Crossing the Pond

As I run down my checklist of things to pack for my semester in London I begin to make another checklist. Instead of toiletries and shoes, this list immediately seems more important. This list includes the things I hope to bring to, and take away, from my internship abroad. While I will not know my internship placement until I officially cross the pond, there are some general guidelines I plan to follow:

1. Have an open mind. Easier said than done. But the last thing I want to do is waste time being stuck in an American bubble. Opening up to new experiences is what studying abroad is all about and I plan on bringing that openness to my internship.
2. Be patient. Adapting to a new culture and work environment is going to prove challenging. I must remind myself to be patient with change and new norms that will come with working abroad.
3. Offer opinions. When appropriate, it is important to bring my thoughts and ideas to the table. Giving input will prove my interest in the field and help make me more involved in the workplace.
4. Act eager. Even as I adjust to a new culture and way of life, showing my readiness to learn and work will make a positive impression to my employer.
5. Build relationships. As a PR student, I am constantly told how networking and relationships will take me far throughout my career. While I may not plan on staying in London permanently, building relationships with professionals abroad may still help me make a connection back in the States.

I can’t predict what the next 3 months will bring me but I do know that open communication, an eagerness to learn, and networking abroad will help shape me into a more well-rounded PR student when I return home.

Until April, America! Cheers!

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Tara Innamorato.

30 Seconds or Less...

Just the thought of being interviewed can make some students’ skin crawl. But talking about yourself should be easy right? After all, no one knows all you have to offer a potential employer better than you. An interview or networking opportunity should be looked at as a privilege. It’s a chance to show yourself off and be confident you’re exactly what that employer is looking for. So you’re wondering how to do all that. You’ve got 30 seconds.

I was once told by a PR professional that 30 seconds can change everything. After all the introductions and questions, you have half a minute to say why you’re the best for the job. Sounds challenging right? It is. I tried this exercise and failed miserably. But after reading "Interview introductions: how to perfect your personal pitch", I had a much better understanding of what to include and what to leave out of my personal pitch.

Focus on:

• Review. Go over what you think are the most stand-out things about yourself. Make a list of work and personal experiences that make you unique.

• Make it beneficial. Research the organization you’re applying to and tailor your pitch to their needs. Keep in mind you’re there to help them.

• Practice. Rehearse how you’re going to sum yourself up. Look in the mirror and say it out loud. It may seem silly at first but watching and hearing yourself will help you see whether or not you’re on the right track.

• Keep it natural. The last thing you want to do is sound like you’re reading from a script you have engraved in your memory. Smile, be yourself, and most importantly believe in what you say.

Leave out:

• Clichés. Avoid sounding fake by using general descriptions about yourself. Rather than saying, “I’m determined” tell the employer exactly what drives you and what you hope to accomplish for the organization.

• Unrelated experience. Since your resume details all you’ve done take this time to tell the employer what experience relates to their company and how it will benefit them.

• Phony promises. Chances are you won’t be able to just waltz into a company and solve all their problems. You don’t want to seem desperate and most employers will see through empty promises.

In such a competitive field, we are constantly selling ourselves. Now is the time to practice your personal pitch and focus on what makes you unique. It may make all the difference.

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Tara Innamorato.