What are some tips for a Public Relations major looking to work with social media?

Your off to a great start as an intern. That's one of the best ways to bridge the conversation gap between academic experience and work place with hiring mangers.

Be a good story teller. Brands today work hard to connect with people on a human level and the best do it by telling stories. Research this topic and be able to demonstrate this skill through your writing.

In today's highly digital and short attention span world, compelling content is greatly needed. There are many avenues you can take to get into this line of work.

I've added a few Next Steps that may help.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Hey Kathryn,</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It’s fantastic that you’re interested in this field, since there are so many opportunities out there and companies in need of social media content creation. I have a 3+ year background in public relations, and I’m happy to give some suggestions. In addition to applying for jobs and researching companies, these are some of the less-obvious things I would recommend doing:</span>

1. <span style="background-color: transparent;">Make sure your own social media content is up to snuff</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Making your social media accounts as pristine and impressive as possible is something you should do before applying and networking. Have accounts on every platform to show your versatile and vast knowledge. Regularly update each account with visually appealing and relevant content. When applying for a job in which you’ll manage social media accounts, demonstrate first hand that you’re able to do what the job asks.</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> 2. Create a portfolio</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I’ve heard some refer to portfolios as the secret weapon when interviewing, and I do think they’re an incredibly strong tool to bring to the table. You’d be surprised how few people bring them to interviews, and the ones that do really stand out. If interested in social media, put together a color binder full of samples you’ve created to display the skills you’ll be bringing to the table. You’ll have a conversation piece during the interview, something visual for you to stand out, and a leave-behind item so they are more likely to remember you.</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">3. Connect with people in your dream role</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Of course applying to jobs is a clear way to get your foot in the door, but networking is the top way to find opportunities you’re interested in. Use LinkedIn to connect with people who are Social Media Managers / Coordinators, Content Creators, Account Executives, etc. Let them know you’re a student who really wants to learn as much as possible about their job. (The purpose of the connection is not to ask if they’re hiring.) Keep an open mind to who you’re connecting with and where they work. Large PR firms can have such an extensive staff that there are people who specifically work with social media creation. Meanwhile, smaller PR firms have staff members that do a little of everything -- planning, creation, marketing, etc. You will learn a lot from people in all sorts of roles!</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> 4. Stay updated on trends</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow brands with popular social media content, creative influencers who can give you new ideas, and plenty of PR news sites to stay in the know. There’s always something new to learn in the ever-changing world of social media and public relations, so make sure you have your finger on the pulse. Staying updated makes you more knowledgeable about your industry of choice, and allows you to impress potential employers whenever you’re making small talk before an interview, for example.</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I hope this is helpful! Best of luck to you in your career journey.</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Erin</span>

Build your own personal social media profiles and brand - it's a great way to get practice and show your ability and potential to translate those skills into a professional setting.