Within the Public Relations industry, there is an obvious undertone of competitiveness that illustrates the importance getting an ‘upper hand.’ This ‘upper hand’ can be defined by a single word: networking. Networking is making various contacts throughout the industry that can be utilized in a number of different ways—for example, instead of simply sending out a resume, a person can utilize their networks to get an interview with a potential employer.
The value of networks is exemplified everyday as more people are seeking careers within the Public Relations industry. As the value of networking rises, more people are beginning to understand the worth of this PR tactic—including Marquette University. Marquette recognizes the magnitude of making contacts, and because of this recognition, they offer a mentor program to help students network and, at the same time, get a feel for what the industry is all about.
The Diederich College of Communication mentor program enables students to meet people involved in various aspects of the PR industry, and then pairs students with a mentor who is involved in an area of PR corresponding with the students’ field of interest. The student and the mentor will then meet and discuss what the each person is seeking out of the newly founded relationship. One of the main gains that students seek out of this relationship is employing the mentor as a network. The student can meet other people through their own mentor, as well as meet other mentors involved within the program at the University.
I have recently become an active member in this mentor program sponsored by Marquette University. I plan on meeting with my mentor for the first time within the next week, and although I am in the early stages, I can already see the potential benefit that this program has to provide. This program can enhance not only my resume, but also my skills, and I am very excited to begin!
The mentor program is just an example of how a person can begin to network in the competitive world of Public Relations. Whether you are involved in the program or not, I believe creating relationships with people in the industry is extremely important, and individuals should start networking as early as possible to create the biggest ‘upper hand’ for themselves.
2 comments:
You're right! Networking is the key to obtaining PR positions, especially in this rough economy. Most of the positions I've obtained in PR and in the magazine industry can be attributed to networking.
Students and young adults outside of Marquette (or who are no longer college juniors) can find a mentor through PRSA. Visit this link to learn more about the program!
http://www.prsa.org/JobCenter/careerResources.html
I am hopefully meeting my mentor through this program too this month. Beyond this program though, my advisor and others in the College of Communications constantly send me e-mail's on various networking events around Milwaukee. Networking definitely provides an upper hand to those who can create a wide range of contacts in the working world. You never know when you will need to contact certain people for favors. Just by joining my sorority I have had opportunities and contacts for internships because of fellow sisters in the sorority. The goal is getting your name out there so that people remember you for future reference.
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