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gabriella
Student
Charleston, South Carolina
1
Question
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What will set me apart?
I’m a senior in college, majoring in Communications and Business Administration, hoping to work in PR or fashion. Many of my classmates have similar degrees and internships, so what are the 2-3 things that would make a candidate stand out to you when hiring for entry-level roles? Does it matter more to have skills like AI tools, a portfolio, or a strong network?
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1 answer
Wong Loke Yuen
Dean; Head of Programme and Senior Lecturer
823
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
If I were hiring for an entry-level role in PR or fashion, I would look for three things that show a candidate can do more than just earn a degree or complete an internship.
First, I would look for a strong portfolio with real examples of your work. This could include a press release, a social media campaign, a brand partnership proposal, an event plan, or a fashion trend report. Even if these are projects you created for class, explain your goal, your ideas, and the results. A portfolio helps employers see your creativity, writing skills, and ability to think strategically.
Second, I would look for strong communication skills and good judgment. PR and fashion are about understanding audiences, telling stories, building relationships, and protecting a brand's reputation. Knowing how to write clearly, handle feedback, solve problems, and stay calm under pressure can make you stand out. AI tools can also be useful for research and brainstorming, but knowing how to check information, protect confidential details, and bring your own ideas matters just as much.
First, I would look for a strong portfolio with real examples of your work. This could include a press release, a social media campaign, a brand partnership proposal, an event plan, or a fashion trend report. Even if these are projects you created for class, explain your goal, your ideas, and the results. A portfolio helps employers see your creativity, writing skills, and ability to think strategically.
Second, I would look for strong communication skills and good judgment. PR and fashion are about understanding audiences, telling stories, building relationships, and protecting a brand's reputation. Knowing how to write clearly, handle feedback, solve problems, and stay calm under pressure can make you stand out. AI tools can also be useful for research and brainstorming, but knowing how to check information, protect confidential details, and bring your own ideas matters just as much.