yourself to learn more about your industry; and to see firsthand how PR is evolving. So what are you waiting for? You have a month! Create a free wordpress account (or whatever else suits your fancy), find/design a pertinent theme, brainstorm several topics to get you on track and start writing!
• Invest in Blogger Relations: You don’t have to be a blogger to have a blogroll. Do you subscribe to any blogs in particular? Do you actively seek posts written by certain professionals or students? Or do you even just search keywords and read whatever appears in the results? Regardless of your process, you clearly read blogs from time to time (you are reading mine after all). But let me ask: how often do you engage with the bloggers? I’ll admit to this as well: I read, suck up all the info I can…and then run. I rarely take the time to actually leave a comment. Sometimes I’ll share the blog on Twitter, but that’s about it. We should all spend part of December developing a list of blogs to subscribe to and then make an effort to actually create relationships with the bloggers.
• Read that industry book everyone has been talking about: The only book I’ve made time for this semester is “Putting the Public Back in Public Relations” by Brian Solis and Deirdre Breakenridge. Every page has been a treat. I can’t wait to finish it and start some new ones. I’ve heard great things about “Trust Agents”  and “Crush It.” What is on your reading list? What should I add to mine?
• Make your PR portfolio: The monthly #PRStudChat taught me a lot about what a good portfolio entails. It should encompass a range of your work (releases; social media experience; op-eds; communication plans; graphic design experience; etc.), yet be tailored to fit the needs of the job in which you are applying. Not applying anywhere yet? No problem! Make a comprehensive portfolio of everything you’ve done and achieved so that you can pick and choose from it later. Already have a portfolio? Consider making an online version. This will make it easier to showcase your talent/experience to non-local employers as well as highlight your design capabilities.
• Study for the GRE: I struggled for a while over whether I should go to grad school right out of the gate or attain some experience first. Experience won, but that doesn’t mean I have to shove the GRE books in the closet. As students, we’re still in study mode. If grad school is something you might be interested in at some point, it will be less painful to take it now than down the road. And the perk: scores remain active for a few years!
• Career Shadow: Just because you are on vacation doesn’t mean the pros are too. Find someone to shadow for a day or two. Or better yet, create your own “career week” and shadow someone new every day. Whom to shadow? Have you established any relationships via social media with local pros? Do you have any contacts through networking events? Can your PR teacher recommend someone who might be interested? If not, there’s always the option to make a few phone calls to nearby agencies/companies and take a shot. And you never know, they might actually want some temporary help! Interns are typically gone in December so employers might be short-handed.

What am I missing? Do you have any great t0-do items that should be included on my list?

 

Mentors: a closer look (part 3/3)

I recently changed my blog’s theme to GEN-Y PROGRESS. Why? Because I believe the more my generation learns, the stronger we can grow, both personally and professionally. So what can we do to keep learning? Read? Intern? Volunteer? Absolutely! These past few weeks, though, I’ve been especially interested in the value of mentor/mentee relationships.

Niki Pocock and Nate Long already have provided useful advice on how to achieve and maintain those connections. Today, I conclude my series by interviewing PR thought leader, Deirdre Breakenridge (@dbreakenridge). She is the author of several highly-esteemed industry books; the moderator for the monthly #PRStudChat; and a frequent speaker at conferences and local events.

As a student and PR pro-to-be, I look up to Deirdre, and am truly grateful to benefit from her insight.

1. Where do you work currently and what, in general, does your job entail?

I own my own marketing communications firm, PFS Marketwyse, in the Metro New York area.  We’re a small boutique firm that customizes creative marketing programs.   We help our clients to blend the best of traditional marketing with new media and social marketing initiatives.  I’m the president and executive director of communications.  As president of the agency, I am responsible for supervising all operations of the company including finance, technology and project management systems.  As executive director of communications, I work with our clients on public relations and social media strategy.  To carry both titles, I tend to wear many hats in a day.  My varied responsibilities keep my job exciting and challenging at the same time.

2. When beginning your career, did you have a mentor? (teacher; boss; colleague)? In what way did he/she/they serve as a mentor to you?

Yes, there were a couple of people who I looked up to and learned from when I was interning and then at my first job in New York City.  My direct supervisor was the office manager/account manager for the firm.  She taught me how to run the office and also how to service client accounts.  I guess that’s why it’s no surprise that I have the skills to handle the jobs I have today.  Another very important mentor in my life was the senior vice president of the same firm, although I don’t really think he even knows how much he influenced me at the time.  He used to call me “eagle eyes” and taught me how to catch the tiniest errors in correspondence by reading everything backward.  In those days, we didn’t have email, so you can only imagine once you found an error how tedious and time consuming it was to retype letters on a manual typewriter.     He also taught me how to pay close attention to the operations of a business and its market (reading the newspaper everyday was mandatory), which ultimately contributed to how I view public relations and conduct business today.

I also had a wonderful mentor at Glassboro State College.  He was my PR professor and I completed my senior internship with his company during my last semester of school. I remember feeling extremely confident with my PR skills after taking his class and working with him during my internship.   Under his guidance, I actually planned and implemented a research study by conducting focus panels with concerned community members.  The research uncovered the frustration and apprehension of residents with respect to a large (and growing) neighborhood garbage dump that was causing controversy in the county.

All of my mentors were extremely smart, savvy and very career minded individuals.  They were also nurturing people who took the time to show me the best practices in the field of public relations, which I believe helped me to excel in my career, and gave me the direction I needed to be the PR professional that I am today.

3. What makes a good mentor? What are some ideal qualities?

A good mentor is someone who will guide you, offer advice and give you open and honest criticism, which is a gift as you are progressing in your career.  I also think that a good mentor is a teacher yet is still willing to learn as well.  It’s very important the mentoring relationship shares knowledge that can lead to learning on both sides.  A good mentor has patience and will involve a PR apprentice in any kind of PR interaction to help that person to grow within the field.

I remember, as an intern at Padilla Speer, I was able to experience pitching live broadcast interviews. Specifically, I secured an entire media tour for an author/economist who was visiting New York and had just launched his book.  I booked and attended a radio show at WWOR with radio host Larry Hatzi (who has since passed) and a Good Morning America interview, too.  The opportunity to experience this type of media tour meant that I had mentors who trusted me.  They were more than willing to let me be a part of any client interaction and media relations program.  There definitely has to be a certain level of trust between the mentor and the protégé so that the PR “student” can experience and learn on the job.

4. What do you feel are important qualities in a “mentee”?

There are definitely important qualities in the “mentee” too.  The mentee must be confident, energetic, enthusiastic, willing to learn through new experiences, outgoing, proactive and someone who asks questions and loves to learn.  Each one of these qualities leads to new found information and experiences that would not necessarily be possible if the mentee did not push ahead and really show a tremendous interest in learning about the best practices of the profession.  A mentee should also be able to receive criticism gracefully and not take anything personally.  I learned early on that the field of public relations is sometimes synonymous with rejection (especially with respect to media relations).  It wasn’t unusual for a journalist to hang up on you if you didn’t do your homework and called them while they were on deadline.  The mentee also has to know that perfectionism doesn’t exist and that in order to truly learn you are going to make mistakes.  Mistakes and learning from them are a natural part of the mentor/mentee process.

5. How can students/young professionals get a mentor?

One of the best ways to find a mentor is to be a part of an association.  For example, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) where you can meet professionals as you are learning about PR.  Organizations provide you with a great deal of knowledge and networking with professionals.   Once you join the PR field, it’s important to continue your learning through a professional society.  Through the many contacts you meet, you can always ask a seasoned executive if they have the time or interest in mentoring.

Social networking is also a great way to find a mentor.  Today, you can set up a profile on LinkedIn or Twitter and search for PR professionals or groups of professionals who band together to discuss industry topics.  As you meet people, you can research and discuss mentoring with them, after becoming a part of their community.   Approaching them privately, you’ll be able to ascertain if there’s an opportunity for them to be your mentor.  The ideal mentor situation is when you can actually be in the same physical office space with your mentor.  However, I’ve mentored students via the telephone, through email correspondence and by sharing information and resources (which is especially easy today through social media).

6. Is there anything else you’d like to say about the subject?

Mentoring can lead to very special relationships and I always enjoy hearing stories where the mentor and mentee years later are still in touch and very much connected.  Also, because PR professionals learn so much as they move through their careers, they should give back the same knowledge and insight to young professionals.  Giving back will offer these young professionals, whether beginning their careers or really at any point in their career, the chance to learn and grow in the profession.

Thank you so much, Deirdre, for all you contribute to the PR industry and for taking the time to share your insight with us!

 

Mentors: a closer look (part 2/3)

A couple weeks ago, I asked the question: what does a mentor/mentee relationship encompass? Are mentors all-knowing beings, bestowing bursts of wisdom on their devoted followers? Or are they regular people  who have simply been there, done that and are eager to share what they’ve learned with others? How do we attain a mentor and what can we do to to be a good mentee?

Niki Pocock, a great contribution to the PR community here in Tallahassee, was gracious enough to answer some questions in the first installment of this three part series.

This week, I’ve interviewed Nate Long (@thePRguy), another local PR pro. I’ve gotten to know him through FPRA and consider him my original Twitter mentor. Thanks, Nate, for sharing your insight!

1. Where do you work currently and what, in general, does your job entail?

I work as a Public Relations Representative at VISIT FLORIDA in the travel and tourism industry. I have a very exciting and challenging job that includes working with three audiences: consumers, travel journalists and industry business partners. I promote travel to and within Florida by conducting media missions and receptions in top domestic consumer markets; managing VISIT FLORIDA’s consumer-targeted social media efforts; providing media assistance to travel writers; and coordinating PR efforts with our partner base of more than 3,000 travel industry businesses. I currently lead the PR efforts for the Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia markets and provide international media assistance when needed.

2. When beginning your career, did you have a mentor? (teacher; boss; colleague)? In what way did he/she/they serve as a mentor to you?

I’ve looked up to many great professionals since I started my career path in Public Relations, but four stand out immediately in my mind.

My first PR professor: Professor Gerry Gilmer was the first to tear apart my writing and teach me how to write like a PR pro. He provided constructive feedback on assignments and then offered opportunities to teach others. Our personal conversations always motivated me to strive for excellence in my writing.

My last PR professor: Professor Jay Rayburn helped sharpen my professionalism and prepare me for the real world. He taught business etiquette and formal business communications, including proper writing of a resume and cover letter. Most importantly, he always emphasized the importance of ethics and “doing the right thing” at all costs.

My first internship host: Rick Oppenheim allowed me to take on challenging projects at his PR agency, which developed my work portfolio to include media releases, graphic design deliverables, and campaign pitching/planning experience. As an intern, I really felt I was part of the team. After the internship, Rick continues to be a good friend and someone I can turn to for advice.

My first PR manager: Jay Schleuning treated me like an rising star in my first career position as a PR professional when he hired me to be on the team at VISIT FLORIDA. He allowed me to take on large, challenging projects and responsibilities, while training me in best practices and providing invaluable feedback. He taught me the importance of building and maintaining business relationships and introduced me to many important people in our industry.

It’s important to note that I still consider each of these a mentor.

3. What makes a good mentor? What are some ideal qualities?

The best mentors are those who encourage leaving comfort zones to pursue new challenges that further develop emerging strengths and skill sets. They have the ability to critically evaluate in such a way that encourages growth and development. They don’t hesitate to pass on valuable knowledge gained through years of experience and are available and willing to give useful advice and guidance.

4. What do you feel are important qualities in a “mentee”?

One important quality sometimes overlooked is the ability to ask the right questions. To understand what it is you’re trying to learn, and then convey that to those who can help, is the first step to gaining valuable knowledge and experience. Other important qualities include a strong desire to learn, willingness to accept critical review and initiative to take every great opportunity that comes your way.

5. How can students/young professionals get a mentor?

- Attend networking events and join professional organizations – I’ve learned so much from my friends and fellow members of the FPRA.

- Find the right internship(s) – Work hard to get the internship that will provide you with the best experience and contacts, not just one that will provide school credit or higher pay.

- Volunteer – I’m not talking about “free” internships. I’m talking about events, non-profit campaigns and any other opportunity to learn and help and the same time.

- Ask your peers – They may have had a great experience working under someone’s guidance and may be able to make recommendations.

-Turn to your professor – Professors often make excellent mentors and are able to help students in their unique situations.

- Get on board with Social Media – Social networks continue to tear down walls, offering students the ability to bypass gatekeepers and other barriers that used to stand in the way of many potential mentors.

6. Is there anything else you’d like to say about the subject?

Never burn bridges, keep in touch and have fun!

Stay Tuned for the third (and final) installment of this series, in which industry leader, Deirdre Breakenridge, will be sharing her experience and advice on the subject!

 

The Art of Networking

As a student, I hear it all the time: network, network, network. But what does this really mean? Attend professional events? Join student organizations? Participate on committees?

It’s easy, for students especially, to focus too heavily on the activities and not enough on the people. Networking can be overwhelming; there are so many professionals out there. Where do we start? Should we become better acquainted with a select few or meet absolutely everyone?

Since I’ve become more involved with organizations like FPRA and the Chamber of Commerce, I’ve learned that networking is more of a process than a sprint. Here are some things other students might find useful:

• Don’t just flock to other students. Are you at a professional luncheon? A presentation of some sort? While it might be tempting to form a student-only table, you won’t benefit from it. Take the opportunity to sit next to a few professionals at the event. They will most likely be more than interested in getting to know you and your future plans. Not only can you make a new friend, you might just find yourself a mentor or potential employer. At the very least, you can make a great impression and get to know someone with a little more experience and wisdom to bestow.
• Have some questions prepared. Maybe small talk isn’t your thing. You made the gesture to sit next to a pro, but now you’re sitting there awkwardly and silently. This problem is easy to avoid with a little forethought. What is it that you want to learn about him/her? Perhaps the easiest way to start up a conversation is to ask the simple question: “So, what do you do?” Listen actively and then ask questions from there. Maybe the pro works in government and you are interested to learn how government PR differs from other areas. Perhaps you are just curious about what his/her job entails on a daily basis. Just relax and enjoy getting to know someone new.
• Don’t badger. Do not attend networking events with the sole purpose of finding an internship or job (unless that’s the point of the event). It’s just plain rude to walk up to a pro and ask if he/she is hiring. Make genuine conversation. You can mention that you’re looking for a position, but it is unnecessary to put your stress on someone else. If you are establishing relationships with others and leaving good impressions, they will remember you when they are looking to hire. And you never know, you might get lucky and click with someone who happens to be hiring. But don’t badger. Pros will see right through you and they won’t be impressed.
• “Meet” some pros in advance using social media. I was not born a social butterfly, but I’ve made a conscious effort over the past year to change that. One of my first blog posts even highlight How Twitter Made Me Outgoing. Do you have a Twitter? A LinkedIn? (You probably have a Facebook but if it’s not super clean, I would avoid using it for networking purposes).  Start following/friending different pros in the area who you might run into at events. See what their interests are and virtually introduce yourself. It might seem silly, but even something as simple as recognizing a person from his/her avatar might help jumpstart a conversation.
• Relax. Despite my previous suggestions, it’s not necessary to overprepare yourself to death. Networking is not the same as interviewing (although making a good impression at a networking event might help you land a job later). Be polite, smile, introduce yourself and just enjoy the experience.

So, what other tips are good to remember? Pros, what types of students impress you the most at networking events? And students, what do you do to break to ice or get to know someone?

 

Mentors: a closer look (part 1/3)

My image of “mentors” has always been a bit odd. When I was younger, I pictured genius-looking characters (glasses, big hair, the works), sitting across the table from timid students. Mentors were all-wise figures with the ability to make even the toughest material understandable.

As a college student getting ready to transition into the professional world, my concept of mentors has again changed. Now, they manifest as PR pros, equipped with advice and direction for their lucky “mentees.”

But in practical terms, what is a mentor? What do mentor/mentee relationships actually entail? How do such relationships form and when (if at all) do they end?

To get a better understanding, I’ve interviewed Niki Pocock (@nikipocock), who is one of the mentors in a new mentor/mentee program between the FPRA (Florida Public Relations Association) professional and student chapters in Tallahassee.

1. Where do you work currently and what, in general, does your job entail?

I am the communications manager of the Florida Dental Association. I am the head of the FDA’s Communications Department, which entails producing the association’s publications, organizing advertising efforts, conducting media relations, writing, editing, implementing the statewide “Dentistry: Gateway to Good Health” public outreach campaign, coordinating social media efforts and redesigning the Web site.

2. When beginning your career, did you have a mentor? (teacher; boss; colleague)? In what way did he/she/they serve as a mentor to you?

I had various mentors when I was in school (older students, teachers, etc.), but I met my two most influential mentors after I started working: Rick Oppenheim (@rickopp) and Karen Thurston Chavez (@ktchavez).

I met Rick when I began interviewing for my second job out of school. I have always wanted to work for him, but every time he had a job open it didn’t match with where I was in my career, and vice versa. One of these days, I hope it finally will work out! He is a fantastic mentor and always is there if I have a question about career path issues or PR techniques.

Karen was my boss when I first came to the FDA. When she left, I was promoted into her position. She has been very helpful not only with career-related questions, but also work-life balance issues. I have a 13-month-old little girl and Karen has two older boys. It is nice to talk to someone who has already “been there, done that.”

3. What makes a good mentor? What are some ideal qualities?

I think one of the most important aspects of a good mentor is that they are accessible. With Rick and Karen, I know that I will either be able to call and talk to them immediately, or I can e-mail them and get a response within a few hours. They are very honest with me and don’t try to “sugar coat” anything. If they think a certain move would be bad for my career, then they tell me so. If they think something would be good, they tell me that as well. They are great to bounce ideas off of.

4. What do you feel are important qualities in a “mentee”?

I think a mentee should be open to advice, whether or not they initially agree with it. There have been several times that I didn’t take advice Rick and/or Karen gave me, but I listened to them and weighed my options (and most of the time ended up kicking myself afterward for not listening!). Mentees also need to have the drive to follow through with advice they receive. You can have a fantastic mentor, but if you don’t continue to advance your career or loose contact with them, it won’t help you a bit. You have to stay motivated and “hungry” to succeed.

5. How can students/young professionals get a mentor?

The FPRA Mentor Program is a great way for students to be matched with local PR professionals. I just met my new mentee, Bethany Swonson, and am so excited to be a part of the program. In general, you just have to keep your eyes open. Interviewers, co-workers, FPRA peers, anyone can be a potential mentor. A mentor can open many doors, but overlooking one can close just as many.

6. Is there anything else you’d like to say about the subject?

One of the best pieces of advice both Rick and Karen gave me was to stay involved in industry organizations, like FPRA and the Tallahassee Society of Association Executives. I didn’t take their advice the first couple years of my career, but I regret it. Over the past year I have become much more involved (I now am on four committees between the two organizations) and have been able to meet so many people and learn so much. Stay driven and motivated. It can be hard to be a young professional, but there are so many people who are willing to help – you just have to ask!

Thanks, Niki, for your thoughtful responses! This post is the first of a three part series. Looking forward to the next interview!

 

Consider yourself blocked.

I’ll admit, I was a little overzealous with Twitter’s “block” button for a while. Not in PR? Blocked. Nothing compelling within the past 5 tweets? Blocked. Weird looking avatar? UberBlocked. I’ve become much less discriminatory over time, but am still slightly hesitant to follow back certain tweeps.

Some say it’s rude not to return all follows; I highly disagree. How can we build and foster relationships when we are following several thousands of people? It’s overwhelming and unrealistic.

I can’t and won’t follow everyone. So who gets the cold shoulder? Think what you will, but I’m really not that hard to please. After all, I’m no one special; just a student, a PR pro-to-be and social media enthusiast…but I can’t help but have certain turn-offs (and I’d venture to say I’m not alone).

60,000 Followers

In case you haven’t already gathered, I’m not impressed that your number of followers matches my car’s mileage. Unless you are a true industry leader like Chris Brogan or Deirdre Breakenridge, you probably aren’t all that. So when I see that you have 30,000 followers and you are following 40,000, I’m going to assume we won’t actually be engaging in real conversation. I definitely won’t follow you and depending on how sketchy your avatar is (I’m only half joking), you may get the block.

No Personal Bio

If you have nothing interesting to say about yourself, how are you going to talk about other things? And why are you trying to make me read your boring tweets? Request to be followed: denied.

No Links

I wouldn’t call this one an absolute deal breaker…but if you have an entire homepage of link-free tweets, you’re probably talking too much about breakfast and not enough about your industry. Some of the best relationships develop through quality information sharing.

Automated DMs

How unfortunate. Something about your avatar, personal bio or tweets attracted me; I followed you back and then you pulled this crap. You thanked me for following; asked me to read your blog; directed me to your website; or even complimented my smile. Best case scenario: I unfollow you and call it a day. Worst case scenario: I respond to let you know you lost me at your lame attempt at hello…and then block you.

So what do you all think? Am I being way too harsh? Do you have any deal breakers of your own?

 

Three cool gifts for the young professional!

As the temperature drops and final exams approach, I can’t help but get giddy about the holiday season. A couple of my friends graduate in December; the rest of us have a few months left in our safety zone. But regardless of when our day comes, we are all going to make that official transition from interns to young professionals soon.

For some, entering the workforce means worrying about bills and job security. These are valid concerns, but I can’t wait to start applying my education; to really delve into projects that last longer than a couple months; and on the most basic level, to create a space of my own in an office and “grownup” apartment.

With the upcoming holidays inevitably on my mind, I’ve been thinking of some fun gift ideas for the young professional…

BevShots English Pure Brewed Lager

Red Table Wine

Belgian Lambic

So, picture this (no pun intended): shortly after graduation, you move into your brand new apartment. It’s unfurnished, and the only decorations you have are your framed bachelor’s degree and some pictures of you and your best buds. As is customary, your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles eagerly seek a way to celebrate the milestone.

Maybe you’ll get a desk, kitchenware or even a new bed. But perhaps you already have the essentials and really just need to make the apartment feel like home. Enter BevShots. This art, which consists of alcoholic beverages photographed under a microscope, can add personality to your place. It’s designed to be the perfect conversation piece (bet you can’t guess what drink this is!); a trendy match for any color scheme; an affordable art meant to be appreciated by every generation.

In full disclosure, I know Lester Hutt (president of BevShots), consider him a friend, and want nothing but success for him and his business. But that in no way is the reason BevShots is on my list; I find the art fun and appealing and would love to have a piece of my own (hint hint…)

So what’s your drink? Your favorite color? Check out the varieties on www.bevshots.com and don’t be afraid to ask loved ones for a gift card if you just can’t narrow your decision yet.

Balance Ball Chair

Gaiam BalanceBall Chair

College life is chaotic. Students have classes, club meetings, sports, socials, work and plans with friends. It might be hard for some to adjust to sitting in front of a computer eight hours a day, five days a week. Why not spoil the new young professional with a unique chair that can make sitting a tad more interesting?

A friend of mine at work just bought a balance ball chair and swears by it. Besides the obvious fact that it looks fun, it helps strengthen your core and actually sheds some calories. Here is an article highlighting some other benefits: 10 reasons to use an exercise ball chair.

Go ahead and add some bounce to a young professional’s day. His/her abs will thank you! To see the myriad brands and features available, check out Amazon.com.

Personalized Wall Calendar

Walgreens Calendar

Maybe your sibling or best friend is graduating soon and you just can’t afford to spend much. It really is the thought that counts and a personalized calendar could be the perfect gift. You can take all those classic pictures and design them into something special.

Whether or not the new young professional is moving cross country or just down the street, a personalized calendar will be a great reminder that you are thinking of him/her.

Visit your local Walgreens or CVS (or just go online) and start creating!

What do you all think of these three gift ideas? What else do you think young professionals would enjoy?

 

So, do you have any questions for me?

We’ve all been there. Excited about securing that internship or job interview, we choose the perfect first impression outfit; study the company’s website until we know everything from the mission statement to the CEO’s email address; and of course, master our answers to the endless questions we might be asked.

But there’s always one thing that we (or at least I) overlook—the correct answer to the last question. It doesn’t matter if you are applying to be the lead scooper at an ice cream parlor or the director of operations at a large firm. More than likely, you will be faced with the all too familiar closing words: So, do you have any questions for me?

At this point in the interview, the end seems so near. The worst is over and you can breathe. But this question, I’ve been told, is not just a euphemism for “interview over.” Rather, it’s a unique opportunity for you to show where your interest lies.

The short version: don’t say “no.” Always have at least one or two questions ready to throw back at the interviewer.

As a senior in college, I’ve only ever been on the interviewee side of the process. My knowledge of what questions are best is limited. However, my first PR boss and mentor, Rick Oppenheim (@RickOpp), presented on this very topic a while back and offered some great advice. Ask your interviewer if there is a retirement plan set up; this suggests you will actually be with the company long enough to need it. Ask whether or not performance-based bonuses are available; this implies you are going to work hard enough to receive them.

Some professionals warn against asking about the salary, at least in the first interview. Others disagree if that is part of your bottom line. Having questions prepared is essential, but knowing which questions are appropriate is even more crucial.

So I’ll ask all you professionals and interviewers out there: what are considered “good” questions? And possibly more importantly, what questions are off limits?

 

Social Media Groups: Do You Belong?

I’ll never forget orientation day at Florida State University. I created an enviable four-day class schedule; toured my future dorm hall; and was given perhaps the greatest gift of all: an email address. Finally, I was eligible to get my very own Facebook–something that my older, cooler college friends raved on and on about. (This was back in 2006 when you had to be a college student to have an account).

As fun as it was to fill out the about me, activities and favorites sections, nothing beat joining the thousands of random groups available. I believe my first groups included “FSU brunettes do it better than blondes;” “I don’t care how cold it gets, I will continue to wear flip-flops year-round;” and even “Someday a UF graduate will be bagging my groceries.” Yes, classy, I know.

At the time, groups were meant to be random, amusing and just plain fun. I’ve always been a serious student, but can’t recall ever searching for a public relations group on Facebook in order to connect with prospective employers and like-minded peers. Facebook was an escape from real-world pressures, not a tool to propel my future career.

Facebook has evolved tremendously within the four years I’ve been at FSU. The fastest growing demographic is now 35 years and older and professional networking definitely is not uncommon anymore. And although I use my Facebook much more strategically than in the past (just this week, I sent out a class survey through a Facebook Event and reached my quota in two days), I still view most groups as inconsequential.

At the risk of seeming scatterbrained, I turn to LinkedIn, another social medium known for its groups. Perhaps because of my previous dispositions toward Facebook, I wasn’t impressed when I first heard about LinkedIn groups. It didn’t take long, however, for me to learn LinkedIn groups were a completely different ball game.

Students, if you are looking for industry insight, opportunities to connect with professionals and methods to target job opportunities in specific areas, you must get LinkedIn. In just the few months that I’ve been engaged, I’ve already benefited from tweetchats, industry discussions and free webinars that I’ve found through my groups. And unlike with Facebook, I receive weekly updates of group activity that keep me perpetually in the loop.

There are countless groups, but three of my favorites include #PRStudChat; #PRIntern/#EntryPR; and Public Relations and Communications Jobs Community.

I’m not trying to disparage Facebook groups; they have served me well over the years with class projects especially. I just want to emphasize that Linkedin groups are not a boring alternative; they offer fantastic opportunities that every professional and student should embrace.

So what do you all think? How do you use Facebook and LinkedIn groups?