7 Tips to be Successful in the Public Relations and Communications Field

Hello Everyone!

Today in my Public Relations Writing class we had a guest speaker that I found to be very inspiring. Her name is Megan Burkes, and she works in Public Relations and Communications at The USM Foundation. She has 12 years of amazing experience working for a non-profit, and I thought I would pass along some of the fantastic advice she bestowed upon us today.

She gave us tons of amazing information, so I took her main tips and added my own interpretations and tips. Here are 7 tips to be successful in the PR/Communications field based on class lecture from Megan Burkes.

1.  Write Everyday

• Learn to love writing by writing everyday. It is the only way you will actually get better. Nobody is going to graduate college as a perfect writer. It takes experience and practice to make practically perfect. Learn to use good grammar all the time so you can get used to writing with good grammar.

2. Look, Act and Speak Professionally

• Especially when working in a field where you represent much  more than yourself, the way you carry yourself is extremely important. Market yourself as a respectable person. Dress up for work! Look put together. Of course you don't have to have a full face of makeup every day, but dress yourself well. It speaks volumes.

3. Never Make the Same Mistake Twice

• Mistakes are not bad because they are opportunities to make yourself better. That being said, she the you can learn and grow from your mistakes! If you make the same mistakes over and over again, it shows that you are not learning (or you're being lazy).

4.  Be a Vital Part of the Team You're On

• This was my favorite tip because it related the most to my experience, and a bit of Disney ;) Never be afraid to speak up, especially when in a meeting with your team members. You were invited to the table because they care about your opinion, so speak up! Don't be afraid that you are too young or new, respectfully speak your mind. I couldn't help but think of an amazing quote that I love by the Mad Tea Party in Disney World that says:

5. Keep Up with Current Events

• In the field of Public Relations you have to be in the know when it comes to current events, but it can be applied to any field. It makes you look better when you can have an intelligent conversation about the world around you. Public Relations is a 24-hour job, and you never know when the news is going to effect you. Stay ahead of it, and keep up-to-date. 

6. Network, Network, Network!!

• At this point Megan said that every promotion she has received has been because she knew someone. After my experience applying to Disney, I can also say that NETWORKING IS EVERYTHING. Building relationships is so important when it comes to careers. If you are personable and genuine, people want to work with you! Having someone rooting for you on the other side shows the employers that you are a person that people like and want to work with. Meet new people, and more importantly stay in contact with them! You never know when your friend from that interview will be the next CEO. Maintain relationships. 

7. Surround Yourself with People You Admire

• I saved this one for last because it really hit home for me currently. I am graduating college in less than a month, and I have spent time with a lot of people that I call friends. When you graduate, you realize that some friends, even though you love them and would die for them, can take a toll on you because of their negative attitude. It is so important to surround yourself with positive people who will inspire you, build you up and push  you to be the best person you can be. I think this is the key to success. Smile, support your friends, give positive reinforcement when its due, and try not to let yourself drag anyone else down when you're upset.

Sincerely,

Courtney S.