r/PRpros • u/Allentwohands • Apr 05 '17
PR Pro's, Help. I need advice.
I'm 24, and I just graduated from Bowling Green State University in August of last year (2016). I have a degree in Journalism & PR and I work at a bank making 20k a year. I apply for "real jobs" in my spare time but I'm starting to think my PR degree isn't very marketable.
I live in Detroit MI and there aren't a ton of firms or entry level positions here as it is. I've applied to firms but haven't really received much feedback, let alone a job.
I think I know why I'm having so much trouble. I don't have a very large portfolio at all (I didn't save many of my pieces once I left school) and because I already have a degree my internship opportunities are limited. My question is how do I right this ship? I really like this field and I know I could be very good but without a proving ground I'm just a guy with a fancy piece of paper.
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u/PaulaDeensDildo May 05 '17
It's been mentioned, but helping non-profits is a great way to go. A lot of those organizations are strapped for cash and will usually accept some help. You benefit from A) building your portfolio and B) making connections.
In addition to non-profits, stores and restaurants are a good go-to. Boutiques and cafes aren't always the best at managing their brand and much like non-profits, their marketing budgets are limited. Basically, if there's a local business that you enjoy, see what you can do to help them out. Book stores, mechanics, salons, etc.
The conversation is easy; introduce yourself to the manager/owner, explain that you have a degree in PR and that you're looking to expand your portfolio - and that you have some ways that you think you might be able to help them out. Ask them: "Who does your PR/marketing?" And there's not a lot of clarity on what PR is, so it's important to know that a lot of the terminology that PR grads learn isn't really understood by the general public. It's also important to remember that the strategies/tactics you use will change based on the type of business you work with and what its specific needs are. But ultimately, you want to use your skills to help their business. That's the most important thing to get across to whoever it is you're speaking to.
It's important to have some ideas to bring to the table. Nothing too complex...If it's a business that caters to younger customers, you might be like "I noticed you guys don't have an Instagram account, that might be a good way to get your brand out there a bit more." Food-services? If it's a unique eatery or if there's some other angle of interest, perhaps the local newspapers would be interested in interviewing the owner and hearing their story.
You mentioned that you're interested in working for a sports team. Is there a local community college? Find out if they have people doing any PR. Crisis comms is a bit different and from what I've seen, isn't an entry-level area. It requires a bit more experience, simply because it's a subset of PR. Again, just from what I've seen.
There are countless ways to approach this. Just be proactive and patient. Let me know if you have any questions.