Liam O’Mahony, MBA, APR

Conference Etiquette & Efficiencies Review program / agenda thoroughly well in advance; make your primary session selections the night before. Split up to maximize educational value among your group. Do not attend the same sessions where possible; you can socialize in between and at end of day. If a session’s content is not compelling or helpful to your knowledge or speaker’s presentation is poor, leave quietly and explore other sessions. Take any handouts or materials available in each session, whether you arrive late or leave early. Keep a folder of all takeaways for your own future reference or sharing with peers who weren’t able to attend.

Information Gathering & Meetings When meeting with PR practitioners from agencies or organizations you are interested in, ask for a quick 15- minute information interview over the phone or minutes in person. Inquire about shadowing contacts or their colleagues in positions that interest you. In an hour, you can learn a lot. At conferences, ask more senior attendees about trends and past conference experiences or tips. Don’t ask about job opportunities; instead highlight recent projects or accomplishments or what makes you unique while still exercising humility.

Business Card Formatting When searching for job or in-between positions, consider yourself a freelancer or entrepreneur. Create a title for yourself such as – Public Relations Practitioner, Freelance Writer, Communications Specialist. Make concise professional business cards with succinct contact information. Consider adding “PRSSA Member” or “Cronkite School Alumnus” Until you land first job, consider adding PRSA / ASU Cronkite logos to show affiliation & accomplishments. Include LinkedIn profile link and any career-related publishing site or blog that you maintain regularly. Only include Twitter handle if you use it completely for career and industry-focused posts!

Resume Refinements & Categories Check out various formats of mentors, instructors and experienced PRSA professionals to get a feel for the most effective way to organize your education, work experience and credentials. Include separate “bucket categories” for special events, published writing, associations, awards and software experience. Include any volunteer work or philanthropic activities. Include any educational courses or certifications outside of your college degree. As you progress in career, remove any non-PR jobs (i.e. Starbucks barista, restaurant server, retail rep.)

Writing/Creative/PR Portfolio Preparation Keep any published writing samples in a folder and make copies for your developing portfolio. Seek out freelance writing opportunities with community newspapers and local magazines. Make PDFs, JPEGs, etc. for any articles, PR writing samples or creative projects. Select your best 5-7 work samples for initial portfolio. Invest in a nice professional portfolio (Michael’s or Office Depot - $10-$30 average). Back up all of your career files (resume, references, cover letter, portfolio) on a flash drive and keep with you. Consider a Wordpress or other publishing platform to host your professional profile and portfolio.

General Career & Networking Tips Keep a binder/folder with plastic sleeves for business cards Always follow through or thank any contacts or mentors that helped you or provided insights or counsel Sign up for free enewsletters (PRSA, IABC, magazines, etc) Check web site for speakers/events that appeal to you Always have paper and pen for events, luncheons, speaking engagements Read national and local business magazines Share contacts, ideas & publications with peers, coworkers  Reciprocation is good KARMA! Be a versatile, organized project manager & generalist Be flexible, humble and embrace new roles and tasks

Job Prospecting - Avenues to Consider University Sports Info or Marketing Department Shadow a mentor or colleague in a large corporation, agency or sports team (ask to see press areas). Inquire about shadowing colleagues in other divisions, facilities, partner organizations to learn other skills. Volunteer for PR at special events, races, fundraisers for non-profits, healthcare, etc. When visiting hometown or other cities, seek information meetings with local PRSA, IABC members. Check local association job bank. Read the Phoenix Business Journal every Friday (get it at the library if you can’t order a subscription; or read general news online)

On the Job -> Professional Development Seek budget for professional memberships, industry publication subscriptions, conference attendance opportunities. Mentoring can be a 360-degree process – you may have software knowledge and industry trend information that your supervisors lack. Consider evening classes (i.e. design, web, finance) or consider grad school. Consider APR (PRSA) and ABC (IABC) professional certifications after several years of experience.

Expand MarComm Discipline Knowledge Project Management with other departments Web site content, design, functionality Advertising processes, vendor management Marketing planning, strategies and software Customer service procedures, training, supervising Versatile = Valuable -> Proven Asset