Summer Traveling on a Budget: How to Gain Experience Without Going Abroad

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Summertime isn’t just for relaxation and catching up on sleep.

Many students use the time off to travel abroad through programs offered by their colleges, which often gives them the opportunity to study or intern in a foreign country. These programs are wonderful, and many students talk about their experiences for years after their trip.

However, these programs are very expensive, and they also require a student to give up a lot of time, which may not be possible if he or she is trying to graduate within a set number of years.

If you are a student who cannot afford to travel abroad for whatever reason, don’t worry! There are many different travel experiences that you can have that will enrich you and give you many stories to tell your friends when school resumes in the fall:

1. Museum hopping in your closest city: If you want to learn something new while experiencing a new environment, a great way to do so is through exploring museums in a city. Many museums have days in which students can be admitted at a discounted cost, and different museums have different themes that will satisfy different interests. After a day of hopping through multiple displays, take some time to experience the nightlife of the city you are visiting. You will come away from your experience with knowledge of a new topic, and you will have had fun experiencing a new type of urban culture.

2. Sitting on the beach: This idea may sound like all fun and no work, but it doesn’t have to be that way! While soaking up the sun, you can pick up a book you have been dying to read about the PR industry or professionalism, which may help you during your upcoming semester. If you aren’t located near a beach, explore other options. Some lakes are just as popular as beaches, and have sandy areas waiting for beach towels and umbrellas!

3. Visiting a historical site: Regardless of where you are located, there are historical sites around you. Visiting these sites will give you an opportunity to experience our country’s history first hand rather than through a history Gen Ed! Find sites near you by searching online-you never know what you will find!

What are some of your summer plans? Let us know in the comments!

Stay Sharp over the Summer

Summer is the season to relax and enjoy your long-awaited free time. Even if you landed the internship of your dreams or just purchased your plane ticket to Cancun, you should still use these months to fine-tune your reputation as a soon-to-be pro. That way, when the new semester comes, you will be sharper than ever!

Polish you resume and LinkedIn profile.

What have you accomplished this year? Think of the new skills you have obtained, the rewarding experiences you’ve had, and the projects you have done. All of these things should be displayed for prospective employers to see.

The summer season is the time to work on the minute details of your resume and LinkedIn profile. Does your resume look a bit cramped and wordy? Reformatting it can be a tedious process, but it is essential to be a memorable job candidate. Use the extra details from your resume in your LinkedIn job descriptions, instead. Your profile is meant for people to get a more in-depth look at what you have accomplished thus far in your career. Use the summer months to focus on the specifics that will polish off your experiences. Contact a few people that you have worked with and built relationships with to endorse your skills and provide short recommendations for your profile. This kind of support confirms your capabilities and strong performance.

Stay in the know in your industry and career field.

With so many different news outlets, keeping up with the times is simple in the digital age. Stay up-to-date with your industry by following companies and professionals outside of your friends. Become familiar with a few relevant news websites, digital magazines, and  blogs to stay on top of the latest trends. Pay attention to how the public responds to things.

Going to events is a more exciting way to keep up with your industry. Aside from the networking benefits, events and conferences in your career field expose you to new trends, research studies, and knowledge in your industry. Use events as a learning tool to gain feedback from significant industry leaders about the challenges you face and how to handle them.

Having the knowledge and understanding in an evolving business helps you to grow your own expertise and begin to think ahead of the game.

Maintain your network.

Making connections and building relationships is important, especially in PR. How many times have you needed something and called a friend because you knew they had the resources or skills to help you? Upholding professional relationships makes it easier to ask for a favor when needed. This summer, concentrate on maintaining these relationships and make your network worthwhile. Look through your phone to find people you have met and send them a friendly email, just to follow up on any projects they have been working on and how they have been doing. Professionals love young, ambitious individuals who show an interest in what they do. If you’ve taken on a new venture or need help writing something for your internship, contact a professional who would be willing to provide their expertise.

This guest blog post was written by PRowl staff member Marlo Brooks.

Dressed to Impress (In the Hot, Hot Heat)

During the summer, I think we can all agree that "business casual" begins a little more difficult. Your skirt is skinning to your skin, your blazer is completely useless, and those black men's dress shoes are attracting the sun right to you. Commutes become a nightmare as you walk into the office with your hair matted with sweat and your mascara is barely still on your eyelashes. You really do not want to waltz into work in just short shorts and a tank top, so what are you to do? Fear not - we've compiled some great tips for keeping cool in the heat!

Tip #1: Restock your closet. The pieces you would frequently wear in the fall or winter are less relevant during the summer months. Restock your closet if need be with light fabrics that won't weigh heavy on you in the heat. Layers can still exist in the summertime, but you will be more comfortable if they are lighter in weight and even color.

Tip #2: Wear it different. Say you have multiple button-down shirts that you typically sport to the office. But why can't you wear them? You love them and they look great! Here's what you can do: roll up your sleeves. Re-adjusting the style of the business casual clothes you already own allows you more opportunity in the fashion department. If a pair of your pants are on their way out anyway, consider cutting them into appropriate-length shorts for the office.

Tip #3: Know your hair. The humidity will sneak up and ruin your hair - it's a given. Looking polished and presentable is important in the workplace, and with your hair going every which way after your commute, it seems like all odds are against you. But if you know your hair and get a few more styles in your book, you'll be great to go. Ladies, look into learning a few new easy & quick up-dos, as well as incorporating headbands. Gentlemen, consider using a new product or gel to keep your locks in place.

Do you have any interesting stories about dealing with the heat on the way to office? Share with us, or post any of your own tips below!

Make it a PRoductive Summer

Happy summer! It’s incredible to see the dramatic difference in our availability as students when you eliminate a full class schedule. Perhaps you’ve made plans to intern, travel, or work this summer, or perhaps you’ve made plans to simply relax! Either way, it’s easy to incorporate PR building into your summer season. Here’s a few different ways:

• Volunteer – Research local non-profit organizations and companies you are interested in working with! Most organizations are looking for volunteers for upcoming events, some even known nationwide. Opportunities like these seem more like fun and less like work, especially to us addicted-to-PR folks, all while giving back. Volunteer work allows you to see a preview of the operations at companies/industries you are interested in, as well as a great contribution to your community! 
• Begin personal projects – Even with the littlest bit of extra time on your hands, dedicate it to personal projects! In terms of career building, think about what additional skills you would be proud to say you have. For PR, learning Photoshop and InDesign, starting a book or blog, and even another language are beneficial. Otherwise, take on any projects you want to do for yourself. Update your playlists, finish a certain number of books, or even learn to sew!
•  Informational interviews – If you’re not (or even if you are) interning, consider scheduling a few informational interviews. This is a great way to learn more about the various industries and departments you may end up working in. Not to mention, there’s no pressure. The professionals leading the informational interview are most likely taking the time to show you around the office and answer your questions because they genuinely want to help you with PR! Ultimately, you’ll end up being the interviewer! 
• Start a blog – Starting a blog is a project itself, but definitely one I would suggest for every Communication student out there. The internet is a helpful tool in developing our skills and furthering our future success. Blogging is a great opportunity to practice your writing skills, as well as organization with the layout, style, brand, and content of your site. Make it fun, and blog about something you truly love! Fashion, makeup, entertainment, sports, and environmentalism – you can blog about anything your heart desires.

No matter how you choose to practice this summer, enjoy yourself! We worry enough all semester long, use the summer to have fun!

Lazy Hazy Summer PR

It’s no secret. Work during the summer can sometimes be a drag. However, public relations is a profession that never sleeps. If you experience a hot summer day where you just want to stay inside in your pajamas with a glass of lemonade, that’s understandable. There are still a few simple things you can do to stay productive and not make it feel like a chore. 

Read a few blogs. Keep yourself up to date by reading PR Daily or just a couple of your favorite blogs. No matter what, it is always best to pay attention to current events. Just because you have decided to take a day off doesn’t mean that the world has.

Sharpen your writing skills. This tip may seem a bit scary but it definitely doesn’t have to be. If you have a personal blog, use your day off to write a new post. If not, you don’t have to write an essay to sharpen your skills. Write a recap of a fun event you attended or compose a few professional tweets. 

Follow new Twitter pages. Speaking of professional tweets, look up new companies and Twitter pages to follow that are in the PR area that you are interested in. Whether it be fashion, non-profit, or entertainment, following their Twitter pages can give you a peek into how these organizations operate and if you’re interested in the same things. 

See? Little things can go a long way on a lazy day. It may be too hot to go outside and pound the pavement, but that doesn’t mean you have to put a hold on all things PR. 

How do you stay productive during slow summer days? Let us know!

Summer Internship: Is It Too Late to Find One?

The simple answer is no. It is not too late to find a summer internship. Summer does not technically begin until June 21 so there is still time! While it might be too late to receive school credit for one, if you are looking to gain first hand experience in the PR industry, start searching today.

Here are a few tips to help get your internship search started:

1. Reevaluate your resume: Take a better look at your resume. Make sure you are highlighting things that are relevant to the PR world. Check for grammar and spelling mistakes. Switch up you "pitch" email. Updating and editing your resume should take place every few months to help ensure you resume is fresh and really speaks to your experience within the field. 

2. Check your school career center: This is a great way to find opportunities that is often overlooked. Reach out to your adviser.

3. Think outside of PR: Being able to get creative and take your search for an internship outside of the typical PR agency is a great way to find hidden opportunities. I once interned at an insurance company and had one of the best experiences to date. Consider other outlets and you never know what you'll find.

How did you find your summer internship? We want to know!

Social Media Savvy for the Summer

The time has finally come! Finals are over and all of your grades are almost in. You're ready to hit the beach and begin your summer vacation but before you start packing your suit, step back and think about how you are going to stay relevant in the public relations realm this summer break.

If you are an aspiring PR pro, the summer is a great time to build up your social media presence. Most likely you will have more time to think and plan out posts. You'll have more time to catch up on those PR blogs and find out what's going on in the PR industry to get in on the discussion.

Here are some things to keep in mind while posting on your social media networks this summer:

Find a voice & stick to it: Creating a "voice" for how you want to be portrayed on your social media is key for any brand but it's importance is often forgotten when it comes to personal social media accounts. Being able to be consistent with the way in which you craft posts gives you a voice. The most vital aspect of creating a certain social media personna is to stick to it so your followers don't get confused.

Post about recent news: This is a no brainer. Keep everything you post about relevant and use hashtags that relate to recent news and current events.

Incorporate your real life events: Summer is a time to have fun and relax. If you are on vacation and your vacation city's tourism, find their Twitter handle and tweet to them or find their Facebook page and post on their wall. Be sure to also post photos whenever you see fit because visuals are very powerful on social media outlets.

How will you stay relevant this summer through social media? We want to know!

So Long Sweet Summer... Internship

It’s hard to believe how fast this summer has gone. With most summer internships coming to an end, it is time to prepare for going back to school. It is the prime time for stocking up on school essentials and to start regretting that morning class you registered for.

Although it may seem like you summer is over, you most likely still have a week or two left of your internship. Before you get too caught up in making plans for the fall you need to think about how you want to positively end your summer internship. To make the most out of all the hard work you put in to your job over these past few months, here are some things Her Campus suggests you do before you walk out of those office doors for good.

Here is how to make a positive lasting impression on your boss and coworkers:

Ask for Feedback – This is single handedly the most important part of any internship. How can you grow into a professional without learning about yourself from others? Ask your boss to assess your performance and in which aspects you could have done better. Take advantage of the learning experience that internships provide!

Ask About Continued Work – If your fall schedule allows for it, speak up and express your desire to keep working with the company. It is always good to show that you enjoy working for the company and asking to stay shows your motivation.

Ask for a Recommendation – Now is the perfect time to ask. This encourages your boss to reflect on the impact you had on the company and all of your stellar intern qualities. You could even go so far as to ask for a LinkedIn recommendation which will also show initiative!

Gather Contact Information – although you may have your boss’ work phone number and email, ask if you could have his or her personal information just in case they are to move to a different company. This can be very beneficial for networking in your future. It never hurts to ask!

Handwrite Thank You Notes To Everyone You Worked With – I have learned by now that handwritten notes are a very personal way to leave a final, lasting impression on your employer. Instead of only writing one to your boss, make yourself stand out among the other interns by giving each of your co-workers their own personal thank you.

I know I will definitely be doing everything on this list before I leave my internship next Friday! Do you have any other tips you would like to share? Let us know!

Summer; Your Time To Get Ahead

Classes are out and you are just starting to get comfortable at your new internship or job. Between work, the beach and other travels you probably haven’t set much time aside to think about your plans for next fall. Although the fall semester seems far down the road in your summertime mindset, it is actually rapidly approaching. There is no better time than now to do a few simple things in your spare time to help advance your professional career during the summer season and to prepare you for the upcoming school year.

Here are some things to put on your summer to-do list that the PRSSA blog, Progressions, suggested:

-          Update your résumé: Being able to make changes and updates when you aren’t on a deadline to apply for an internship or job allows you to think clearly and spend more time than usual on perfecting it. You also may want to take this free time to gather portfolio materials and compile a list of your accomplishments.

-          Catch up on the news: Staying updated on industry news will help to keep you on top of current events and trends. This will be useful in your classes and when applying to jobs and internships.

-          Build your professional network: Be sure to meet up with individual co-workers for activities, such as lunch or coffee, outside of work if you are interning. If you didn’t get the chance to intern, make sure you stay up to date on PRSA/PRSSA events throughout the summer months to reach out to other PR professionals who may be end up being great connections for the future.

-          Fine tune your personal brand: Set up a blog, use online tools to easily showcase your résumé to future employers, create or update your LinkedIn account. Create a professional Twitter or Facebook page, seperate from your personal ones. 

How else are you preparing for the new school year this summer? Let us know!

How To Keep Up With PR Over The Summer

Summer is now in full swing, and it’s a time for old friends, vacation, and relaxation, but also a time for work. While many of my fellow public relations friends have taken on internships in the city or are studying abroad, I have returned to my hometown where I am working at a local restaurant. Despite my unfortunate summer circumstances, I have brainstormed a few different ways for me, and others in a similar situation, to stay up to date with the public relations world over summer break!

• Network Network Network- We all know that networking is one of the most important aspects of public relations. Don’t underestimate your ability to network in your hometown. Talk to everyone you know: your old teachers, family friends, and your bosses. You never know who will be able to help you out with something in the future. 
• Stay informed: Over the summer, make sure you are staying informed on what is going on in the public relations industry. Subscribe to big PR websites like PRdaily.com to stay in the loop of the latest public relations news. Staying connected will allow you to be well informed on public relations issues as well as give you topics to discuss in your classes when you return to school in the fall.
• Expand your Social Media: Getting involved with social media is a great way to keep up with public relations. Over the summer do what you can to expand your personal social media platform. Follow major public relations firms and professionals on twitter. Try experimenting with new social media outlets like Pintrest.  Create a blog on Tumblr and write about your public relations experiences. Develop a Linkedin profile to connect with other professionals that you may know. 

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Lexi Drexler