Being a PR student at DePaul definitely comes with its advantages. You are immediately immersed in the city life, and have the chance to network with PR professionals at agency visits and guest panels. Opportunities are limitless in such a circumstance. But what makes the other students that are doing all the right things like you different? What could they bring to the table that you don't have?
In "The Book of Dan" as it is known to many, Dan Edelman gives quality advice to aspiring public relations professionals. The two that stuck out the most were "Be creative. Strive or the big idea. Be realistic, but dare to be different." and "Work hard. There is no such thing as a shortcut. Work hard, but don't be a workaholic. Be sure to have a rich and balanced social life."
"Be creative. Strive for the big idea. Be realistic, but dare to be different." In order to make it far in your career, you need to have the x-factor. What is the differentiation between you and the other interviewee? By taking a different approach as to how to answer a question, or solve a problem, you are bringing to the table a world of possibilities.
"Work hard. There is no such thing as a shortcut. Work hard, but don't be a workaholic. Be sure to have a rich and balanced social life." This piece of advice felt as if it were specifically talking to me. Being a senior, it feels as I have the weight of the world on my shoulders. Balancing homework, three jobs (retail, social media, and consumer insights contractor), family time and a social life is extremely difficult. A question I get asked almost everyday is, "How do you do it?" and the answer I always give is that I do not know. Working in the PR field has helped me gain a better understanding as to what time management truly is. I have learned that being able to enjoy life outside of a computer screen helps you see life with a different pair of eyes and give you an insight to the world a computer cannot give you.
Dan Edelman is an inspiring fellow himself. His insights and advice, despite them being simple, can be deciphered in varies ways. I know I will continue to use his advice every chance that I get.
Gabriela Padilla is a senior at DePaul University graduating this June with a B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising. She currently works as the social media manager for a non-profit called HACE (Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement) and is a consumer insights contractor for The Home Depot while holding an associates position at ZARA retail. You can reach her at gabrielahpadilla@gmail.com or follow her Twitter @gabshpadilla.
Hi Gabriela,
ReplyDeleteThis was a good post for students looking to find a way to differentiate themselves from the pool of aspiring PR majors. It can sometimes be overwhelming to try and find a way to stand out and be noticed by employers or other PR pros. Not being afraid to be creative and taking risks is something vital in our field.
Many of us feel stressed and pressured to succeed. I like that you mentioned a specific piece of advice that Edelman gave about working hard but also learning to value our social life. It's refreshing to hear that from someone who built an empire and left behind such a successful legacy.